AHI 403 SACRED SPACE

This seminar examines the relationship between architecture and religion, with attention to the question of what make a space sacred. Focusing on Buddhist structures and sites in Asia, from cave temples to portable shrines, rock gardens, and sand art, students will explore the concepts of genius loci, axis mundi, mandala, dome of heaven, and miniature and monument, and conduct an independent research in architectural studies. Students will keep a research log, report on readings, lead discussions in class, make analytical sketches, and incorporate these exercises into a final research project.