How do religion and culture influence architecture and design in a society?

How do religion and culture influence architecture and design in a society?

Brendan D. Rea

Global Connections

Instructor: Gregory Falls

December 17th, 2018

How do religion and culture influence architecture and design in a society? 2

Abstract

Religion and culture has influenced architectural design, throughout the ages. The

research conducted was taken from the regions of Eastern Asia as well as South Central Asia. It

was conducted in order to examine the religious and cultural connection to architectural design.

Because of the close proximity to each region, the reader will understand the similarities in

architectural design. The researcher looked at historic sites made almost 30,000 years ago.

Architecture must be preserved and studied in order to fully understand what beliefs, cultures,

and religions encouraged/ influenced it; this is the responsibility of our generation, and

generations to come.

Table of Contents
How do religion and culture influence architecture and design in a society? 3

Title Page…………………………………………………………………………………. 1

Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………… 2

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………... 4

Limitation of Study………………………………………………………………………… 5

Literature Review………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Discussion…………………………………………………………………………………. 7-12

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….... 13

References…………………………………………………………………………………. 14-15

Introduction
How do religion and culture influence architecture and design in a society? 4

Can religion and culture influence architectural design in a society? Throughout each

civilization, no matter which time period one looks at, some form of architectural uniqueness lies

within its region. Throughout this paper, the author will focus on the religious and cultural

aspects that influence the design of certain architectures. This research will be focusing on the

regions of Eastern Asia and South Central Asia. Within these regions, similarities exist in

architectural designs. These similarities could be within religious temples, housing, or

landscapes.

In both South Central Asia and the Eastern Asian regions, the Buddhist or Hindu

religions are predominant. Because of this, temples have major similarities, even though they

are hundreds of miles apart. Cultural diffusion plays a major role within the influence on

cultural design. Architecture must be preserved and studied in order to fully understand what

beliefs, cultures, and religions encouraged/ influenced it.

Limitation

While researching this paper, the researcher wrote this paper to the best of his abilities.

The researcher was unable to actually travel to South Central Asia and see for himself the

architecture or experience the culture. The researcher found it necessary to rely on current

sources that had the opportunity to conduct on-sight analysis. Although the research was

credible, it is unclear whether the author of that data showed any bias towards its culture.

Furthermore, the researcher could not supply the funds to travel to both South Central Asia and
How do religion and culture influence architecture and design in a society? 5

Eastern Asia, nor could the researcher offer payments to locals of that region to provide any

information.

Other limitations include the researcher is not a professional in the field of that culture or

architecture. He also does not know how to completely study the science in this field. The

researcher would like to make it clear, as a hispanic american, that culture does lay within our

country; whether it be in the cliffs of Colorado or temples, churches, and mosques in each city.

Once again, the researcher would like to point out, funds were not available to travel to some of

these locations listed.

Literature Review

Religion and culture has influenced architectural design, throughout the ages. The

beginning of architecture, can be dated back to about 30,000 years ago. This is when the first

forms of reliable human sanctuary began to play a pivotal role. Located in the Neolithic towns

of Southern Turkey, around 6500 BC, is a good example of a modern structure. Catal Huyuk

began to incorporate modern ideas such as straight walls and windows. Bamber Gascalogne

(the author of the article) described the buildings as, “adjoining together, like cells in a

honeycomb…” (Gascalogne 2001). From that point on, architecture slowly began to develop

into more advanced structures.

South Central Asia is a region that has both buddhist and hindu cultures. Within India, a

rather small amount of the population practice Buddhism. According to a census conducted in

2011, 6% of the population practice religions other than hinduism; This could include:

Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Jainism. During the reign of Emperor Ahsoka,
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Buddhism began to play a bigger role. This could be found between the time periods of 265-238

BCE. Presented during this time, three specific structures emerged: Chaitya Hall (place of

worship), The Vihara (monastery), and The Stupa (hemispherical mound for worship/

memory). A landmark that represents these architectures would be found in the caves of Ajanta

and Ellora as well as the Sanchi Stupa. Sanchi Stupa is 46 km north-east of Bhopal and was

built in the 3rd Century (BCE).

