For this assignment you will create a profile of a sacred space considering specific criteria. The video for this unit used the same criteria to analyze the Chartres Cathedral.

In your essay, you should include:

1) General Description – Why was it built? Is its location significant?

2) Architectural
Design – What aspects of its design are unique? What engineering
techniques are significant? How was the space designed for its function?

3)
Harmony with Nature – How is the building (or the site as a whole)
oriented? Do the cardinal directions play a role? Is the design related
to astronomy? Are natural elements or materials used? Was sunlight
considered when making the space?

4) Symbolism – Are there religious symbols? Do shapes have special meaning?

5) Sacred Objects – What objects are held within the space? Are there relics?

6) How was this space originally used by worshipers? How did they practice their rituals? How is it used today?

7)
Compare your sacred space with Chartres Cathedral. Find at least two
similarities and two differences. Discuss how these similarities and
differences relate to the function of these spaces. Your two spaces
obviously support different religions, so this difference should not be
one of your answers.

This should be written as a 1200 word essay.

Post
the profile and image(s) of your sacred space when you have checked the
rubric and are sure you have met all requirements. You are responsible
for citing your sources, and using appropriate sources. Please read
Finding Good Sources and Plagiarism (under Assignments – left menu).