jailcd2015032: Study on Spatial Composition and Reuse of Abandoned Churches

Abstract

Due to the decreased number of Christians, monks, and nuns in Europe and the United States, the number of abandoned churches are increasing in recent years. Abandoned churches are change and converted into buildings without religious functions. Most studies focuses on limited target regions and countries. Without clearly analysis details of spatial composition of reuse churches. The purpose of this study is the analysis about spatial composition and reuse of abandoned churches from architectural viewpoint. I investigated one hundred six buildings, which were used as churches before, and are reuse of abandoned churches. The data to be discussed blow were collected in to use publications and the internet. I measured area of whole churches, apses, naves, height of naves, and counted the number of new floors by plans and sections of reuse of churches. In the plans and sections, rate of divided naves higher than rate of divided apses. This is related to sacred of apses area. I would suggest that architects tend to keep apse as much as possible in their design. Spaces of churches are unity, and have high ceiling height. It is possible to divide and change the old space as the new space in accordance with the purposes of reuse.