Hinduism is the leading religion within the South Central region of Asia. From the same

census conducted in 2011, 79.8% of the population practices Hinduism. Temples related to this

religion can be dated back to 520- 460 BC (references from past literature). From beginnings of

Hindu architecture, remains have been traced/ connected to Aihole and Pattadakal, found in

present day Karnataka. Soon, Dravidian or Southern style as well as the Indo-Aryan style of

architecture became the more dominant type of structure. Because of the landscapes these

temples were built in, early temples were rock-cut (excavated solid rock where it naturally

occurs). An example of this type of architecture would be the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora.

The article continued to explain, “ Decoration was fundamental to Indian architecture and is seen

in the myriad details of figured sculptures…”

The region of Eastern Asia also contains religious and cultural reasoning behind their

architecture. From a national survey, it is estimated that nearly 80% of the population of East

Asia (specifically the area of China) practice chinese folk or Taoism. On many roofs of

traditional architecture, there are noticeable arches at the ends or each side. These traditional

roofs also had clay figures of deities or animals. Having these figures on the roof would bring

luck to the house as well as the occupants. In this society, culture has a big impact on structural

design. Those who are wealthy or represent importance would have certain, more extravagant
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styles of architectures. Traditional chinese structures tended to have height, usually an additional

2 floors. This would be due to the belief that spirits flew near the ground; Tall buildings were

able to block their path.

Chinese temples needed to express the concept of integration of heaven and humanity.

Because of this concept, many temples began to be built within nature. Typically these temples

would be found in mountains or in forests. An example of this would be the, Temple of Pu Tuo

Shan. Legends began to arise, creating the sanctity of the mountain. One belief is, immortals

who dwelled in this area would feed on rare herbs and elixirs, living to be 400 to 800 years old.

Monks continue to prosper and continue their holy journeys, in these temples today. Each sacred

mountain is said to be dwellings of Bodhisattva; Spiritual beings, dedicating themselves to

assisting all creatures to achieve enlightenment. (Sacred Sights 1982-2017)

Discussion

Religion and culture has influenced architectural design. Architecture can be dated back

to almost 30,000 years ago. Due to the the time period, structures or even materials used were

found to be very simple. It wasn’t until 6500 BC, in the Neolithic town of Southern Turkey

where more modern forms of architectures began to develop. They were found to be more

modern, due to their use of windows and straight walls. This specific site was named Catal

Huyuk; in which Bamber Gascalogne described these structures, “adjoining together, like cells

in a honeycomb…” (Gascalogne 2001). Architecture can be the image of what certain societies

believe, strive to be, or want to be.

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If one looks at current structures, skyscrapers could symbolize wealth or power. But if

one looks at a traditional japanese house, it would represent modesty and control. Before the

reader can understand how religion and culture can be connected to the architecture designed,

one must first know the basic knowledge of the religion.

Hinduism, which is the most practiced religion within the South Central region of Asia,

can be dated back to the 4th century. It is one of the most practiced religions within South

Central Asia. By the 21st century, Hinduism had nearly one billion followers. This could be

equivalent to about 80% of India’s population. A census taken in 2011, presented similar results.

The census showed 79.8% practiced hinduism within that region. Within Hindu practice, are

what is described to be five elements of tradition: doctrine, practice, society, story, and devotion.

( Vasudha Narayanan 2014)

The second religion of Buddhism, unlike hindu culture, is practiced drastically less.

From a census taken in 2011, only about 6% of locals, practice religions other than hinduism.

These less practiced religions include: Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Jainism. Although

the Buddhist religion began in northeastern India during the late 6th Century and early 4th

Century BCE, the practice soon spread to central, southeast China, Japan, and Korea. (Hajime

Nakamura 2018) The Buddhist religion consists of the Four Noble Truths: The truth of misery,

Misery originates because of the craving for pleasure, Craving can be eliminated, and the truth of

elimination is the result of following a certain path. (Hajime Nakamura 2018) When researching

this religion, this will lead us to the eightfold path: right views, right aspirations, right speech,

right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right meditational attainment.

