Skip to main content

Multi faith centres

Multi-faith centres are welcoming environments that promote conversation and cooperation among individuals of various religious beliefs. They offer a neutral environment for worship, discussion, and community development which encourages diversity and togetherness through shared beliefs and interfaith unity (KAICIID, 2020). Researching about these is important to understand the main purpose and different features on multi-faith centre in general




The Tolerance Centre is a multi-faith centre situated in Abu Dhabi, United Arabs Emirates. "The Abrahamic Family House offers a concrete, marble and oak manifestation of the UAE’s publicised push toward tolerance" (Gambrell, 2023). It is made of a modern and welcoming design that includes elements from different religions to emphasise the main purpose of a multi-faith centre which is unity. "The contemporary design was chosen after a rigorous process that included architects of diverse backgrounds and faiths from around the globe" (Badhon, 2019). The centre provides separate areas (a mosque, a church and a synagogue) for different religions to allow people to observe their faith. Additionally, communal spaces are designated to encourage dialogue and interaction among people from diverse backgrounds (Gambrell, 2023).



The Lotus Temple located in Delhi, India, is a Bahá'í House of Worship that promotes human unity and the commonality of all religions. "Its design is inspired by the lotus flower which represents purity and spirituality. Inside the temple, the circular prayer hall and the absence of religious symbols create an inclusive environment for people of all faiths" (Bahaihouseofworship, 2024).

Creating a multi-faith centre will require a planning of spatial layout, symbolism, and inclusivity in the architecture and design. It will be important to establish flexible spaces that can be used for different religious practices and events and it should also maintain a neutral and welcoming environment for all faiths.

                             

The Jame Masjid Mosque is located in Lusaka, Zambia. It architecture shows an Islamic styles with classic elements such as domes, minarets, and detailed geometric designs. The prayer hall is mainly for group prayers and is the main gathering place for communal worship. 



"The Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka, Zambia, is the home of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese" (Angelicancathedraloflusaka, 2022) The features of the cathedral is a combination of modern and traditional architecture. The cathedral has a high ceiling, colourful stained glass windows, and a large nave.

References

KAICIID. (2020). Who We Are. [online] Available at: https://www.kaiciid.org/who-we-are [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].

Gambrell, jon (2023). UAE Opens Interfaith Center as Symbol of tolerance, but Religious Strictures Remain. [online] The Times of Israel. Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/uae-opens-interfaith-center-as-symbol-of-tolerance-but-religious-strictures-remain/ [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].

Badhon, S. (2019). Adjaye wins the Abrahamic Family House competition. [online] Construction Canada. Available at: https://www.constructioncanada.net/adjaye-wins-the-abrahamic-family-house-competition/ [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].

Bahaihouseofworship. (2024). Architecture – Bahá’í House of Worship, New Delhi. [online] Available at: https://bahaihouseofworship.in/architecture/ [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].

Angelicancathedraloflusaka. (2022). About The Cathedral. [online] Available at: https://www.anglicancathedraloflusaka.com/about-us#blog [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Multi-faith centres and religious spaces

Multi-faith  centres are inclusive spaces that encourage dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among people from various religious backgrounds. They   provides a space where people of differing religious beliefs can spend time in contemplation or prayer  (Center for Architecture, 2023) .  These spaces promote diversity and unity through shared values and interfaith harmony. They provide a neutral setting for worship, dialogue, and community-building, contributing to inclusivity. The significance of these centres in promoting inclusivity and diversity lies in their celebration of diverse religious traditions and encouragement of interaction among different faiths. They also foster open dialogue to break down cultural and religious barriers through shared spaces and activities, as well as promote the idea that diversity is an asset by providing a space where all faiths are respected  (KAICIID, 2020).  Understanding diverse cultural and rel...
1 comment
Read more

Demographics

Kitwe is a city located in the northern region of Zambia, which is situated in south-central Africa. It is the main centre for industrial and commercial activities within the copper-belt region. Kitwe's population "Kitwe's 2024 population is now estimated at 792,350. In 1950, the population of Kitwe was 45,887. Kitwe has grown by 29,369 in the last year, which represents a 3.85% annual change" (worldpopulationreview.com, 2024). Population by age The chart shows that there is a large number of young people in Kitwe, which means that the community is likely to grow and that there will be a need for schools and places for leisure activities which the centre could provide.  Zambia has diverse ethnicities which includes the Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, and others. Which are also found in Kitwe. "The officials languages of Zambia are: Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Kaonde, English" (Zambia, 2023) The main religion in ...
Post a Comment
Read more

St. Moritz by john Pawson : Research

 In this piece of research  will explore the St. Moritz church by John Pawson. I am writing about it because I am  gathering information for my architecture project which is a multi faith center and this church is one of my inspiration  St. Moritz church  St. Moritz Chapel, designed by John Pawson, is located in located in Augsburg, Germany. The artwork mirrors the peaceful beauty of the area and captures the interaction between nature and human influence in a harmonious manner. Pawson's minimalist style aligns with St. Moritz's cultural importance as a playground for the wealthy, combining modern simplicity with the traditional grace of the region. The piece embodies the attraction of this famous place, drawing from its special mix of sophistication and natural beauty. John Pawson is famous for his minimalist style, which emphasises simplicity, clarity, and a focus on the fundamental elements of design. The St. Moritz Chapel primarily uses white concrete, align...
1 comment
Read more