The most typical approach of architectural history towards sacred buildings is the one of the history of art. It shows the relations of the case with its contemporaries and the general formal development. It actually avoids direct discussion of the usability of the place in the terms of something like "spiritual function" of sacred architecture. Are there any tries to bridge this gap between architecture and spiritual theology or psychology?
As a specialist in Anglo European literature, I immediately think of the Medieval, especially the Gothic, architectural design of the great cathedrals, the exteriors of which are characterized by high-flown Gothic spires that point to the heavenly firmament and the interiors of which typically are built of high dome-like ceilings topping spaces enclosed by high walls. All of these upward-reaching architectural design features cause the eye to turn toward the heavens, the mind to be directed to spiritual meditation, contemplation of religious ideals, and to God. Thus, architecturally, theologically, and psychologically, medieval Gothic places strong emphasis on elemental air and vast spaces, in contrast to earthbound materialism and concrete physical reality, as well as emphasis on elemental fire, symbolizing religious fervor and Christ's Passion, traceable to pagan rites and rituals involving worship of the Sun, moon, and stars. In marked contrast, contemporary churches tend to hire architects whose designs are geared more toward practical considerations and very little attention, if any, is devoted to coordinating the spiritual function of houses of worship with their architectural design. Indeed, the altar is a focal point yet is eclipsed by all of the ground space that is designated for the congregation of worshippers, which indicates a concern that is more humanistic, almost a throwback to Pre-Christian and Pre-Greco Roman times, but still in marked contrast to the shrines and temples of Kyoto, Japan.
If I knew how to "copy-and-paste" photographs from the Internet to illustrate my answer given above, I would provide you with some examples of the Gothic architectural style, with which you may already be familiar. I agree with your perspective on published research in which the theological connection between places of worship and their sacred purpose is rather rare and difficult to find.
So if you are planning to research and write and publish such a project, I would encourage you to do so!
I just located an Internet link to some illustrations of the Gothic style, as follows:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_cathedrals_and_great_churches#Gothic
I would also add that the floor plan of large church cathedrals were usually built in the shape of a cross, with the area where the priest stood and where the eucharist was being on the area of the cross where Christ's head would have been when he was crucified. You could say that there was somewhat of a theory that the shape and positioning of things within the building should reflect, theologically, some of what was going on on the cross of the crucified Christ.
Hello - Alexei Lidov is an Art Historian moving towards this direction, Bissera Penctheva as well.
I have been working on this the last ten years - on how Religious Architecture is being perceived by different groups of people (mainly connected to Orthodox Christian sites, such as Mount Athos).
Happy to share bibliography and more with you.
https://www.amazon.es/Historia-sentido-arte-cristiano-MAIOR/dp/8479142332
http://e-spacio.uned.es:8080/fedora/get/bibliuned:ETFSerie1-704FD328-CA5E-6FBA-2C32-F43FF1246183/Documento.pdf
Interesting thread. There are plenty of books on the general subject of architecture and theology (e.g. Rae, Kieckhefer, Paiva), but I've never heard of an actual theory. I imagine the theology behind the sacred spaces of different religions would be significantly varied.
The books that I have recommended answer the question you ask, but they are written in Spanish.
Hi dear Jan.
Sacred architecture, formerly known as "religious architecture," refers to the design and construction of places of worship and / or sacred space, such as churches, mosques, stupas, synagogues, and temples. Many cultures devote considerable resources to their sacred architecture, and their places of worship, religion, and sacred spaces are among the most influential and man-made permanent stone buildings. Sacred architecture, on the other hand, as a place for Trans-intimacy, may also be disintegrated, unsustainable, and very personal, private, and non-public.
Spiritual, religious and sacred buildings have usually emerged over the centuries and were the largest buildings in the world before modern skyscrapers. While the different styles used in sacred architecture sometimes showed a tendency towards other (non-religious) buildings, these structures remained unique to the contemporary architecture used in other buildings. With the rise of monotheism, religious buildings became increasingly centers of worship and reflection.
The scientific order of the history of Western architecture closely follows the history of religious architecture from antiquity to at least the Baroque period. Sacred geometry, iconography, and the use of advanced semiotics, such as religious signs, symbols, and motifs, are common in religious architecture.
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