Throughout the history of the built environment, there has been no more significant endeavour than the construction of houses of worship, which were once the focal point around which civilizations and city-states developed. "Constructing the Ineffable" is the first book to examine this topic across continents and from the perspective of multiple faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Baha'i. It addresses how sacred buildings such as churches, mosques, synagogues, and memorials are viewed in the context of contemporary architecture and religious practice. Featuring more than a dozen essays by a broad range of leading international architects, historians and theologians, "Constructing the Ineffable" offers a fundamental exploration of defining and understanding contemporary sacred spaces. This thought-provoking book also invites readers to consider the powerful influence of religion on civic life and to discuss the role that design and construction play in religious buildings.

About the Author

Karla Britton is lecturer at the Yale School of Architecture and author of Auguste Perret.

Reviews

"[A] very good introduction . . . Excellent short essays and inspiring illustrations make it readily accessible to the educated, general reading public . . . Very few books like this appear nowadays."--P./i>--P. Kaufman "Choice "