ROMAN CATHOLIC The Catholic Church is the oldest institution in the western world.

It can trace its history back almost 2000 years and today there are more than a billion Catholics in the world, spread across all five continents. What binds this diverse group of people together is their faith in Jesus Christ and their obedience to the papacy. Catholics believe that the Pope, based in Rome, is the successor to Saint Peter whom Christ appointed as the first head of His church. He therefore stands in what Catholicism calls the apostolic succession, an unbroken line back to Peter and has supreme authority. Popes can speak infallibly on matters of faith and morals but in practice do so rarely. Catholics celebrate their Eucharist through having a Mass or Divine Liturgy the center of their worship. They also teach that at each Mass the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ by the words of consecration spoken by the priest. Catholics also places great emphasis on moral law and their strong devotion to the saints.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Fig. 1.1. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The architectural style of the structure is a In Roman Catholic, they also have sacraments to follow, Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Marriage, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders. Not only the sacraments but they also have the belief on the judgment after death that immediately after death the soul of each person will receive a particular judgment from God. They also believe on states of afterlife such as heaven, purgatory, and Final Damnation. Early Christians has a healthy lifestyle in terms of religion, because they centered their life in their faith, they make friends within their group and enjoy every activity in church together, in short, they value unity of life. But sad to say, that in modern times, many of us still value the faith like the early times but the way the early Christian enjoy church activities in the past it is the opposite that happens today, that destroys the unity of life, because we can observe in churches today that some of us doesnt really mingle with other Christians the way they are doing in the past. composite of a Romanesque exterior and a Byzantine interior. The building was to be sunk in tradition, but not "just like such and such a cathedral." It was to be "distinctively American," symbolizing the faith and love for Mary of an entire and great nation.

Fig. 1.2. The Floor plan

Ambulatory

A covered walkway or aisle that makes the circuit of the nave and apses of the Upper Church, with chapels radiating to the east, the west, and to the north.

Apse

The vaulted, semi-circular areas to the east, west and north of the sanctuary in the Upper Curch.

Baldachin [baldacchin, baldachino, baldaquin]

The free-standing canopy of four columns and arches above the altar in the sanctuary of the Upper Church. The term comes from the Spanish baldaquin or the Italian baldacco, which refers to the lavish brocaded material imported from Baghdad and hung as a canopy over an altar or doorway. The term also applies to the canopy used in Eucharistic processions and to that which covers the episcopal throne or cathedra. The most famous of baldachins is that of Bernini (1598-1680) in the Basilica of St. Peter.

St. Davids Cathedral

Chancel Clerestory

In the Upper Church it is the area between the baldachin altar and the main altar. That part of the Shrine, which would be a second "story" and "clear" of the floor, thereby allowing an unobstructed view of the roof. The large windows above the nave are Clerestory Windows.

Galleries

Spans the width of the narthex, the length of the nave and the chancel area. Located in the south gallery above the narthex are the Rose Window (Ave Maria), the South Gallery Organ (1965 by M. P. Mller, Op. 9702) and the bank of pontifical trumpets; in the east and west nave and the chancel galleries are the clerestory windows; in the west chancel gallery is the Chancel Organ (Mller, Op. 9702). Fig. 2.1 St. David's Cathedral

Narthex

The area of the church extending across the south side, between the nave and the vestibule. In former days, it was the area reserved for the penitents and catechumens.

Nave

From the Latin navis for "ship." The central open space of the church, traditionally for the worshipping community. It is believed that in early Christianity, the symbolism of the ship related to St. Peter or the Ark of Noah.

Sanctuary Transept

The area in which the baldachin altar is located. A rectangular area which cuts across the main axis of the building. It gives the Shrine the shape of a Latin cross.

Vestibule

The area between the main outer doors and the main inner doors which lead into the narthex.

Fig. 2.2 Floor Plan

The cathedral is mainly Late Norman (late 12th century), but 14th-century rebuilding has given the exterior a Decorated aspect. The outside of the cathedral, made of local stone, is relatively plain and austere, but the inside is beautifully decorated and evokes a medieval atmosphere.

