TRENDS OF FORMATION OF SACRED SPACE IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

The article analyzes the iconic temples of the twentieth century. The anthroposophical theory of architecture is presented, which assumed that the world and man are permeated by different types of spiritual forces, due to the forms of objects of the visible world can be strengthened or weakened. An understanding of the harmony of forms in the formation of sacred space is presented. The architecture of the sacred constructions erected on the principle of organic architecture is considered. The influence of German Expressionist architects on the formation of the temple architecture they created, as well as the regularity of the use of geometric figures and the use of magic numbers are presented. A look at the mysterious nature of the connection of people in a society that is close to the types of connections that connect religious communities is presented. The forms of individual sacred buildings and ways of organizing their interiors are analyzed, which led to the conclusion that the ideas of the revival of social unity arose as a result of a combination of various elements, such as Christian religion and non-political socialism. The phenomenon of perception of the Church as a social organization is presented, but also of the church as a building, which became a model of a proper social organization in the early 20th century. Perceptions of the Gothic cathedral as a phenomenon of the community association of architects are highlighted. The use of Gothic typography for the design of publications of the early twentieth century is considered. The need to take into account the relationship between certain forms and messages, which are transmitted through them in the formation of sacred space. An attempt is also made to adapt the principles of modernism to the needs of the formation of sacred space. The tendencies of formation of sacred space in the XX century are revealed, namely: Anthroposophical; community worship and liturgical reform.

The Acoustic Environment of York Minster’s Chapter House

York Minster is the largest medieval Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, renowned for its magnificent architecture and its stained glass windows. Both acoustic measurements and simulation techniques have been used to analyse the acoustic environment of its Chapter House, which dates from the 13th-century and features an octagonal geometry with Gothic Decorated stone walls replete of geometric patterns and enormous stained glass windows, covered by a decorated wooden vault. Measured and simulated room impulse responses served to better understand how their architectural features work together to create its highly reverberant acoustic field. The authors start by analysing its acoustic characteristics in relation to its original purpose as a meeting place of the cathedral’s Chapter, and end by reflecting on its modern use for a variety of cultural events, such as concerts and exhibitions. This work is part of the “Cathedral Acoustics” project, funded by the EC through the Marie-Sklodowska-Curie scheme.