The AIA Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture (IFRAA) Knowledge Community encourages and supports excellence in the design of worship spaces and their accoutrements. The IFRAA Knowledge Community is an association of professionals whose primary interest is religious facilities in a broad array of traditions. We value an interfaith forum for the exchange of ideas relating to religion, art, and architecture.
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Highlights
Nature of Sacred Space: Context and Culture
Architecture Exchange East | Richmond, VA | November 6, 2009
Emerging Market Driven Trends in religious architecture have yielded imaginative buildings closer to a Disneyworld theme than the historical traditional spaces. Explore the Nature of Sacred Space: Context and Culture with the Virginia Chapter of the Interfaith Forum on Religion Art and Architecture (Va. IFRAA) on November 6, 2009 at their second annual conference. This day long event will be held as a part of the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects (VSAIA) yearly convention, Architecture Exchange East held at the Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia. Register now!
Doing More with Less: An Invitation to Contribute to Faith and Form Magazine
The dire economy has created new challenges for faith communities who wish to pursue their mission through places of worship. Faith & Form is planning a special issue that will focus on how architects, artists, designers, building committees, clergy, and others are finding creative ways to do more with less when it comes to designing and building new facilities or renovating old ones. This is an open invitation to let Faith & Form know about a project you've completed, or are working on, or a commission, where you are finding creative ways to do more with less. Faith & Form will profile the best ideas in this special issue. Please feel free to contact Faith & Form editor Michael J. Crosbie, Ph.D., AIA by January 2010.
Christ the Light Cathedral: Of Our Time + Tradition
Paul A. Harding, FAIA profiles the Christ the Light Cathedral is his article “Of Our Time + Tradition.” Also, see his interview with the architect below.
Resources
IFRAA Journal
The IFRAA Journal is the AIA Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture’s official electronic newsletter. Also, read the Letter from the Chair.
“In Search of Masters of Light”
James Williamson, FAIA reports on the fall 2008 conference in his article “In Search of Masters of Light.” The nine-day conference based in Rome gave members the opportunity to see firsthand the sacred architecture in a world religious capital. Covering the 17th Century masterworks from Bernini and Borromini as well as more contemporary works by Renzo Piano and Richard Meier, Masters of Light presented a truly unique opportunity to explore Rome through the perspectives of other architects, clergy, artists, and designers. The conference took place October 10-18th 2008 in and around Rome, Italy.
“Pietro Belluschi and the Pacific Northwest”
Michael J. Crosbie, AIA, reports on the keynote address Meredith L. Clausen, AIA, delivered to the 2007 IFRAA conference in Portland, Ore., on Pietro Belluschi (1899–1994), FAIA. Belluschi's work (particularly in the Pacific Northwest) is distinguished by a strong sense of place, a regional identity, and often deep spirituality.
Religious Art and Architecture Design Awards Program
The Religious Art and Architecture Design annual awards program is co-sponsored by Faith & Form Magazine and the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture (IFRAA) It was founded in 1978 with the goal of honoring the best in architecture, liturgical design, and art for religious spaces. The program offers three primary categories for awards: Religious Architecture, Liturgical/Interior Design, Sacred landscape, and Religious Arts. The 2009 submission deadline has passed.
Elbert M. Conover Memorial Award
The Elbert M. Conover Memorial Award recognizes non-architects for their contributions to the field of religious architecture.
Architecture Knowledge Review Podcasts
Architecture Knowledge Review is a podcast series for design professionals, featuring interviews, discussions, and best practices by architects and other design professionals who are at the forefront of the profession. Some featured podcasts are:
- Interview with Craig Hartman, FAIA
Paul A. Harding, FAIA interviews the architect for the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Transcript | WAV - Acoustics and Design
In this overview on the topic of acoustics consulting, Dawn Schuette, AIA, an experienced acoustic designer, discusses how to involve designers early enough in the design process to ensure a successful aural project element. Schuette also describes how the field has evolved, the types of works that are currently being prepared, and how architects can benefit from working with professionals in the field. iTunes | MP3
Speaker's Registry
Find knowledgeable, qualified speakers on topics ranging from land use, sustainability, and green architecture to affordable housing and public health. Or register as a speaker yourself.
Subscribe to Faith & Form
AIA IFRAA members are encouraged to subscribe to Faith & Form. This independent quarterly journal focuses one issue per year on the winners of the IFRAA/Faith & Form Awards for Religious Art and Architecture.