You have written my current horror. The pulling down of old Dublin and its replacement by soulless multi story steel and glass hideousness. They march through the old Georgian areas, filling the sky with their unloveable ugly presence so overwhelming that it is impossible to ignore them.
They oppress my spirit. I am brought low in their presence. I always want to escape as quickly as I can.
Thanks for these reflections, Hadden. So much of the new architecture seems to be a variation of the office cubicle. Sad to see it descending to these banal depths, now, in the spiritual realm.
All that aside, I will let my satirical alter ego offer a few positive remarks about Bristol’s new multi-faith area:
- the tiny sparse compartment, surrounded by the desolate view, is reminiscent of the typical dwelling of an ancient Desert Father
- with a little Byzantine imagination, the sign of the kneeling figure could be conceived of as the icon of virtually any saint or divinity
On a more critical note, I think that in the sign, a hyphen is needed between the words “Multi” and “faith”, as in “Multi-faith area” rather than “Multi faith area”. The latter suggests that there is a religion called “Multi”, and that this place is its faith area.
Architecture has always always reflected man’s beliefs and priorities. Have you ever done a survey of architectural styles alongside the prevailing ‘religion’ of that same time period. Fascinating! 😉
Indeed, that would be a fascinating study. I remember having a conversation with an art historian who gave me a walk through the different eras of art and how they reflected technological and philosophical developments. It was extremely informative and interesting. Similar to the architectural revolutions I presume.
Beautifully sorrowful. I feel it too in the mundane obscenities that are strip malls and asphalt. If you ever find yourself in Prague, please get in touch!
Oh that would be lovely if I ever visit. I have always wanted to visit the Czech Republic (my wife used to live in Nürnberg - tantalisingly close to the border!
I was going n London last year. I had this peculiar sense of something unfriendly watching me. I then raised my eyes, and everywhere I looked I saw buildings of steel and glass looming over all. They were everywhere
I suspect Cathedrals are the first step to the bus shelter prayer room, TBH. Tomorrow I’m ruminating on Durham Cathedral- and how it buries the dead bones of a living Saint.
We have a neo-gothic cathedral here - probably the most deathly of architectural styles. Cant help but see the eye of Sauron between its lofty sharp pinnacles . . .
You have written my current horror. The pulling down of old Dublin and its replacement by soulless multi story steel and glass hideousness. They march through the old Georgian areas, filling the sky with their unloveable ugly presence so overwhelming that it is impossible to ignore them.
They oppress my spirit. I am brought low in their presence. I always want to escape as quickly as I can.
This is some of the best writing you’ve ever done.
Thanks James, I had some fun with this. And the words just flowed.
I loved the jolt when the photo of the edifice appeared! I LOL'd
A repurposed bus shelter? This strains the faith that "God is everywhere, in all things."
Thanks for these reflections, Hadden. So much of the new architecture seems to be a variation of the office cubicle. Sad to see it descending to these banal depths, now, in the spiritual realm.
All that aside, I will let my satirical alter ego offer a few positive remarks about Bristol’s new multi-faith area:
- the tiny sparse compartment, surrounded by the desolate view, is reminiscent of the typical dwelling of an ancient Desert Father
- with a little Byzantine imagination, the sign of the kneeling figure could be conceived of as the icon of virtually any saint or divinity
On a more critical note, I think that in the sign, a hyphen is needed between the words “Multi” and “faith”, as in “Multi-faith area” rather than “Multi faith area”. The latter suggests that there is a religion called “Multi”, and that this place is its faith area.
Indeed, I spotted the absent hyphen too; it is funny how in their publicity they managed to include the hyphen!
And I chuckled at your attempt to redeem the structure
Well, then it's settled. I am now announcing an official new religion, "Multi". Please forward your charitable donations for details.
Ah, the dreaded cult of 'Multi' - something for everyone, substance for no one.
Not sure this cell will teach you Everything but certainly its teaching Something :)
Architecture has always always reflected man’s beliefs and priorities. Have you ever done a survey of architectural styles alongside the prevailing ‘religion’ of that same time period. Fascinating! 😉
Indeed, that would be a fascinating study. I remember having a conversation with an art historian who gave me a walk through the different eras of art and how they reflected technological and philosophical developments. It was extremely informative and interesting. Similar to the architectural revolutions I presume.
Beautifully sorrowful. I feel it too in the mundane obscenities that are strip malls and asphalt. If you ever find yourself in Prague, please get in touch!
Oh that would be lovely if I ever visit. I have always wanted to visit the Czech Republic (my wife used to live in Nürnberg - tantalisingly close to the border!
I was going n London last year. I had this peculiar sense of something unfriendly watching me. I then raised my eyes, and everywhere I looked I saw buildings of steel and glass looming over all. They were everywhere
Yes, this, I see you read Illich, do you also read Jacques Ellul, and Uncle Ted?
“Come here, and put your religion in this box.”
I suspect Cathedrals are the first step to the bus shelter prayer room, TBH. Tomorrow I’m ruminating on Durham Cathedral- and how it buries the dead bones of a living Saint.
We have a neo-gothic cathedral here - probably the most deathly of architectural styles. Cant help but see the eye of Sauron between its lofty sharp pinnacles . . .