(David Snellgrove 2018) Throughout all of these paths and truths, it leads up to one goal.

Buddhism is the quest to achieve enlightenment or “nirvana”.

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At the start of the hindu culture, the foundations of architectural structures would be

constructed with simple rock cut shrines, but would later evolve into massive detailed pieces of

architecture. Some hindu architecture would be designed and laid out in relation to the eight

cardinal directions. The eight cardinal directions can be described as a fancy way of saying:

North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest. Depending on which

direction each corner would be pointing, would stand a statue of a god or deity. Two specific

locations describing these characteristics are; the 11th Century CE Kandariya Mahadeva temple

in Khajuraho and the 12th Century CE Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar.

These Temples would be designed on top of detailed platforms called a “adhisthana”, this

would result in being called sacred mountains. Within each temple lies the most important room

called a “garbhagriha” or womb chamber. These chambers are always found at the innermost

part of the temple. The garbhagriha is a window-less shrine, often small, representing a specific

deity. Those who worship the shrine believe energy flows out in all directions, then being

reflected off the surrounding parts of the interior ( Cartwright 2015). Typically shrines have

three sides that are blinded, that allow the energy to escape the inner sanctum. These three sides

act as portals or “ghana dvarva”. Furthermore, these portals are considered secondary shrines,

for the deity. (Cartwright 2015) Soon, additions would be added to the architecture and copied

throughout other temples. This would create a canonical architectural style, founded in the 10th

Century CE. (Cartwright 2015) Some features that came from this architectural style were:

pillard halls or “mandapa”, and a portico entrance. This would lead back to the garbhagriha. One

example that can describe this type of style, was the 8th century CE “Deccan.”

Buddhist architecture, has three key elements. These elements are: the Vihara, Stupa,

Chaityas. There are three kinds of Stupas, all having a dome shape containing a relic of buddha
How do religion and culture influence architecture and design in a society? 10

or buddhist monks. (GKToday 2016) The first type of Stupa is the Bharhut; created around 100

B.C and can be found in the eastern part of present day Madhya Pradesh. The Bharhut was

originally designed by Emperor Ahsoka but was later improved by the Sungus. This Stupa had

railings inscribed with certain parts of buddha’s life and his past lives. These stories are called

Jataka Tales, buddha has since then been represented in the form of symbols. (GKToday 2016)

The Sanchi Stupa, was the first and the oldest stone structured Stupa created; First being

commissioned by Ahsoka in the 3rd century BC. (GKToday 2016) The center was

hemispherical brick built directly over the relics of Buddha. It has both upper and lower

circumambulatory paths, called “pradakshinapatha”; There are also four extravagant “toranas”

(decorative arches), depicting the life of Buddha and the Jatakas. These symbols are narratives

representing stories such as: The Siege of Kushinagara, the visit to the Kapilavastu, and the visit

of Ahsoka to the Ramgrama Stupa. All of which are carved in great detail. (GKToday 2016)

Finally, the Dhemekha Stupa. This stupa is located 13 meters away from Varanasi.

(GKToday 2016) This location is believed to be the sight of buddha’s first sermon. A sermon is

described as a religious discussion, often in public, as a part of worship service. This sermon

was believed to have been conducted in 1026 AD, as was found on a piece of inscripture. The

Dhemekha Stupa was also said to be the location in which the voice of Buddhism was first heard.

(Buddhist pilgrimage 2008) The current size of this Stupa is 31.3 meters high and 28.3 meters

wide, along with having the bottom portion of the Stupa covered in decorative carved stones.

The patterns were often geometric with broad band of Swastika and finely chiselled lotus

wreaths. (Buddhist pilgrimage 2008)

The second element is the Vihara, meaning dwelling or house. The Vihara is an early

monastery containing open courts with open cells surrounding it. The original purpose of the
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Vihara, was to protect the monks during rainy seasons. But later lead to taking on sacred

characters, when small relics and images were placed at the center of the court. ( Britannica

2014) At the beginning, Viharas were often excavated or built into the rock. The tradition of

rock cuts would soon spread along trade routes, through central Asia (specifically in the region

of Bamiyan, Afghanistan). (Britannica 2014) As the monk community began to grow, great

viharas or “mahaviharas” began to increase in development. These viharas often had traditional

designs of Kusana Patterns. Often created using stone or brick, would be a square blocked

formed by four rows of cells along four sides of the inner courtyard.

