Restoring the Sacred : An Exploration Towards a Modern Way of Composing the Church

Despite a desacralization of space throughout history, sacred space is still relevant and existing – although sometimes hidden. In line with the secularization of society, religion and the role of the church have changed. In response to the church's declining numbers and importance, it has undergone a modernization process over the last few decades. From having God as the centre point, the church has shifted its focus more towards the community. By welcoming other programmes and activities under its roof, the church has managed to become more integrated and open for the greater public. But in the process of modernizing, many of the sacred spaces have become desacralized. The church has to adapt to better suit the needs of contemporary society, but it should not be done at the expense of the sacred. This thesis deals with the importance and preservation of sacred space in the city. Through theoretical and historical texts, the thesis moves through definitions and the history of sacred space; what it is, has been, and what makes it differ from profane space. By looking at current, local examples, the physical difference between the traditional and the modern church is discussed. There is a tension between the sacred experience and the integration of the modern church. The sacred experience relies on thresholds that distinguish it from daily life, while the combined programmes in the modern church aim to make the church more welcoming and incorporated into everyday life. The thesis explores whether the best aspects of each typology are possible to preserve and combine. While my point of view mostly is through the lens of the Swedish context, the church, and Christianity, I believe that many of the same principles apply to other cultures and faiths