Architectural Concepts of Religious Buildings: Comparing Le Corbusier?s Notre Dame and Meier?s Jubilee Church
Using architectural technology in religious building design can enhance the spiritual
senses. However, it can distract us from prayer. This study aims to explain the role of
technological tools in translating architectural concepts related to religious buildings,
compared with the use of conventional techniques. Meanwhile, this study identifies
certain principles that can help architects design religious buildings. The methodology
involves a comparison between ?Notre Dame church in France, designed by Le
Corbusier in 1950?and Jubilee Church in Rome, designed by Richard Meier and built
in 2003. The two churches are related to each other. Meier architecture has been
recognized as a late modernism owing to the influence of Le Corbusier?s visual approach.
However, there are certain differences between them. The results demonstrate the role of
technology in contributing towards making it easy to reflect spiritual concept.
Furthermore, the study reveals how an architect can express spiritual concepts, even when
there is no technological assistance, by utilising lighting, colour, space, form, and site
forces. This study emphasizes that the prudent utilization of technological techniques can
make it easier to produce a comfortable religious space. By contrast, the use of only
traditional materials requires huge efforts and a long time.