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Article

Modern trends in the evolution of the functions of Christian temples in world design practice

Ihor Gnes Ostap Zaiats
Abstract

The relevance of the research was to study the transformation role of religious buildings in modern society, in their multifunctionality. The aim of the article was to identify the nomenclature of secular functions that have appeared in the structure of modern world temples. The article considered examples of modern world Christian churches in terms of their multifunctionality development for performing, not only religious, but also public functions. Attention was paid to the architectural and planning features of combining different functions in one complex: religious, cultural, educational, commercial, office. There were presented the results of the analysis of the balances of the areas of different groups of premises in the objects, which may be useful for Ukrainian architects, when designing modern Ukrainian churches. The article emphasised the need for introducing new methods of disseminating spiritual knowledge, which required modern approaches to the design of sacral buildings. It was focused particular attention on the topic of integrating public functions into temple architecture, revealed that the building of a spiritual and retreat centre, which combined various social functions, should be designed for visitors comfortable biding as well as effective internal space organisation. It was proposed an approach to designing temples as multifunctional structures that also served as public spaces. Examples of modern sacral architecture in Europe (Italy, United Kingdom, Norway), the USA and China were given, their functional properties were analysed. The practical significance of this study is based on the application of a comprehensive approach to church design in the context of modern global architectural and social trends

Keywords

modern architecture; church; sacrality; multifunctionality; planning; premises; area

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Received 01.05.2025, Revised 06.08.2025, Accepted 05.09.2025

Retrieved from Vol. 11, No. 3, 2025

Suggested citation

Gnes, I., & Zaiats, O. (2025). Modern trends in the evolution of the functions of Christian temples in world design practice. Architectural Studies, 11(3), 35-47. https://doi.org/10.56318/as/3.2025.35

https://doi.org/10.56318/as/3.2025.35

Pages 35-47

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ISSN 2411-801X e-ISSN 2786-7374  UDC 71;72
DOI: 10.56318/as