a+u 2025:03 Feature: Reinterpretations of Sacredness Generative AI within Architecture
Content
a+u’s March issue interrogates sacredness and how it manifests in architectural space. Taking examples from religious works of architecture in different parts of the globe, such as Saint Pius Church in Switzerland and Bait Ur Rouf mosque in Bangladesh, this issue endeavors to establish a language of light and shadow, materiality, and scale. The notion of “sacred space” is further complicated by the introduction of AI. Guest editor Erwin Viray, using the theme of “sacred space,” introduces generative AI tools that not only illuminate the direction that architectural design may take, but also confront human sensibilities and shared ideas about architectural space. Continuing this exploration, 14 nonreligious projects, such as Luis Barragán’s Barragán House, Álvaro Siza’s Tidal Pools of Leça da Palmeira, and Anne Holtrop’s Pearl Museum, ponder how this sense of sacredness, feelings of awe and serenity, can be introduced into our everyday lives. (a+u)
Architectural Space and
Religious Practices
Franz Füeg
Saint Pius Church
Eero Saarinen
MIT Chapel
Tadao Ando Architect and Associates
Meditation space, UNESCO
Marina Tabassum
Bait Ur Rouf Jame Mosque
Andra Matin
As Sobur Mosque
Atelier Deshaus
Upper Cloister in Golden Mountain
Essay: Sacred Space in Architecture – AI Ideas
Erwin Viray
Essay: Reconsidering Sacred Space Through AI
Image Generation
Ryotaro Yanagi, Ryoma Nishida,
Kazuki Uemura, Nana Tsuzuki,
Yukiha Asano
Essay: On Cats, Dunces, and the Uncannily
Human Talents of Generative AI
Mario Carpo
Architectural Plane: Ground
Oscar Niemeyer + gru.a
From Where You Can’t See
– Temporary installation on MAC
David Chipperfield Architects
Cavea Arcari
Trahan Architects
Fundo Tic Toc Pier
Architectural Plane: Wall
Luis Barragán
Barragán House
Valerio Olgiati
Atelier Bardill
Álvaro Siza Vieira
Tidal Pools of Leça da Palmeira
Architectural Plane: Openings
Studio Anne Holtrop
Siyadi Pearl Museum
Leeon Architects
Yoon Dong-ju Memorial Museum
USE studio
Qaeli Guest house
DAAZ Office
Jadgal Elementary School
Architectural Plane: Roof
LUO Studio
Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall
Tabanlıogˇ lu Architects
Beyazit State Library Renovation
IROJE Architects and Planners
Aquarius Pyramid
Studio Olafur Eliasson
The Weather Project