Fig. 1.3 Elevation

Fig. 1.4 Elevation

The Pillars of Islam are five basic acts in Islam, considered obligatory for all believers. The Quran presents them as a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith. They are the shahadah (creed), daily prayers (salat), almsgiving (zakah), fasting during Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime. The Shia and Sunni sects both agree on the essential details for the performance of these acts. Muslims do not describe Islam as a religion. Rather, it is a deen, which comes from the Arabic word for way of life, conviction, or creed. Muslims contend that Islam is more than a religious belief it is a way of living in accordance with one's religious faith. Muslim are mostly humble, helpful to others
Fig.2.3 Elevation

and working hard for their families and they never forget to ask God for guidance. This religious group is one of the most faithful one. They give their life to honor their Allah. Haseki Mosque

Fig. 2.4 Elevation

ISLAM Islam is a monotheistic and Abrahamic religion articulated by the Qur'an, a text considered by its adherents to be the verbatim word of God, and by the teachings and normative example of Muhammad, considered by them to be the last prophet of God. An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim. Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable and the purpose of existence is to love and serve God. Muslims also believe that Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed at many times and places before, including through Abraham, Moses and Jesus, whom they consider prophets. They maintain that previous messages and revelations have been partially changed or corrupted over time, but consider the Qur'an to be both the unaltered and the final revelation of God. Religious concepts and practices include the five pillars of Islam, which are basic concepts and obligatory acts of worship, and following Islamic law, which touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, providing guidance on multifarious topics from banking and welfare, to warfare and the environment. It is composed of a mosque, a medrese, a primary school, a hospital and a refectory which was later added to the complex. In situating his buildings at different angles and leaving narrow passages and gaps between them, Sinan chose an organic approach rarely to be seen in his subsequent works, resulting in rich perspective effects. The single domed mosque was to be later enlarged with an extra module. Together with the neighboring Bayram Pasha Kulliye (1635), the complex formed an important social centre.
Fig. 3.1 Haseki Mosque

Fig. 4.2 Floor Plan Fig. 3.2 Floor Plan and Section

It is composed of a mosque, a medrese, a primary school, a hospital and a refectory which was later added to the complex. In situating his buildings at different angles and leaving narrow passages and gaps between them, Sinan chose an organic approach rarely to be seen in his subsequent works, resulting in rich perspective effects. The single domed mosque was to be later enlarged with an extra module. Together with the neighboring Bayram Pasha Kulliye (1635), the complex formed an important social centre. Great Mosque of Manisan

The mosque is composed of approximately two equal sized spaces; the prayer hall and the arcaded fountain courtyard preceding it to the north. Measuring approximately thirty-three by thirty-six and a half meters, both spaces are composed of twenty-eight tall bays, seven bays wide and four bays deep. In both, nine bays have been left free of vertical supports. In the courtyard the nine-bay area is left open, while that of the prayer hall is surmounted by a dome, about eleven meters in diameter, which sits on squinches carrying an octagonal base. All other bays are defined by single or double columns and are surmounted by domical vaults carried on pointed arches. The main dome is supported by six heavy piers. The walls of complex structures were built of rough stone with cut stone used to emphasize corners and portals. Brick is used in the arches, vaults and domes and on the minaret shaft. Some column capitals and some stones used in the wall construction were borrowed from Byzantine or Roman ruins. The Great Mosque of Manisa is seen as the first step towards the development of the complex spatial composition of the classical Ottoman mosques, distinct with its fountain courtyard.

