Summary: Although they may not look exactly like their counterparts in China, North America's Chinese Buddhist temples are closely linked to them through symbolism and traditions that go back more than 1,500 years. This video looks at structural symmetry, north/south building orientation, and interior layout; architectural elements like pagodas, columns, and courtyards; the lotus flower as a design...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2006
View online at AVOD
Summary: When Lutheranism was born, the need for a new style of church was born along with it. Drawing on architectural examples from Germany and North America, this video connects principles of Lutheranism-for example, that everyone in the congregation should be able to see and hear everything that goes on in a service-to church shape, seating arrangement, and the placement of the altar, the pulpit,...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2006
View online at AVOD
Summary: Although Solomon's Temple was destroyed more than 2,500 years ago, it has influenced the design of synagogues ever since. This video uses Jewish houses of worship from around the world and down through the ages to illustrate three basic floor plans and the four elements common to all synagogues: the bimah, the desk, the ark, and the Torah scrolls. Symbols like the Star of David, the menorah,...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2006
View online at AVOD
Summary: The mosque's minaret: alongside the dome, there is no more familiar symbol of a Muslim place of worship. But not all mosques have minarets-or even domes. This video describes the evolution of the mosque, or masjid, over time and across cultures by using the mosque at Cordoba, Spain; the Friday Mosque in Isfahan, Iran; and many others from around the world as examples. Common elements like...
Format: software, multimedia
Publisher / Publication Date: Films Media Group 2006