Modern church architecture. Ethical and non-ethical manner of creation

Anna M. Wierzbicka

Abstract

In this article we attempt to answer the following questions: where is the limit of free creation in the modern sacral architecture? Should sacral architecture be created in accordance with an accepted canon or rule of designing? What should modern architects follow? Should they draw inspiration from the past or rather look for new design solutions? The modern sacral architecture is a consequence of changes introduced by the Second Vatican Council, which emphasized a community character of the liturgy by recommending one centrally situated altar in the church as a sign of Christ. The second significant change which influenced formation of the sacral space was the fact that the presbyter faced the congregation so that people gathered in the church could participate in the rite in a more conscious way.

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