Hinduism • The temple is a
representation of the macrocosm (the universe) as well as the microcosm (the inner space).
• Nagara style: The tower is beehive shaped.
• Dravida: The tower consists of progressively smaller stories of pavilions.
Thanjavur temple in Tamil Nadu
Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur
Inside the Swaminarayan Temple
Islamic Architecture • The use of geometric
shapes and repetitive art.
• The use of decorative Islamic calligraphy instead of pictures which were forbidden in mosque architecture.
• The use of domes
• Principle hall faces Mecca
The Dome of the Rock
Great Mosque of Córdoba, Spain
Masjid Al Nabawi Mosque, Madina, Saudi Arabia
Taj Mahal
Selimiye Mosque, Turkey
diffusion of architectural styles
• Hagia Sophia
• largest cathedral for about 1000 years
• symbol of Christian resilience to muslim pressures
• when captured turned into a mosque
• many mosques after that resembled the style of Hagia Sophia
Christian Architecture • Attempt to represent
the City of God on Earth; churches meant to glorify God
• Often featured a “cross” design
• Used imagery to teach
• Pulpit replaces the altar as the dominant feature; churches became less ostentatious and focus more on words, rather than images
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
First Church of Christ, Connecticut
Buddhist Architecture • Viharas: originally
temporary shelters used by wandering monks during the rainy season; later became Buddhist monasteries
• Stupa: buildings to house the relics of Buddha
• Pagoda: East Asian version of the Indian Stupa
• Large statues of Buddha are also common
Buddhist Shrine, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Western Wall & Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Israel
