Abstract
This study relates to the subject, but with a specific focus on the material and the conceptual approach of monumental religious architecture to the use of material. Material is originally formless; in a constant quest to find expression. Especially with industrialization, material, that started to be considered independently of construction process of a particular artifact has been displaced (deterritorialization) and deformed. The ‘Architecture-Reality' relation lies in the interaction between the material and its representation, which gives the material its expression. This point of view will lead us to understand how the use of material finds expression and help us define the ways in which religion uses the material to shape the space. This the study will elaborate on the relation of ‘Religion-Architecture- Reality' with respect to the concept of dematerialisation. To define what can be a common expression for all three elements, we must openly look at singular examples; with a perspective independent of geography, culture and time. It is quite difficult to notice and point out how these concepts emerges in spaces. Laying out the different setups and the perceptional differences created within the setup can certainly enable a better definition of the relevant methods. This study evaluates the religious spaces related to the two widespread religions in terms of material use and religious expression; in an attempt to draw attention to the two contemporary concepts we have borrowed from art.
Ümit Arpacıoğlu