Universal Sacred Space Design
Our studies of the art and architecture of sacred spaces included many ways that human beings have found to express their relationship with the spiritual. Our design for a universal sacred space incorporated several of these, but is by no means all inclusive.
The Sacred Space is designed in which all who wish to worship could do so. It is designed to eliminate or minimize boundaries between the physical world of matter and the spiritual world to encourage the worshiper in their quest to differentiate between flesh and spirit and in their worship to approach their god or deity in spirit. We have chosen to make the area for congregation a small worship space as shown in the photo in order to emphasize the worshipper's connection with the surroundings and make transparent any perceived boundaries between matter and mind. Our Sacred Space has no roof and the rustic "natural" wooden seating emphasizes a connection to the physical world, while making a separation by standing or kneeling an easy accomplishment. This design incorporates aspects of nature while maintaining the desired transparency. Also, without a roof there truly is a lack of boundary between flesh and spirit, which as is the case with many religions assumed to exist either actually or metaphorically "above" the worship space. The rustic wooden seating delineates the congregational area for worship and a sense of longitudinal space is present in paths on either each side of the seating and between to accommodate processional ritualized worship. Our design utilizes the open spaces of the valley and beach to provide for communal space, open and without boundaries, where the worshipers are offered opportunities to admire the nature and beauty of Hawaii and hopefully be inspired .
The immediacy of the ocean, the basis of life on our planet, evokes thoughts of nature and ideas utilized by nature based religions as well as reminding some worshippers of more conventional faiths that utilize the metaphoric life nourishing aspect of water in their imagery of our connection to the sea.
Ideally the congregational would be entered from the South and the stage or podium would be on the North. A west exit to the ocean would be the location of the communal open air space flooded by natural light during the day and canopied by stars at night. The area between the Chapel and the ocean would provide a communal space. This space would permit a gathering overlooking the ocean and offered a feeling of protection and enclosure by the imposing walls of the beautiful Pololu Valley.
A short walk down the beach a prayer wall would be erected that would actually meander into the ocean. Worshippers could follow the path along the wall and pause to worship, or if appropriate utilize Conch shells to ritually scoop sand and return it to the beach, or water and do the same to symbolize a loved one lost, a celebration or a special prayer. The sand symbolizes how significant each grain is to the earth as people are significant to each other. There is the celebration of being washed in ocean water to signify the renewal of a person’s spirit. The ocean is pure and each wave represents the continual change that occurs day to day and moment to moment.
We would include pathways branching away from the wall that would lead to a scheduled area for various religious groups to worship in an area devoted to their specific practices and symbols. In each of these areas a small space would provide icons and symbols of a religious nature that would aid in the worship process. Christian crosses and statuary might be found in one location, carved Tiki's representing early Hawaiian deities in another, elements of worship of Judaism and Islam might adorn others. The Pololu Valley would provide an ideal center for a unified sacred space, that would include a ritual journey that would lead to this sacred site. In addition to a "normal" path from a parking area located on the peaks above the Pololu Valley, the chapel would also have a path that would be a secondary path for those seeking enlightenment that is long and somewhat difficult for the worshipper to trek to reach the sacred site. The path would resemble a smooth flowing shape that will be a unified symbol for peace and harmony. It should do this because its purpose is to challenge the mind but at the same time keep the mind in a tranquil state of being. The path would go through a cave, over water, through the forest and then last up the mountain so that the person would be able to see the path that creates a symbol of peace. Then after being on top of the mountain there will be a straight path leading to the entrance of the sacred space. If will feel welcoming to the person and also give a feeling of accomplishment and reunite one with the supreme power.
Our universal sacred space is a sanctuary located on the coastline at the base of a lush valley. As you sit among the congregation the open air design of the sanctuary allows you to hear the waves hitting the coastline in the background. Your sense of smell is stimulated by the fresh scent of the ocean air. As you exit to the west you face the ocean in the background which is only a few feet away. The view gives you the feeling of freedom and limitless opportunities. In the evening you see a beautiful ocean sunset as you exit the sanctuary. Palm trees and tropical foliage surround the sanctuary on the north, east, and south sides. Tropical breezes flow freely through the sanctuary along with the sounds of the rustling palm trees. The sanctuary is always very relaxing especially when it is raining. The sound and smell of the rain is very mesmerizing.
