Redefining the Sacred Center: Two case studies on recomposing liturgical spaces in ancient architectural enterior

Vukoszávlyev, Zorán (2017) Redefining the Sacred Center: Two case studies on recomposing liturgical spaces in ancient architectural enterior. In: Patrimonio architettonico religioso - Nouve funzioni e processi di trasformazione. Gangemi Editore, Rome, pp. 325-336. ISBN 978-88-492-3453-4

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Abstract

Churches are the most important works of architecture - of any age representing the highest quality. Not only in terms of shaping the architecture, but also their functional composition provides image of the society of that age. Composition, proportion, hierarchy. Quality of materials, structure, chiaroscuro. These items are representative of the physical qualities of a building. More than that in the case of the sacred building. The symbolism is mediated through the liturgy, how to find one's own way in the world. This identification of the relationship between God and man is indirect. Many changes can be observed in the history of church construction during the centuries. There are physical aspects of development on one hand - expansion of layout systems, formation of spaces, enrichment of forms. But parallel, the liturgical space concept is evolving, too. And of course, these two features can not be separated. Specific situation are when a church is transferred to another denomination. But equally interesting are the requests due to the changes in Christian symbolism in the Catholic Church as well. What is the impact of a new liturgical space perception on the interior and exterior compositon of church? Our presentation focuses on two case studies. Built in 1019 in Augsburg, Germany, the church of St. Moritz and Pannonhalma basilica of St. Martin in Hungary consecrated in 1002. Both church complex has undergone a series of interventions, steadily expanded in the Middle Ages and the modern era. In the last centuries a unified style was created by purist reconstruction methods in both cases. However, while the German example, resulted in significant destruction of World War II, while the Hungarian example without injury continuously lived in the 20th century. Both buildings are renewed in the new millennium by British architect John Pawson. Could fundamental liturgical intents meet the architect's aesthetic concept? What effect was improved on the built environment and on spiritual value?

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