Short answer

Integrate contemplative practices and spiritual inquiry into the design process to uncover and manifest the unseen dimensions that contribute to transformative spatial experiences.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Religions (2022)
Method: Practice-as-Research with Ontological Hermeneutics
Evidence: Strong effect

By prioritizing unseen spiritual dimensions (bātin) alongside visible architectural elements (zāhir), designers can create sacred spaces that foster deeper spiritual experiences and transcend conventional design limitations. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in Religions. Using Practice-as-research with ontological hermeneutics, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate contemplative practices and spiritual inquiry into the design process to uncover and manifest the unseen dimensions that contribute to transformative spatial experiences.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Designing Sacred Spaces: Integrating Spiritual Dimensions for Transformative Architectural Experiences

Religions · 2022

Key Findings

01Prioritizing unseen dimensions (bātin) enriches the understanding and design of Islamic sacred space.
02Forms can be perceived as conduits between physical and spiritual realms, and space as a symbol of presence.
03A transformative approach integrating creative and spiritual practices can mitigate challenges in designing sacred spaces.
04Transcending mimetic processes and typologies leads to context-sensitive meanings and manifestations.

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate contemplative practices and spiritual inquiry into the design process to uncover and manifest the unseen dimensions that contribute to transformative spatial experiences.

How to apply

When designing spaces intended for spiritual or contemplative use, dedicate time to exploring the symbolic meanings of materials, light, and form, and consider how these elements can facilitate a connection to deeper states of being.

Project actions

01Explore the philosophical or spiritual underpinnings of the design brief.
02Use journaling or meditation as part of your design process to access deeper insights.
03Consider how light, shadow, and materials can evoke specific emotional or spiritual responses.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a practice-as-research methodology, informed by the wisdom of classic Islamic sacred architecture and an ontological hermeneutic approach, be developed to design a contemporary Sufi Centre that integrates unseen spiritual dimensions with visible architectural forms to foster transformative spiritual experiences?

MethodPractice-as-Research with Ontological Hermeneutics

ProcedureThe research involved direct engagement and collaboration, exploring metaphysical and ontological roots of design principles. It utilized mixed methods, including contemplative processes, to examine personal transcendent experiences and spiritual practices, focusing on the interplay between the visible (zāhir) and unseen (bātin) dimensions in the design of sacred space.

ContextContemporary Sufi Centre design in London, UK, drawing from classic Islamic sacred architecture.

Variables

IV["Integration of unseen spiritual dimensions (bātin) in design.","Application of ontological hermeneutic principles.","Use of contemplative practices in design."]

DV["Depth of spiritual experience facilitated by the space.","Context-sensitivity of the design.","Transformative potential of the architectural approach."]

CV["Specific architectural style or typology (aimed to transcend).","Scale and location (aimed to transcend mimetic processes)."]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Innovative practice-as-research methodology.
+Deep exploration of metaphysical and spiritual dimensions in design.

Limitations

It can be difficult to objectively measure or prove the 'spiritual experience' a design creates, making it a subjective outcome.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would be challenging due to the subjective nature of spiritual experience. Validity could be enhanced through triangulation of qualitative data from participant reflections, designer's process documentation, and expert reviews of the design's symbolic resonance.

Think critically

To what extent can spiritual experiences be reliably designed for, and how can designers ensure their interpretations of 'bātin' are inclusive and respectful of diverse spiritual traditions?

Design Principles

"Sacred spaces should be designed to act as conduits, harmoniously integrating visible forms with unseen spiritual dimensions to potentiate an experience of Oneness."

This research offers a profound shift in how designers approach sacred architecture, moving beyond mere aesthetics or function to engage with the spiritual and metaphysical underpinnings of space. It provides a framework for creating environments that are not only contextually relevant but also spiritually resonant, addressing the complex challenges of designing for diverse belief systems in contemporary settings.

What This Means for Your Design

To design really meaningful religious or spiritual places, think about the feelings and spiritual ideas people have, not just how the building looks. Connect the visible parts of the building to the invisible spiritual feelings.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of intangible qualities in design, such as atmosphere, symbolism, or spiritual resonance.
2.Use its methodology as inspiration for practice-based research projects exploring subjective design outcomes.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research by Nasser (2022) highlights the potential of integrating unseen spiritual dimensions (bātin) with visible architectural elements (zāhir) to create transformative sacred spaces. By employing a practice-as-research methodology rooted in ontological hermeneutics, the study demonstrates how prioritizing metaphysical and ontological principles can lead to context-sensitive designs that foster deeper spiritual experiences, moving beyond mere typology or style.

Source

Religions

Beyond the Veil of Form: Developing a Transformative Approach toward Islamic Sacred Architecture through Designing a Contemporary Sufi Centre

journal · 2022

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about designing sacred spaces: integrating spiritual dimensions for transformative architectural experiences?: Integrate contemplative practices and spiritual inquiry into the design process to uncover and manifest the unseen dimensions that contribute to transformative spatial experiences. Evidence: Religions (2022).
Why does "Designing Sacred Spaces: Integrating Spiritual Dimensions for Transformative Architectural Experiences" matter for design?: This research offers a profound shift in how designers approach sacred architecture, moving beyond mere aesthetics or function to engage with the spiritual and metaphysical underpinnings of space. It provides a framework for creating environments that are not only contextually relevant but also spiritually resonant, addressing the complex challenges of designing for diverse belief systems in contemporary settings.
How can designers apply this research?: Integrate contemplative practices and spiritual inquiry into the design process to uncover and manifest the unseen dimensions that contribute to transformative spatial experiences.
What were the main findings?: Prioritizing unseen dimensions (bātin) enriches the understanding and design of Islamic sacred space.. Forms can be perceived as conduits between physical and spiritual realms, and space as a symbol of presence.. A transformative approach integrating creative and spiritual practices can mitigate challenges in designing sacred spaces.. Transcending mimetic processes and typologies leads to context-sensitive meanings and manifestations.
What research method was used?: Practice-as-Research with Ontological Hermeneutics.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2022 journal from Religions.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing spaces intended for spiritual or contemplative use, dedicate time to exploring the symbolic meanings of materials, light, and form, and consider how these elements can facilitate a connection to deeper states of being.
What are the limitations?: The subjective nature of spiritual experience and the reliance on personal interpretation (ta'wīl) may present challenges in objective validation.