Religious Architecture

St. John’s Abbey Church / Marcel Breuer | Classics on Architecture Lab

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Architects: Marcel BreuerYear: 1961Photographs: Flickr user: rburzel, Paul Crosby, Paul Middlestaedt, Pews / Richard AndersonBorough: CollegevilleCountry: United States St. John’s Abbey Church, designed by Marcel Breuer, is a cast-in-place concrete landmark of modern religious architecture in the United States. Commissioned in 1950 by Abbot Baldwin Dworschak, who sought an enduring architectural monument reflecting bold Benedictine …

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Cenotaph for Newton / Etienne-Louis Boullée | Classics on Architecture Lab

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The Cenotaph for Sir Isaac Newton, envisioned by French architect Étienne-Louis Boullée, is one of architecture’s most ambitious conceptual projects. As a tribute to Newton and embodying Enlightenment ideals, this unbuilt design represents Boullée’s “architecture parlante” philosophy, using form to communicate meaning. The proposed structure was a massive 150-meter sphere, symbolizing Earth and Newton’s cosmic …

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Luum Temple / CO-LAB Design Office

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Architects: CO-LAB Design OfficeArea: 250 m²Year: 2019Photographs: César Béjar, CO-LAB Design Office, Pakal Egger and Tonatiuh EggerLead Architects: Joana Gomes, Joshua Beck, Arturo Garza Espinosa, Rodrigo Arias Lopez, Thalia Velasco, Antonio Quintero, Alberto AvilezEngineering: Esteban MoralesConstruction: Arquitectura.Mixta: Jaime Peña, Javier Creuheras, Arley Osorno, Farut VaronClient: Luum ZamaCity: TulumCountry: Mexico Luum Temple, a bamboo pavilion by …

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Ronchamp / Le Corbusier | Classics on Architecture Lab

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Architects: Le CorbusierYear: 1954Photographs: Gili Merin, Rory Hyde, Cara Hyde-Basso, Sebastian Bernardy, Luke Stearns, Pieter Morlion, Flickr User: elyulloTown: RonchampCountry: France Notre Dame du Ronchamp, designed by Le Corbusier in Ronchamp, France, is one of his most significant and unconventional projects. Completed in 1955 on a traditional pilgrimage site, the chapel was commissioned to replace …

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SMG Church Complex / Ramón Fernández-Alonso

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Architects: Ramón Fernández-AlonsoArea: 3,000 m²Year: 2017Photography: Jesús GranadaTechnical Team: Carmen González Martin / Sergio Garcia PedrajasQuantity Surveyors: Miguel Angel Jimenez DengraLighting: ALS LightingCity: San Sebastián de los ReyesCountry: Spain The SMG Church Complex in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid, designed by Ramón Fernández-Alonso, is a multifunctional space that accommodates a parish, community classrooms, and …

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Church of Seliger Pater Rupert Mayer / Meck Architekten

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Architects: Meck ArchitektenYear: 2018Photography: Michael Heinrich, Florian HolzherrLead Architects: Andreas Meck, Axel FrühaufTeam Project: Wolfgang Amann, Martina Frieling, Tobias Jahn, Vivian Krieg, Benjamin Nejedly, Carlos Wilkening, Stefan ZölsArt Collaborators: Carola Heine (Madonna), Ulrich Rückriem with Alfred Karner (liturgical places), Juliane Schölß (liturgical equipment), Jerry Zeniuk (patronage)Landscape Architects: Lohrer Hochrein GmbHConstruction: Rudolf+Sohn ArchitectsCity: PoingCountry: Germany The …

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Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel / RCNKSK

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Architects: RCNKSKArea: 150 m²Year: 2024Photographs: Ondřej BouškaManufacturers: iGuzzini, RCNKSKLighting Design: ETNAElectrical Installation: Elstar PlusPhotovoltaic System: Svoboda a synDesign Team: RCNKSKStructural Engineering: Vít Mlázovský, Filip ChmelLandscape Planning: Eva WagnerováCarpentry, Stonework, and Epdm: David ŠebestaCnc Production: Karel HrdličkaMetalwork and Steel Tower Construction: Zámečnictví Fiala, KovopoláčekSubstructure / Foundation: Miroslav KleinDesign and Production of the Chancel Elements: Dominik FialaRealization …

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Shah Muhammad Mohshin Khan Mausoleum / Sthapotik