Fig. 4.1 Great Mosque of Manisan

Figure 4.3 Elevation

Figure 4.4 View from the South East

HINDUISM Hinduism is the predominant religion of the Indian subcontinent, and one of its indigenous religions. Hinduism includes a wide spectrum of laws and prescriptions of "daily morality" based on the notion of karma, dharma, and societal norms. Hinduism is a conglomeration of distinct intellectual or philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid common set of beliefs. Hinduism does not have a "unified system of belief encoded in declaration of faith or a creed" but is rather an umbrella term comprising the plurality of religious phenomena originating and based on the Vedic traditions. The characteristic of comprehensive tolerance to differences in belief, and Hinduism's openness, makes it difficult to define as a religion according to traditional Western conceptions. To its adherents, Hinduism is the traditional way of life, and because of the wide range of traditions and ideas incorporated within or covered by it, arriving at a comprehensive definition of the term is problematic. Hinduism refers to a religious mainstream which evolved organically and spread over a large territory marked by significant ethnic and cultural diversity. This mainstream evolved both by innovation from within, and by assimilation of external traditions or cults into the Hindu fold. Hinduism grants absolute and complete freedom of belief and worship. Hinduism conceives the whole world as a single family that deifies the one truth, and therefore it accepts all forms of beliefs and dismisses labels of distinct religions which would imply a division of identity. Hence, Hinduism is devoid of the concepts of apostasy, heresy and blasphemy

arts, Sarasvati (right) symbolises the intimate relationship within Hinduism between culture and religion, which until recently were practically inseparable. Hinduism has often been termed "a way of life" and in India spirituality is evident wherever one turns. Even the predominant social structure often considered a mundane concern is derived from religious sources.. Some traditions therefore conclude that the four varnas are natural divisions, inherent in every human society, and that each varna accommodates the corresponding type of person. Akshardham Temple

Fig. 6.1 Akshardam Temple

Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include, Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsra (The continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various Yogas (paths or practices). The vast majority of Hindus engage in religious rituals on a daily basis. Most Hindus observe religious rituals at home but observation of rituals greatly varies among regions, villages, and individuals. Devout Hindus perform daily chores such as worshiping at dawn after bathing (usually at a family shrine, and typically includes lighting a lamp and offering foodstuffs before the images of deities), recitation from religious scripts, singing devotional hymns, meditation, chanting mantras, reciting scriptures etc. Religious acts presuppose some degree of impurity or defilement for the practitioner, which must be overcome or neutralized before or during ritual procedures. Purification, usually with water, is thus a typical feature of most religious action Hinduism is essentially a spoken tradition, and sound is the primary means of spiritual expression. Speech is personified as Vak, a form of goddess Sarasvati. As the deity of scholarship and the The structure depicts great Indian culture and its architecture is simply immaculate. The temple is located at New Delhi. This amazing structure comprises of 20,000 statues, floral motifs and exquisite carved pillars made of stones. There are various structures within the temple which depicts the history and culture of Hindu Religion.
Figure 5.2 Floor plan

The largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India. It is dedicated to Shiva and its name consists of the word "cave" (Kandariya) and Mahadeva, another name by which Shiva is known. The temple is considered to be the most impressive and refined in the Khajuraho complex, with over 900 sculptures carved into sandstone stacked without mortar. The vibrantly carved exterior contrasts with a very plain interior space that houses a Shiva lingam in the womb, or 'griha', of the
Fig. 5.3 Elevation

temple located beneath the main 'shikhara' (spire).

Kandariy Mahdeva Temple

Fig. 6.2 Floor plan

Fig. 6.1 Kandariy Mahdeva Temple

Fig. 6.3 Elevation

Fig. 6.4 Elevation

BUDDHISM Buddhism is a tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development. Buddhists strive for a deep insight into the true nature of life and do not worship gods or deities. Buddhism has no belief in a personal God. It is not centred on the relationship between humanity and God. They believe that nothing is fixed or permanent - change is always possible. Buddhism is a very colourful faith with many festivals throughout the year. Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple. The path to Enlightenment is through the practice and development of morality, meditation and wisdom. The Buddha is often compared to a physician. In the first two Noble Truths he diagnosed the problem and identified its cause. The third Noble Truth is the realization that there is a cure. The fourth Noble Truth, in which the Buddha set out the Eightfold Path, is the prescription, the way to achieve a release from suffering. Buddhists also believe that karma explains that our past actions affect us, either positively or negatively, and that our present actions will affect us in the future. To Buddhists, existence is a cycle of life, death, rebirth and suffering that they seek to escape altogether. There is a Wheel that is divided into five or six realms, or states, into which a soul can be reborn. It is held by a demon. Around the rim are depicted the twelve stages of dependent origination. Buddhism has six realms into which a soul can be reborn. From most to least pleasant, Heaven, The realm of humanity, The realm of the Titans or angry gods, The realm of the hungry ghosts, The animal realm, Hell realms. Buddhism believes fundamentally in the cycle of birth and re-birth (Samsara) and teaches that if capital punishment is administered it will have compromising effects on the souls of both offender and the punisher in future incarnations. They believe that life should not be destroyed, but they regard causing death as morally wrong only if the death is caused deliberately or by negligence. Non-violence is at the heart of Buddhist thinking and behaviour. The first of the five precepts that all Buddhists should follow is "Avoid killing, or harming any living thing." Buddhism is essentially a peaceful tradition. Nothing in Buddhist scripture gives any support to the use of violence as a way to resolve conflict.

