Extraordinary experiences of sacred architecture: The cases of Chartres, Ronchamp and the Pantheon

Authors

  • Julio Bermúdez University of America, Washington
  • Brandon Ro University of America, Washington

Keywords:

experience, religion, empirical, statistics, psychology

Abstract

Using nearly 2,900 entries to a survey on ‘Extraordinary Architectural Experiences’ (EAEs) as a general background mapping of the ‘subjective side’ of exceptional architecture, this article focuses on three paradigmatic religious buildings cited in the survey: the Pantheon, Chartres Cathedral, and the chapel of Ronchamp. The purpose is to establish (a) the unique (sacred and extraordinary) phenomenological signature of each building; (b) a comparative analysis between them and in relation to EAEs in general; and (c) possible links between subjective responses and the buildings’ empirical aspects. Lindsay Jones’ hermeneutical taxonomy for associating built form and religious experience in sacred architecture is used to articulate the information and relationships revealed. The conclusion is reached that while the Pantheon induces spiritual experiences using itself as contemplative apparatus, Chartres achieves the same purpose by combining theatrical and contemplative strategies, whereas Ronchamp makes use of its sanctuary quality and aesthetic-contemplative nature.

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Author Biographies

Julio Bermúdez, University of America, Washington

Académico School of Architecture and Planning The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Estados Unidos

Brandon Ro, University of America, Washington

Investigador School of Architecture and Planning The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Estados Unidos

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Published

2012-12-13

How to Cite

Bermúdez, J., & Ro, B. (2012). Extraordinary experiences of sacred architecture: The cases of Chartres, Ronchamp and the Pantheon. ARQUITECTURAS DEL SUR, 30(42), 88–101. Retrieved from https://revistas.ubiobio.cl/index.php/AS/article/view/784

Issue

V.30, N.42 (Diciembre 2012): RITO Y ARQUITECTURA

Section

Article

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