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Architects: SthapotikArea: 2116 ft²Year: 2022Photographs: Asif SalmanLead Architect: Sharif Uddin AhammedDrawing and Site Supervision: Sharif Uddiin Ahammed, S.M. Mushhfiqul Karim, Sadeka BadiozzammanDocumentation Team: Sharif Uddiin Ahammed, Syeda Saikha Sudah, Asifa JamalCity: ManikganjCountry: Bangladesh The Shah Muhammad Mohshin Khan Mausoleum, designed by Sthapotik in Bengal, honors the Sufi Pir of the Uwaisi Tariqa through a distinctive …

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Cathedral of Brasilia / Oscar Niemeyer | Classics on Architecture Lab

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Architect: Oscar NiemeyerYear: 1960Photographs: Wikimedia Commons, Brasília, Edson Junior, Gustavo Leighton, Filipe Coelho, Matheus Natan, Gezer Amorim, City: BrasíliaCountry: Brazil The Cathedral of Brasília, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is a powerful architectural statement in the heart of the planned city of Brasília and one of the most famous architectural landmarks in the world. Completed in …

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Zorgvlied Crematorion / GROUP A

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Architects: GROUP AArea: 250 m²Year: 2016Photography: DigidaanLead Architects: Maarten van BremenProject Team: Jos Overmars, Engin Kinsiz, Ajay Saini, Bahar AkkocluContractor: Bouwbedrijf van SchaikStructural Engineering: Breed Integrated DesignTent Construction Consultant: Tentech BVClient: Municipality AmstelveenCity: AmsterdamCountry: Netherlands The Zorgvlied Crematorion, designed by GROUP A in Amsterdam, transforms traditional cremation rituals by allowing mourners to accompany the deceased …

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Sunset Chapel / BNKR

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Architects: BNKR / Bunker ArquitecturaArea: 120 m²Year: 2011Photography: Esteban SuárezCity: AcapulcoCountry: Mexico Sunset Chapel, designed by BNKR Arquitectura in Acapulco, Mexico, contrasts life and death through its material choices and architectural form. Completed in 2011, the chapel is strategically elevated to offer unobstructed views, particularly aligning with the equinox sunsets. Its design mimics a boulder …

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Temporary Chapel of Saint-Loup / LOCALARCHITECTURE + Danilo Mondada

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Architects: LOCALARCHITECTURE, Danilo MondadaYear: 2008Photography: Milo KellerConstruction: IBOIS EPFLClient: Institution des Diaconnesses de St-LoupCity: PompaplesCountry: Switzerland The Temporary Chapel for the Deaconesses of St-Loup, designed by LOCALARCHITECTURE and Danilo Mondada in Switzerland, provided a worship space during the 2008 renovation of the community’s motherhouse. Constructed using timber panels based on advanced computer-generated designs, the chapel …

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St. Elie Church / Maroun Lahoud Architecte

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Architects: Maroun Lahoud ArchitecteArea: 850 m²Year: 2016Photography: Courtesy of Maroun LahoudProject Team: Salam Geha, Dany AjouzCivil Engineer: Bureau International de GenieContractor: Maalouf Contracting and TradingElectro-Mechanical Engineer: EMPROJECTAcoustics: Pierre GearaProject Owner: Ministry of Displaced PersonsCity: BrihCountry: Lebanon St. Elie Church, a religious project by Maroun Lahoud, was completed in 2016 in Brih, Lebanon, and serves as …

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Ecumenical Chapel / BNKR

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Architects: BNKRArea: 170 m²Year: 2013Photographs: Jaime NavarroLighting: Noriegga Illuminadores, Ricardo Noriegga, Santiago BautistaMEP: MmasXpresiones, Sylvia RomanMechanical Installations: MmasXpresiones, Sylvia RomanPartner In Charge: Esteban SuarezTeam Design: Emelio Barjau, Jaime Sol, Jorge Alcantar, Christian Morales, Gloria Castillo, Montserrat Escobar, Marcell Ibarrola, Fernando Maya, Marco Maycotte, Daniel AguilarStructure: Juan Felipe HerediaCity: CuernavacaCountry: Mexico The Ecumenical Chapel by BNKR …

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KOU-AN Glass Tea House / Tokujin Yoshioka

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Architects: Tokujin YoshiokaYear: 2015Photographs: Yasutake Kondo, Tokujin YoshiokaCity: KyotoCountry: Japan KOU-AN Glass Tea House, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka, explores the Japanese perception of nature through the reinterpretation of the traditional tea ceremony. The project began with the 2002 Transparent Japanese House concept, later evolving into a glass teahouse, and was presented at Glasstress 2011. In …

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Sola Church / JAJA Architects

