Residual Meaning in Architectural Geometry: Tracing Spiritual and Religious Origins in Contemporary European Architectural Geometry

Abstract

Architects design for more than the instrumental use of a buildings. Geometry is fundamental in architectural design and geometries carry embodied meanings as demonstrated through the long history of discursive uses of geometry in design. The meanings embedded in some geometric shapes are spiritual but this dimension of architectural form is largely neglected in architectural theory. This thesis argues that firstly, these spiritual meanings, although seldom recognised, are important to architectural theory because they add a meaningful dimension to practice and production in the field; they generate inspiration, awareness, and creativity in design. Secondly it will also show that today’s architects subconsciously use inherited geometric patterns without understanding their spiritual origins. The hypothesis was tested in two ways: 1) A scholarly analysis was made of a number of case studies of buildings drawn from different eras and regions. The sampled buildings were selected on the basis of the significance of their geometrical composition, representational symbolism of embedded meaning, and historical importance. The analysis clearly traces the transformation, adaptation or representation of a particular geometrical form, or the meaning attached to it, from its historical precedents to today. 2) A scholarly analysis was also made of a selection of written theoretical works that describe the design process of selected architects. The sample of architects was selected on the basis of their differing influence in radical and remarkable productions and how these architects may change the future of design work. The focus was on the awareness of each architect’s representation by studying their personal and professional backgrounds and their writings about their work. The conclusion from these analyses was that the path in making meaningful architecture has been achieved through the application of an important architectural tool – geometry. This vital role of geometric forms and their composition has been significant in the past and is still relevant today, but might now have a diversified value or none at all. Architects from the early 20th century have striven to use geometric forms in a different way, in a new way, entirely different to past beliefs. On the other hand a beholder who has a knowledge and awareness of those past meanings, will still respond to such symbolism when experiencing an architectural space. Further research on how this awareness of meaning can affect beholders psychologically in their experience of space will yield a deeper understanding of the ideas covered in this thesis. Placing the selected case studies in relation to these social and psychological evaluations may allow the terms of ‘aesthetics’ and ‘beauty’ to be defined from a more objective position.