Closer to God

Across all cultures, contemporary religious buildings are among the most stimulating and experimental in architecture. Although these structures do need to offer a certain amount of functionality, they also resonate with believers or visitors on an emotional level. Because they are called on to communicate higher purposes and meanings, these constructions can be much freer in their use of architecture, space, and light than other buildings. Closer to God is a unique collection of international examples of sacred spaces of all denominations that were built in the last few years. Whether churches, synagogues, mosques, temple complexes, or other contemplative places for meditation and reflection, the architecture highlighted in this book ranks among the most exciting of our time. Closer to God presents vivid proof that contemporary religious structures are no longer bound by predominant styles. Rather, the explicitly expressive architectural language of sacred spaces at the start of the twenty-first century is shaped equally by respect for established traditions and forays into the visuality of the future.