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Architects: JAJA ArchitectsArea: 1600 m²Year: 2021Photographs: Sindre Ellingsen, Coast StudioDesign Team: Jakob Christensen, Jan Tanaka, Kathrin Gimmel, Stephen Dietz-Hodgson, Sam De Boever, Kaspar Dettinger, Sara Patriksson, Pawel FurmanowskiClient: Sola MunicipalityCountry: Norway Sola Church, a new community and spiritual hub in Sola, Norway, has transformed the town’s identity by offering a multifunctional gathering space. Positioned at …

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Boa Nova Church / Roseta Vaz Monteiro Arquitectos

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Architects: Roseta Vaz Monteiro Arquitectos: Roseta Vaz Monteiro Arquitectos – Francisco Vaz Monteiro, Filipa RosetaYear: 2009Photographs: Joao MorgadoManufacturers: Geberit, Reggiani, Sika, Technal, Dow Building Solutions, Mediclinics, Saint-Gobain, Abet Laminati, Amkel, BASWA acoustic, Cinca, Hormann, Imperalum, Plaka, Sanindusa, Tarkett, VMZINC, VicaimaTown: EstorilCountry: Portugal Boa Nova Church, designed by Roseta Vaz Monteiro Arquitectos in Estoril, Cascais, Portugal, …

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Saint Joseph in the Woods / Messner Architects

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Architects: Messner ArchitectsArea: 500 m²Year: 2017Photographs: Davide Perbellini, Courtesy of Messner ArchitectsManufacturers: Gematherm, Kerakoll, RIWEGAArchitects In Charge: David Messner, Verena MessnerLocation: Ritten, Province of Bolzano, South TyrolCountry: Italy Saint Joseph in the Woods church, designed by Messner Architects in Ritten, South Tyrol, Italy, underwent renovation in 2017 to enhance its spiritual and architectural appeal. Situated …

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Brion Tomb / Carlo Scarpa | Classics on Architecture Lab

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Architects: Carlo ScarpaArea: 2,200 m²Year: 1968-1979Photography: Trevor Patt, Mili Sánchez Azcona, Filippo Poli, Liam Wyatt (Wittylama)Client: Onorina BrionCommission: Onorina Tomasin-BrionLocation: San Vito d’Altivole, TrevisoCountry: Italy Brion Tomb, also known as the Brion Sanctuary and Brion-Vega Tomb, is a commemorative monument designed by Carlo Scarpa in San Vito d’Altivole, Treviso, Italy, as the burial ground of the Brion family. …

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Jewish Community Center Mainz / Manuel Herz Architects

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Architects: Manuel Herz ArchitectsArea: 2,500 m²Year: 2010Photography: Iwan BaanLead Architect: Manuel HerzLandscaping: Harald HeimzConstruction Design: Elitsa Lacaze, Hania Michalska, Michael Scheuvens, Peter SandmannConcept Design: Cornelia Redeker, Sven Röttger, Sonja StarkeStructural Engineering: Arup GmbH (Mainz)Electrical Engineering: K. Dörflinger GmbH (Cologne)Client: Jewish Community MainzCity: MainzCountry: Germany The Jewish Community Center Mainz, designed by Manuel Herz Architects in …

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Neviges Mariendom / Gottfried Böhm | Classics on Architecture Lab

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Architects: Gottfried Böhm Year: 1968Photography: Laurian Ghinitoiu, Yuri PalminProgram / Use / Building Function: Churches, Monastery, Memorial CenterCity: VelbertCountry: Germany Neviges Mariendom designed by Gottfried Böhm in Velbert, Germany transformed a historical pilgrimage site with its monumental concrete structure, accommodating a significant influx of visitors post-World War II. Completed in 1968, the cathedral reflects Modernist …

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Maritxell Sanctuary Andorra / Ricardo Bofill

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Architects: Ricardo Bofill Year: 1978Photography: Courtesy of Ricardo Bofill, Lluis CarbonellCity: CanilloCountry: Andorra Santuario de Meritxell, or Maritxell Sanctuary, a religious building designed by Ricardo Bofill in Canillo, Andorra, was rebuilt after a fire in 1972. Integrating modern techniques with historical Romanesque imagery, the sanctuary is a key cultural and spiritual site, housing the image …

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Erum Church / Lee Eunseok + Atelier KOMA

