Often one is surprised by a feeling of peacefulness when visiting a church, shrine, or temple. Is this because these buildings receive all equally, whether those who come hoping for comfort or those who come there accidentally?
This issue features ‘Recent Sacred Space’. It is a collection of 15 built works ranging from chapels to synagogues and a memorial for the victims of witch trials. Geographically it ranges from Nordic countries such as Norway and Finland to South American countries such as Brazil and Chile. The materials used in these works include wood, reinforced concrete, tiles, and PTFE.
Karla Britton notes in her essay that there was a historical trajectory in the history of modern architecture which emphasized forms that gave expression to the spirit. She also explains how the religious building type has often been a locus for advancement and innovation in modern architectural design. On the other hand, today one also sees designs which, while remaining consciously sacred buildings, seek to avoid any form of representation or specific religious symbolic system. How do people experience sacred space in the twenty-first century? (a+u)

Essay:
Contemporary Sacred Architecture and the Works of Master Architects of the 20th Century
Karla Britton

Avanto Architects
Chapel of St. Lawrence

Tabuenca & Leache Arquitectos
San Jorge Church

Karl Frey
Catholic Church in Dietenhofen

SeARCH
Synagogue LJG

Manuel Herz Architects
Jewish Community Center of Mainz

Königs Architekten
Parish Centre St. Francis

JKMM Architects
Viikki Church

Massimiliano Fuksas
Foligno Parish Complex

Paulo Mendes da Rocha
Our Lady of the Conception’s Chapel

JLCG Arquitectos
St. António Church

Vicens + Ramos
Parish Center in Rivas-Vaciamadrid

Undurraga Devés Arquitectos
Retreat Chapel

Handel Architects
National September 11 Memorial

Peter Zumthor
Steilneset, Memorial for the Victims of the Witch Trials