Disciplines
• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Industrial And Manufacturing
• Systems Engineering
Humans
have long sought to manifest their religious
beliefs through physical structure, the
veritable "scripture in stone."
From ziggarats rising to the heavens to
Baroque cathedrals expressing Christian
beliefs and stories in visual form, physical
structures communicate religious ideals
in shape and orientation. Respect for religious
buildings and beliefs can impact the designs
of cities, roads and waterways. Building
of religious structures has also driven
advances in architecture and engineering,
such as the soaring Gothic cathedrals' need
for support in the form of flying buttresses.
Many religious stress harmony between structure
and environment.
Modern architects, civil
and industrial engineers strive to respond
to human and environmental conditions in
designing homes, workspaces and commercial
buildings. This includes considering quality
of life for people, promoting the meaning
and value of physical settings; designing
waste disposal, infrastructure and transportation;
and designing spaces that combine technology
and people, keeping in mind both their physiological
and psychological capabilities.
In a global marketplaces
and diverse society, successful professionals
consider the religious and personal needs
of those who will use the structures they
build. An understanding of religious beliefs
regarding buildings and environment is instructive.
A few examples include:
Shinto, or "the way
of the kami," is a prehistoric Japanese
religious tradition that is still practiced
today, sometimes in combination with other
faith traditions. "Kami" refers
to Japanese mythological deities, as well
as divinity manifested in natural objects,
places, animals and people. Shinto beliefs
stress harmony between deities, man, and
nature, with the holiest structures traditionally
near natural features such as waterfalls,
caves, mountains or forests.
Hindu Ayurvedic principles
focus on healing, prevention and rejuvenation
through a system of balance achieved by
living in accordance with nature's laws.
Earth's magnetic fields, and influences
of the planets and other heavenly bodies
are necessary factors when designing commercial
or residential buildings, temples and cities.
It is believed that architectural structures
are alive, influenced by natural law just
as is human health. Living or working in
a building in accordance with nature law
ensures prosperity.
Designers
might also consider specific religious beliefs,
such as Muslims who prefer bathrooms to
be designed so commodes face away from Mecca,
the holiest city of Islam; or belief systems
such as Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice
of placement and arrangement of space -
now a trend in American decorating - claimed
to achieve harmony with the environment.
Architects and engineers also can benefit
in the growth industry of religious building
construction as America's religious communities
continue to thrive.
Religion
& the Arts
Material
Religion
American
Academy of Religion Syllabi Search
The
Religious art and architecture of India
Daniel White
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Religious
Architecture and Islamic Cultures
Prof. Nasser Rabbat
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Affiliation of Christian Engineers
American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin
Association of Christian Engineers and Scientists: (503) 228-0779
Association of Christians in Mathematical Sciences
Association of Muslim Scientists & Engineers
Christian Academics
Christian Engineering Society
Engineering Ministries International
Hard Hats for Christ
International Muslim Association of Scientists & Engineers
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