Contemporary Church Architecture

The last decade has seen the emergence of a whole new generation of church designs. Covering buildings across the world, Contemporary Church Architecture aims to appeal not only to architects and clergy involved directly in ecclesiastical architecture but also other practitioners and those with a broader interest in cutting-edge design. This book covers the development of contemporary church design by looking at how the rational and the sacred can be reconciled and can inform one another. It also outlines the main trends and approaches: the conflict between self-expression and expression of the sacred, between sculptural signification and functionalism. Beautifully illustrated with around 350 photographs.

The last decade has seen the emergence of a whole new generation of church designs. Covering buildings across the world, Contemporary Church Architecture aims to appeal not only to architects and clergy involved directly in ecclesiastical architecture but also other practitioners and those with a broader interest in cutting-edge design. This book covers the development of contemporary church design by looking at how the rational and the sacred can be reconciled and can inform one another. It also outlines the main trends and approaches: the conflict between self-expression and expression of the sacred, between sculptural signification and functionalism. Beautifully illustrated with around 350 photographs.

Edwin Heathcote is the architecture critic for the Financial Times and is a regular contributor to architecture and design magazines. He is an architect and lives and works in London. In 2001, he founded a design manufacturer, Izé specialising in architect-designed hardware. He is the author of several books for Wiley-Academy, including Church Builders (1996) and London Caffs (2004).

Laura Moffatt is Director of Art and Christianity Enquiry (ACE), the UK's leading educational organisation in the field of the visual arts and religion. ACE runs a biennial award scheme for religious architecture and regular seminars on the synthesis of art and architecture in the religious context. Laura is also continuing a theological study of Modernist church architecture.