When asked to comprehend the individual components of an interior space from a symbolic evaluation, it seemed fitting to evaluate my church, which seems should be overflowing with symbolism. To the casual observer, Southland does not overtly advertise any traditionally rich iconography, but upon closer observation the design of the interior is full of subtle symbols of the Christian faith. Upon entering visitors are directed not only by signage, but also by volunteers greeters shake hands and point in right direction, then to a seat. Although this is not the design of the interior, because the space is so large, filling it with smiling faces has made the expansive ceiling feel more like home. The ceilings are so high, creating one of two effects: one, because so many people are packed into the space, it gives the impression of more space; while two, it feels like you are looking at the sky, making the small lights look like heavenly stars. The permanent colors chosen for the space are subtle tans (on the walls) and purples (on the chairs), tan being a calming color and purple being the color of royalty. There is stadium seating, which makes viewing the service more accessible to those in the back row, so they are able to feel more a part of what is going on. The lighting is constantly changing, being dimmed and brightened to fit the service taking place, which enriches the experience for visitors.
If you have ever been to church, how has the interior design, choice of materials, colors, and layout enriched your experience there? If not, what are some structures that create the same feelings in other ways? What do you look for in those places which make the experience full of life?
The design of my church at home, St. Mary’s of Alexandria, Kentucky, has definitely influenced my worship experience. Our church has a non-traditional layout for a Catholic building, and is arranged so that the raised altar is surrounded by a semi-circular expanse of pews. Thus, a feeling of community is formed when the church is full of parishioners because of the unity created between the altar and the pews. With a psychological community established, we can come together in communion to worship the Lord. We feel drawn together for this purpose, thanks to the space planning, among other factors. Our church was recently renovated and now features a monumental-scale partition at the top of the altar. Painted red and in the shape of a pointed arch, the partition successfully creates a focal point of emphasis within the space. Appropriately, the focal point is in the center of the space where a cross hangs from the ceiling. This red partition effectively captures the attention of parishioners and allows them to better focus on the reason for their worship, God and Christ Jesus. Thus, the central position of the emphasis within the space relates to the central position that God should be in a Christian’s life. The use of the color red may symbolize several ideas. First, the red color may represent the blood of Christ on the cross and continuously remind parishioners of the incredible mercy given to them by God. Second, the use of red atop a raised altar can serve as a signal to stop at the feet of the Lord and serve, believe, and follow Him faithfully. Red is commonly used to signal a stop or a change in behavior, and behavior definitely changes with faith in God. Another feature of the design, which continues to add to the emphasis of the red partition, is the large wooden molding on either side of the partition. This molding creates a sweeping line of movement from the back of church to the front-center focus. No matter where one sits in church, they are effectively pulled to the altar area through the element of line.
ReplyDeleteI have gone to the same church my entire life. St. Bernard Catholic Church in Louisville, Kentucky was my gradeschool as well. The overall design of the church greatly influenced my worship experience. The main layout of the church is a long, open nave. The ceiling is slightly vaulted and is about 2 1/2 stories tall. About five years ago, this open area was painted a soft yellow, making the space seem warm, open and inviting. There are two side areas of the church that run the length of the nave. These areas have a ceiling height of about ten feet and are painted a deep, rich brown. When you are sitting in one of these darker areas, the tall ceiling and brighter color draws you towards the open area of the church. The pews and altar are constructed of the same deep wood and create a cohesive, natural environment. The altar is located at the far end of the church from where you enter. This creates a definite focal point upon entering the space. The layout of the pews is arranged in a loose X-shape. This shape can be perceived as a version of the cross. The center of this X is a wider aisle that leads directly to the front of the large altar. However, the main focal feature of this space is the floor to ceiling stained glass window located directly behind the altar. This window is filled with a multitude of colors and if you look closely, there is a faint outline of a large angel in the panes of glass. This dominating feature automatically draws your attention where it should be during church: the altar. Large square stained glass windows also line the exterior walls of the space in the darker areas. Your eye just follows the lines created by these bursts of light, straight towards the larger stained glass window. In addition to the altar being located at one end of the church, at the opposite end, the large baptismal pool is elevated slightly. Sitting down in between these two architectural features of the space, creates a sense of connectedness to the church. You are located between two key elements of the churches history: Jesus's baptism and his dedication to feeding his church. This feeling of connectedness makes me feel as if I am safe in this space. I am where I need to be at that moment of my day. I am in a comforting environment surronded by people as entranced as I am.
ReplyDeleteYesterday, for the first time since I moved in the United States, I went into a Christian church, and I should say that I had quite a shock when I first walked in.
ReplyDeleteBeing used to go to an Italian Catholic church, I didn’t expect to find the design of an American Christian church so different. Entering the worship place from the main entrance, I found a wide lobby with an information desk and a waiting area. On the left, I could access the gym, while on the right the actual chapel. I took a right and I found myself in an amphitheater-like area, with an altar located in the middle and white-washed walls that contrasted the warm tones of the wooden benches. There was an electric piano on the left of the main pathway and one big wooden cross behind the altar on the wall. The lighting was intense and brightened the whole chapel. Two projectors were above the altar and displayed pictures on the walls.
I will now talk about the church I used to go, so you can understand my astonishment.
The Catholic church I used to go in my hometown in Italy, I believe, uses more symbols to indicate its religious character.
My church has a Roman cross shape, with one long, main nave and a longitudinal transept at which intersection the altar is found. The altar is majestic and it’s the only lit point in the space, with the use of track lights. Behind the altar a rich baldacchino contain a cross surrounded by statues of angels and prophets. Above the altar is a semi-spherical cupola with a painted narration of the history of the Church, dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Three steps symbolizing the Holy Trinity lead to the altar, which is of course on a different level than the benches for the worshipers.
A monumental organ is on the left side of the main nave, and the chorus stands by it.
The wooden benches of the worshipers lay beneath a cross-vaulted ceiling richly decorated with floral motifs. On the walls of the nave are candles, crosses and paintings of Christ, Joseph, prophets, saints and angels. The lighting in the main nave is very poor, and only lighting is filtered in by a clerestory over 40 feet above the floor.
When entering, a long white rectilinear line of tiles show you the way to the altar, and your eyes follow the line to that specific lit point in the place.
The wall colors are very neutral, contrasted by the vividness of the painting and gold leaf decoration.
The most symbolic qualities of my church are not really the decoration you find in it, but the smells and sounds that one perceives from the outside. Right before Mass starts, the priest uses the tower bell to call the worshipers. Fifteen feet from the door, one can hear vibrating and overpowering sound of the organ and the soft voices of the chorus.
When you enter the main door, you can right away smell the incense, the burning candles and the odor of still holy water found opposite to the altar.
Every time I entered my church I experienced a mystical, almost overwhelming presence that was reinforced by the repeated elements, symbols, sounds and scents found throughout the space.
When I entered the Christian church in Lexington yesterday, I felt I was entering any other space and the brightness of the space actually reminded me of a hospital. Only the few symbols, like the wooden cross and the altar, helped me realize I was in a holy place.
Each one of use experiences a place differently, and probably if you get to go to my church, you would feel confused.
I feel that in this context symbols play an important role in the space and help us comprehend the function and character of it.