Faith and Architecture-POST OF THE WEEK!

[Peasie]

I have always been fascinated by how we (humans) design buildings and places to reflect our faith. Personally I am drawn to simple lines and form such as those found in Japanese temple gardens, modern mosque architecture, and ancient temples in Egypt, to name a few.

On a recent work-related trip to Nebraska, driving from Lincoln to Omaha on Interstate 80, I noticed a simple structure on a hill to my right. I had to see it up close. It turned out to be the Shrine of the Holy Family (Catholic) in Gretna, Nebraska overlooking the Platte River Valley. The beamed frame and glass walls has a stream of running water through the Chapel which inspires prayer and contemplative reflection. Here is a photo I found on flickr. I will follow up with my own photos and videos.

[Peasie]

Faith and Architecture

Using my low-tech Samsung phone I video-taped my drive up to the shrine.

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<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A7OY6u9xbKs"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A7OY6u9xbKs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

[Peasie]

Faith and Architecture

At the shrine. It was windy at the top of the hill. Using my phone - sorry about quality of video!

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RW8uh1-CBeY"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RW8uh1-CBeY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GqtUxjZk4fg"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GqtUxjZk4fg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

[Peasie]

Re: Faith and Architecture

So now comes the still photos I took with my phone:

[Peasie]

Re: Faith and Architecture

The simple lines of wood and glass

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Faith and Architecture

You call that simple??

[Peasie]

Re: Faith and Architecture

Maybe I meant simplicity of lines and form?

[Nylah]

Re: Faith and Architecture


this is why I rate you Peasie

the shrine is absolutely stunning to view!

[Nylah]

Re: Faith and Architecture

faith and architecture is the manifestation of the internal spiriual life into the physical world, no? Making the abstract notions of spirituality and beliefs concrete. Hence why I love rituals in any form in any religion....and building pyramids and other structures represent the same process....well to me they do.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Faith and Architecture

OK simple lines to produce a very complex geometric structure. It seem much strenger thanit appear to be too. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Peasie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe I meant simplicity of lines and form?
</div></div>

[Nylah]

Re: Faith and Architecture

Sometimes Dudd, I swear you must trip over your own feet and lick your head on a daily basis

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK simple lines to produce a very complex geometric structure. It seem much strenger thanit appear to be too. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Peasie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe I meant simplicity of lines and form?
</div></div> </div></div>

[Peasie]

Re: Faith and Architecture

You go through this opening in the ground, through an underground lobby, go through glass doors and into a garden with the shrine's front door up ahead. It is so peaceful and you immediately feel to quiet yourself and your thoughts. You hear this stream and follow this narrow path through the doors of the shrine. You still hear the stream because it is flowing under the shrine and you see it by the altar.

[Nylah]

Re: Faith and Architecture

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Peasie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">You go through this opening in the ground, through an underground lobby, go through glass doors and into a garden with the shrine's front door up ahead.</span> It is so peaceful and you immediately feel to quiet yourself and your thoughts. <span style="font-weight: bold">You hear this stream and follow this narrow path through the doors of the shrine.</span> You still hear the stream because it is flowing under the shrine and you see it by the altar. </div></div>

you see the symbolism here? love this...

[Peasie]

Re: Faith and Architecture

I love the wild grasses around the shrine. Not sure what they are. Look like wheat grass? When I was leaving, I saw a wheelbarrow with rooted out grass. I took a few stems and have one on my desk at work.

[rudemonk]

Faith and Architecture

that is a very cool space.