In order to keep our sacred space completely natural, the entire structure is built with materials provided by nature. One of our main goals was to provide worshipers the opportunity to become one with nature and be away from the trappings of modernization. Our sanctuary is accessible by a winding wood planked path that separates the parking area from the sanctuary. This insures that you cannot hear or smell the congregation’s automobiles when visiting the sanctuary. Torches and lanterns are used to light the sanctuary and walking path. The flickering light is relaxing and provides symbolism and the warmth of fire. Our sacred space gives worshipers of all religions the opportunity to become one with nature and their god.
The Universal Sacred Space is located between two mountains in the Pololu Valley. The sacred space and solitude of the structure is to allow people to recapture inner peace. The structure is made from wood from the valley. The building itself is made of all natural substances. The planks are constructed, not using nails but of natural fittings. The benches are also made from wood from the valley. Amazingly the entire structure is built to withstand the winds and rainy seasons. The structure is open so as people enter through the structure on the south side they are greeted by the luminous light that fills the structure from the east to the west. The north end of the building is open and the view past the podium is that of the wall of mountains of majestic colors that surround Pololu Valley. The salty winds blow in from the west and people are embraced by the sounds of the ocean. The structure is designed so that entry will only occur from the south with the emphasis on the procession to the open alter. The exit is to the west where the people are to proceed to the ocean so to symbolize a new beginning.
Earth and water are life-sources or sustainers of life. In Assyro-Babylonian mythology, first the gods and subsequently all beings arose from the fusion of salt water (Tiamat) and sweet water (Apsu). The holy books of the Hindus explain that all the inhabitants of the earth emerged from the primordial sea. At the beginning of the Judeo-Christian story of creation, the spirit of God is described as stirring above the waters, and a few lines later, God creates a firmament in the midst of the waters to divide the waters (Genesis 1:1-6). In the Koran are the words We have created every living thing from water. Judeo-Christians also have many representations of "sacred" springs, etc because of a connection with a miraculous event. Water also represents springs and well such as the fountain of youth, etc.
The Celts also had a unique way of looking at water and wells. Water was the boundary between the otherworld and our world. It was the boundary between land and sky. Since the water came from the otherworld and/or deep from the earth it was especially blessed. Water that bubbled to the surface or that was steamy and hot was especially thought to have healing properties to pre-Celtic and Celtic as well as Roman settlers to these countries. Also, when you think about the Celts and where they lived, surrounded by water on all sides, you begin to realize that they more than likely realized the strength of water and how it could both destroy and heal.
Our studies of the art and architecture of sacred spaces included many ways that human beings have found to express their relationship with the spiritual. Our design for a universal sacred space incorporated several of these, but is by no means all inclusive.
The Sacred Space is designed in which all who wish to worship could do so. It is designed to eliminate or minimize boundaries between the physical world of matter and the spiritual world to encourage the worshiper in their quest to differentiate between flesh and spirit and in their worship to approach their god or deity in spirit. We have chosen to make the area for congregation a small worship space as shown in the photo in order to emphasize the worshipper's connection with the surroundings and make transparent any perceived boundaries between matter and mind. Our Sacred Space has no roof and the rustic "natural" wooden seating emphasizes a connection to the physical world, while making a separation by standing or kneeling an easy accomplishment. This design incorporates aspects of nature while maintaining the desired transparency. Also, without a roof there truly is a lack of boundary between flesh and spirit, which as is the case with many religions assumed to exist either actually or metaphorically "above" the worship space. The rustic wooden seating delineates the congregational area for worship and a sense of longitudinal space is present in paths on either each side of the seating and between to accommodate processional ritualized worship. Our design utilizes the open spaces of the valley and beach to provide for communal space, open and without boundaries, where the worshipers are offered opportunities to admire the nature and beauty of Hawaii and hopefully be inspired .The immediacy of the ocean, the basis of life on our planet, evokes thoughts of nature and ideas utilized by nature based religions as well as reminding some worshippers of more conventional faiths that utilize the metaphoric life nourishing aspect of water in their imagery of our connection to the sea.Ideally the congregational would be entered from the South and the stage or podium would be on the North. A west exit to the ocean would be the location of the communal open air space flooded by natural light during the day and canopied by stars at night. The area between the Chapel and the ocean would provide a communal space. This space would permit a gathering overlooking the ocean and offered a feeling of protection and enclosure by the imposing walls of the beautiful Pololu Valley.