Lumbini Udyana Mahachaitya

Fig. 7.1 Lumbini Udyana Mahachaitya

Fig. 7.2 Floor Plan

The largest Buddhist temple and meditation hall in Lumbini. Touted as an eco-monastery, the buildings design incorporates maximum use of natural light and will have power generated by solar panels. this project is an effort to save the ancient arts and wisdom, to highlight the importance of our gentleness to the earth, and to promote a sense of peace and unity for all. The monasterys

architectural design is a harmonious blend of a chaitya based on the ancient Indian work of Shariputras stupa found at Nalanda University, with touches of Nepalese architecture and Tibetan artwork.

Gubyaukgyi (Myinkaba)

Fig. 8.1Gubyaukgyi (Myinkaba)

Fig. 7.3 Elevation

Fig. 8.2 Floor Plan

In Indian style, the monument consists of a large shrine room attached to a smaller antechamber. The fine stuccowork on its exterior walls is in particularly good condition. The Early period temple is also of particular interest for the well-preserved paintings inside, which are thought to date from the original construction of the temple and to be the oldest remaining in
Fig. 7.4 Section

Bagan.

JUDAISM Judaism is one of the oldest religions still existing today. It began as the religion of the small nation of the Hebrews, and through thousands of years of suffering, persecution, dispersion, and occasional victory, has continued to be a profoundly influential religion and culture. Today, 14 million people identify themselves as Jewish. Modern Judaism is a complex phenomenon that incorporates both a nation and a religion, and often combines strict adherence to ritual laws with a more liberal attitude towards religious belief. Judaism has no official creed or universal doctrinal requirements for membership. In general, a person can be considered "Jewish" whether he adheres to a complete system of beliefs about God and the afterlife, holds only a few simple beliefs that give meaning to ritual, or even, does not believe in
Fig. 8.3 Elevation Fig. 8.4 Elevation

God at all. Nevertheless, the Torah and Talmud have a great deal to say about God, humanity, and the meaning of life, and Jewish history has seen significant theological and mystical inquiry into religious concepts. These beliefs are of great significance not only for Judaism itself, but also for their direct influence on Christianity and Islam, currently the two largest religions in the world. Halakhah(Jewish law) governs not just religious life, but daily life, from how to dress to what to eat to how to help the poor. Observance of halakhah shows gratitude to God, provides a sense of Jewish identity and brings the sacred into everyday life. Jewish life is marked by numerous occasions in which individuals and families take time out of their everyday lives to focus on God and his mitzvot (commandments), including daily prayer, Sabbath services and holidays. Jewish rituals and religious observances are grounded in Jewish law (halakhah, lit. "the path one

Fig.8.5 Section

walks." Anelaborate framework of divine mitzvot, or commandments, combined with rabbinic laws and traditions, this law is central to Judaism. Recitation of prayers is the central characteristic of Jewish worship. These prayers, often with instructions and commentary, are found in the siddur, the traditional Jewish prayer book. Observant Jews are expected to recite three prayers daily and more on the Sabbathand Jewish holidays.

Nozyk Synagogue

Fig. 9.3 Elevation

Fig. 9. 1 Nozyk Synagogue

Fig. 9.3 Elevation

Fig. 9. 2 Floor Plan

It was built in the Romanesque style with Byzantine and Moorish ornamentation. The male section on the ground floor and the female section on the mezzanine can accommodate up to 600 people.The faade is neo-romanticist, with notable neo-Byzantine elements. The building itself is rectangular, with the internal chamber divided into three aisles.

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