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“Sacred space provides a nexus between form, function, and meaning and provides an occasion for discovering multi-dimensional avenues of spirituality. I have chosen to explore the concept of contemporary sacred space in the context of designing a temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also referred to as the Mormon Church.
The explosive growth of the Church establishes the need for an in depth study of the Mormon temple typology. In particular, the cultural politics of the Church present a rare opportunity in Church history that is favorable to design innovations. While the design of Mormon temples has been highly criticized by architects, historians, and educators, the topic is typically poorly understood and regularly neglected in architectural discourse. There are many opportunities to shed light on misunderstandings. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of Mormon sacred architecture by looking specifically at the historical interconnectivity between morphology and typology.
Ultimately, the purpose of this research is to strengthen my design proposal for a Mormon temple in Rome, Italy. While there are certainly social, political, and religious challenges associated with such a proposal, my research seeks to prove that it is a rare and promising design venture. It presents an exciting opportunity for architecture to act as an ambassador of the Mormon religion, express the true essence of its principles, and to display aesthetic sensitivity to Rome’s rich cultural history while simultaneously representing the identity of the Mormon Church. It also presents an opportunity to open a new chapter in the history of the Church’s temple designs, to break recent stereotypes, and to engage unexplored avenues within its own tradition. This research helps to establish the interrelationships between architecture (form), religion (ideals), ritual (function), and culture (environment). Ultimately, the fi nal design is a demonstration of the ritual architectural design process that makes possible the (re)interpretation of the Latter-day Saint temple morphology”
The Latter-day Saint temple in Utah, officially known as the Salt Lake Temple, is architecturally special for several reasons:
- Granite construction: The Salt Lake Temple is one of the few temples in the world made entirely of granite. The granite was quarried from nearby Little Cottonwood Canyon and transported to the temple site. The granite gives the temple a unique appearance and makes it a symbol of strength and durability.
- Gothic Revival architecture: The Salt Lake Temple is designed in the Gothic Revival style, which was popular in the mid-19th century. The style is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and ornate decorations. The temple’s towers, spires, and pinnacles are also typical of Gothic Revival architecture.
- Symbolism: The Salt Lake Temple is full of symbolism that is significant to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple’s exterior features symbols of the sun, moon, and stars, which represent the celestial kingdom. The temple’s interior is also filled with symbols, such as the baptismal font, which represents the washing away of sins.
- Sealing rooms: The Salt Lake Temple has several sealing rooms where couples can be married or sealed for eternity. The sealing rooms are decorated with beautiful murals that depict scenes from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The sealing rooms are considered sacred spaces where couples can make covenants with God and each other.
Overall, the Salt Lake Temple is a remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture and is full of symbolism and meaning for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its unique construction and beautiful design make it a beloved and recognizable landmark in Salt Lake City, Utah.
