Architectural Concepts of Religious Buildings: Comparing Le Corbusier’s Notre Dame and Meier’s Jubilee Church

Abstract

Using architectural technology in religious building design can enhance the spiritual senses. However, it can distract us from prayer. This study aims to explain the role of technological tools in translating architectural concepts related to religious buildings, compared with the use of conventional techniques. Meanwhile, this study identifies certain principles that can help architects design religious buildings. The methodology involves a comparison between —Notre Dame church in France, designed by Le Corbusier in 1950—and Jubilee Church in Rome, designed by Richard Meier and built in 2003. The two churches are related to each other. Meier architecture has been recognized as a late modernism owing to the influence of Le Corbusier’s visual approach. However, there are certain differences between them. The results demonstrate the role of technology in contributing towards making it easy to reflect spiritual concept. Furthermore, the study reveals how an architect can express spiritual concepts, even when there is no technological assistance, by utilising lighting, colour, space, form, and site forces. This study emphasizes that the prudent utilization of technological techniques can make it easier to produce a comfortable religious space. By contrast, the use of only traditional materials requires huge efforts and a long time.