Finally the last element, Chaityas. A Chaitya can be described as a buddhist shrine,

consisting of a stupa at one end. (Sayan Munshi 2015) The purpose of the chaityas, was to

shelter “devotees”. Most Chaityas were built into existing rocks, creating caves. A famous

example of a Chaityas, is the Karla Caves. The Karla caves are located in Karli, near Lonavala

Maharashtra. (Sayan Munshi 2015) This cave was excavated during two different periods. The

first period was during the 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD; The second period, between the

5th century AD and 10th century.

Typically, Chaityas contain a similar layout. They would contain an inner circular

chamber, with pillars surrounding it. These pillars would then create a circular path around the

Stupa and outer halls. There are three different parts to these pillars. It consisted of: the prop,

the shaft, and the capital. The prop is another term to describe the base. The shaft is the main

section of the pillar. This section would be polished and decorated or chiselled. Finally, we

have the capital. The capital it the very top of the pillar. This is where all the depictions of

animals would be. This type of architecture is also known to have similarities to roman

architecture (ancient). This is simply due to the use of pillars and arches.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, these two regions contain both major similar and different characteristics.

Although both regions are hundreds of miles apart, due to the religions practiced, ideas of design

and structures can be shared. Religion and culture provide a major role in the field of

architectural design, no matter where in the world. The need to preserve and maintain these

architectures is vital to the understanding of other cultures, why structures are the way they are,
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who the people were that built these structures, and the reasoning behind it. If the world can

understand reasonings such as these, the world could be a more sympathetic and accepting place.

References

“Key Elements of Buddhist Architecture.” GKToday, GKToday, 2016, www.gktoday.in/gk/key-

elements-of-buddhist-architecture/.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Vihara.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia

Britannica, Inc., 1 Dec. 2014, www.britannica.com/topic/vihara.

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“The Chinese Architectural Tradition.” HISTORY OF MUHAMMAD, 2001,

www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?groupid=1522&HistoryID=ab27>rack=pt

hc

Basham, Arthur Llewellyn, and Brian K. Smith. “Hinduism.” Encyclopædia Britannica,

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 24 Aug. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/Hinduism/Practice.

Flood, Gavin. “Religions - Hinduism: History of Hinduism.” BBC, BBC, 2009,

www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/history/history_1.shtml.

Pariona, Amber. “Religious Demographics of Southeast Asia.” World Atlas, Worldatlas, 3 Aug.

2016, www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-demographics-of-southeast-asian-nations-

dependent-territories.html

Tucci, Giuseppe, et al. “Buddhism.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 7

Dec. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism.

Cartwright, Mark. “Hindu Architecture.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History

Encyclopedia, 21 Dec. 2018, www.ancient.eu/Hindu_Architecture/

Buddha Temple.” AllAboutReligion.org, www.allaboutreligion.org/buddha-temple-faq.htm.

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Basic Buddhism: The Theory of Karma, www.buddhanet.net/e-

learning/buddhistworld/sarnath.htm

“Vihara.” Ohio River - New World Encyclopedia, New World Encyclopedia,

www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Vihara

Munshi, Sayan. “CHAITYA HALLS.” Curator Hall, 31 Aug. 2015,

curatorhall.wordpress.com/2015/08/31/chaitya-halls/.

Golden Screen Cinemas, 2017,

ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXoypizjW3WknFiJnKLwHCnL72vedxjQkDDP1mXWo6uco/wiki/Chaitya.html.

“History behind the Karla Caves.” India Heritage Sites, 7 Sept. 2013,

indiaheritagesites.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/history-behind-the-karla-caves/.

“Sermon.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sermon.

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