Investigating The Sacreo In Architecture (Page 5)

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Coomaraswamy's depreciation of the 'modern" notwithstanding, it is suggested here that the idea of the sacred has changed tremendously since the time of the priest-architect. Building a temple was considered an act of merit. Being for long the only major constructive (pun intended) activity that kings and royal patrons indulged in, architecture came to be considered synonymous with temple-building and therefore, a special, sacred endeavour.

With all other social and cultural activities, once concentrated only in the temple precincts and now perceived as secular pursuits and housed in just as many distinct building-types, these buildings would necessarily be termed 'secular'. Thus no act of architecture, not even the building of a place of worship is sacred in the traditional sense any more. (The deity, however, is still as revered and the entire ritual still continues to be just as faithfully conducted and is not the subject of consideration here at all).

Building is not a religious activity anymore than the designer/builder is well Versed in the texts. It is essentially a secular activity; in fact, it is a purely commercial activity expressly for monetary or material gain. The architect by his very education and license to practice is an "outcaste". He is trained differently to deal in a different way with a range of materials and methods of construction for diverse needs for an absolutely altered way of life. And if he were to fault, the fear of his registration or license to practice being revoked Would far outweigh his concerns of displeasing the gods.

Special consideration for the design of a place of worship may and often does translate into architects charging no consultation fee to either acquire the merit reserved customarily for the one who builds or merely help in stretching usually small budgets. Arguably, at most times, the actual sacrifice or donation is negligible with office working-costs being met or out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed, etc. In short, little that deserves any merit. Architects are also known to neglect the design and detailing required of such projects due to ‘discounted’ or inadequate remuneration.

Simultaneously, consultants invariably indulge themselves into believing that they are together for a 'higher' cause only till such time as they return to their various offices that are modern and secular and it is business as usual again!
(Continues…)

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