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Architects: Lee Eunseok + Atelier KOMAArea: 8164 m²Year: 2012Photographs: Namgoong SunElectrical Engineer: Hangil EngineeringStructure Engineer: Eun Structural EngineeringConstruction: Gangson Construction.Mechanical Engineer: Jusung ENG,Client: Erum ChurchCity: Yongin-siCountry: South Korea Erum Church, designed by Lee Eunseok and Atelier KOMA, revitalizes an abandoned sloped site in Suji-gu, Youngin-gu. This innovative structure features large concrete panels shielding the sanctuary …

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Liulin Catholic Church / Leeko Studio

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Architects: Leeko StudioArea: 700 m²Year: 2017Photographs: Runzi Zhu, Zhi XiaDesign Team: Yikao Li, Zhuli Li, Dianxin JiaInterior Design: Xunjun XvLighting Design: Lei PangThe Client: Catholic Church of LiulinCity: LvliangCountry: China Liulin Catholic Church, designed by Leeko Studio, embodies the intersection of modern architectural concepts and traditional values. Located in a small Central Chinese town, the …

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RW Concrete Church / NAMELESS Architecture

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Architects: NAMELESS ArchitectureArea: 3095 m²Year: 2013Photographs: Rohspace / NAMELESSStructural Consultant: Mido Structural ConsultantsMechanical Consultant: One EngineeringClient: RockWon ChurchArchitect-in-Charge: Unchung Na, Sorae YooCollaborating Architect: Jplus, Jungtaek Lim, Hwataek JungCity: Namyangju-siCountry: South Korea RW Concrete Church, designed by NAMELESS Architecture, is located in Byeollae, near northeast Seoul, Korea. The church integrates simple volumes and concrete to create …

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Chapel of Music / Vector Architects

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Architects: Vector ArchitectsArea: 455 m²Year: 2023Photographs: Shengliang Su, Arch-Exist, Hao Chen, Zaiye StudioLighting Consultant: TORYO International Lighting Design (Beijing) CenterAcoustic Consultant: JH Theatre Architecture Design Consulting CompanyConstruction Contractor: Jiangsu Jiangdu Construction GroupPrincipal Architect: Gong DongProject Architects: Liangliang Zhao, Shida LiuDesign Management: Han Zhang, Jinteng LiSite Architects: Zihao Zeng, Yeqian TanProject Team: Zihao Zeng, Mofei Li, …

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Wayfarers Chapel by Lloyd Wright to Be Disassembled Due to Landslide Risk

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Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, is set for disassembly due to landslide risks. The chapel, known for its integration with nature through large glass panels, has been closed to the public since February due to accelerated geological movement. The Portuguese Bend area’s landslide, the largest and fastest-moving in the …

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Mausoleum for Two / Cristian Yazigi

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Architects: Cristian YazigiArea: 12 m²Year: 2023Photographs: Pablo CasalsLead Architect: Cristian YazigiEngineering and Construction: Oscar Heresmann – Hinco Heresmann Ingenieria y ConstrucciónStone Sculptor: Oscar PlandiuraQuarrier: Juan VergaraStructural Calculations: Alex PoppExcavation: Willie GodoySite Management: Juan RodriguezConstruction Site Assistance: Ramon PichumanCity: RecoletaCountry: Chile Mausoleum for Two, a memorial project designed by Cristian Yazigi in Recoleta, Chile, transforms a …

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St. Mary Chapel / PLY+ Architects

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Architects: PLY+ ArchitectsArea: 304 m² (3274 ft²)Year: 2018Photography: Adam Smith, Jeffrey Kilmer, Jason KeenProject Team: Andrew Wolking, Masataka Yoshikawa, Yibo Jiao, Yusi Zha, Arvin Yu, Annabelle Guan, Jiashi Yu, Michie Nimsombun, Markus Boynton, Maggie Shao, Dinghao ZhouConstruction Manager: Granger ConstructionAcoustics Consultant: ArcgeometerLighting Consultant: IlluminartMEP Engineer: IMEG Corp.Structural Engineer: SDI StructuresCity: LivoniaCountry: Michigan St Mary Mercy …

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Point Loma Nazarene University Prescott Chapel / Carrier Johnson + Culture

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Architects: Carrier Johnson + CultureArea: 600 ft²Year: 2008Photographs: Lawrence Anderson PhotographyElectrical Engineering: Elen ConsultingStructural Engineering: KPFF EngineersCivil Engineering: Michael Baker InternationalPrincipal In Charge: Gordon Carrier, FAIADesign Principal: Ray VarelaDesigner: Alex GutierrezGeneral Contractor: Bycor General ContractorsCity: San DiegoCountry: United States Point Loma Nazarene University Chapel, a spiritual building designed at the campus of Point Loma Nazarene …

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