After successful completion of the course, students are able to understand the interaction between architectural construction and perceptual impact. They will recognize the resonance structure in Christian sacred architecture and apply these insights to the design of spatial constructs. Students will develop perceptual skills and learn to consider "immaterial constructs" to create a unique architectural expression. They will be able to present and describe these concepts accurately through both textual and graphical means.
The seminar aims to explain Christian sacred architecture from a professional perspective and provide a fundamental understanding of the diverse array of outstanding sacred buildings. Additionally, it offers architecture as a tool for specific engagement to promote understanding of sacred buildings not only from an architectural-historical but also from a genuine architectural standpoint. This includes recognizing and interpreting the resonance structures of perception, which are prominent not only in sacred buildings but also in the general architectural space.The societal situation with declining church attendance and a growing need for such rich buildings requires suitable restructuring. The course can also be understood as a propaedeutic course for those addressing sacred buildings in their diploma thesis.The accompanying lecture series is structured like a building in five construction phases, from foundation to roof, including introduction and synthesis. Each construction phase is illustrated by a historical and a contemporary sacred building, accompanied by a Bible passage pertinent to the construction and followed by a piece of art. This not only establishes a professionally supported approach in architecture but also broadens the perspective on the realm of Sacred Art as a whole.The professional argumentation focuses more on the construction processes than the usual art-historical perspective, allowing for a comparison between newer and older buildings and maintaining flexibility within the already saturated art-historical framework.The goal is to discuss the essence of sacred architecture rather than its stylistic richness. Special attention is given to the relationship between building as an activity and spatial perception. Considering recent achievements in cognitive sciences helps evaluate the resonance of different buildings. Finally, gaining deeper insights into the intellectual aspects of architecture becomes increasingly relevant in the context of digitization.
The seminar is based on research in spatial perception, the 'Resonance Theory,' and the 'Affordance Theory,' providing students with knowledge and application of perceptual principles and phenomenological constructs.
The analysis and literature work can be conducted as group work.
No specific knowledge of Christian sacred architecture is required for participation. An open and inclusive atmosphere is also created for students of different backgrounds.The research seminar serves as a preparatory course for students who wish to explore sacred buildings in their thesis and for those engaged in the preservation or art historical study of sacred architecture. Students from the fields of Philosophy, Theology, and Art History are warmly invited to participate. The elective seminar partially overlaps with the thesis seminar on spatial composition.
The research seminar is accompanied by extensive lecture series and includes a series of perceptual exercises, followed by graphic and textual analyses of study objects, leading to a broader theory formation.
The seminar begins with an analytical study. The submission consists of a study and the creation of a well-founded article (2500-4000 words german/english) with appropriate illustrations, which will be provided to the students during the semester in consultation with them.