A short walk down the beach a prayer wall would be erected that would actually meander into the ocean. Worshippers could follow the path along the wall and pause to worship, or if appropriate utilize Conch shells to ritually scoop sand and return it to the beach, or water and do the same to symbolize a loved one lost, a celebration or a special prayer. The sand symbolizes how significant each grain is to the earth as people are significant to each other. There is the celebration of being washed in ocean water to signify the renewal of a person’s spirit. The ocean is pure and each wave represents the continual change that occurs day to day and moment to moment.
We would include pathways branching away from the wall that would lead to a scheduled area for various religious groups to worship in an area devoted to their specific practices and symbols. In each of these areas a small space would provide icons and symbols of a religious nature that would aid in the worship process. Christian crosses and statuary might be found in one location, carved Tiki's representing early Hawaiian deities in another, elements of worship of Judaism and Islam might adorn others. The Pololu Valley would provide an ideal center for a unified sacred space, that would include a ritual journey that would lead to this sacred site. In addition to a "normal" path from a parking area located on the peaks above the Pololu Valley, the chapel would also have a path that would be a secondary path for those seeking enlightenment that is long and somewhat difficult for the worshipper to trek to reach the sacred site. The path would resemble a smooth flowing shape that will be a unified symbol for peace and harmony. It should do this because its purpose is to challenge the mind but at the same time keep the mind in a tranquil state of being. The path would go through a cave, over water, through the forest and then last up the mountain so that the person would be able to see the path that creates a symbol of peace. Then after being on top of the mountain there will be a straight path leading to the entrance of the sacred space. If will feel welcoming to the person and also give a feeling of accomplishment and reunite one with the supreme power.
Our universal sacred space is a sanctuary located on the coastline at the base of a lush valley. As you sit among the congregation the open air design of the sanctuary allows you to hear the waves hitting the coastline in the background. Your sense of smell is stimulated by the fresh scent of the ocean air. As you exit to the west you face the ocean in the background which is only a few feet away. The view gives you the feeling of freedom and limitless opportunities. In the evening you see a beautiful ocean sunset as you exit the sanctuary. Palm trees and tropical foliage surround the sanctuary on the north, east, and south sides. Tropical breezes flow freely through the sanctuary along with the sounds of the rustling palm trees. The sanctuary is always very relaxing especially when it is raining. The sound and smell of the rain is very mesmerizing.
In order to keep our sacred space completely natural, the entire structure is built with materials provided by nature. One of our main goals was to provide worshipers the opportunity to become one with nature and be away from the trappings of modernization. Our sanctuary is accessible by a winding wood planked path that separates the parking area from the sanctuary. This insures that you cannot hear or smell the congregation’s automobiles when visiting the sanctuary. Torches and lanterns are used to light the sanctuary and walking path. The flickering light is relaxing and provides symbolism and the warmth of fire. Our sacred space gives worshipers of all religions the opportunity to become one with nature and their god.
The Universal Sacred Space is located between two mountains in the Pololu Valley. The sacred space and solitude of the structure is to allow people to recapture inner peace. The structure is made from wood from the valley. The building itself is made of all natural substances. The planks are constructed, not using nails but of natural fittings. The benches are also made from wood from the valley. Amazingly the entire structure is built to withstand the winds and rainy seasons. The structure is open so as people enter through the structure on the south side they are greeted by the luminous light that fills the structure from the east to the west. The north end of the building is open and the view past the podium is that of the wall of mountains of majestic colors that surround Pololu Valley. The salty winds blow in from the west and people are embraced by the sounds of the ocean. The structure is designed so that entry will only occur from the south with the emphasis on the procession to the open alter. The exit is to the west where the people are to proceed to the ocean so to symbolize a new beginning.
Earth and water are life-sources or sustainers of life. In Assyro-Babylonian mythology, first the gods and subsequently all beings arose from the fusion of salt water (Tiamat) and sweet water (Apsu). The holy books of the Hindus explain that all the inhabitants of the earth emerged from the primordial sea. At the beginning of the Judeo-Christian story of creation, the spirit of God is described as stirring above the waters, and a few lines later, God creates a firmament in the midst of the waters to divide the waters (Genesis 1:1-6). In the Koran are the words We have created every living thing from water. Judeo-Christians also have many representations of "sacred" springs, etc because of a connection with a miraculous event. Water also represents springs and well such as the fountain of youth, etc.
The Celts also had a unique way of looking at water and wells. Water was the boundary between the otherworld and our world. It was the boundary between land and sky. Since the water came from the otherworld and/or deep from the earth it was especially blessed. Water that bubbled to the surface or that was steamy and hot was especially thought to have healing properties to pre-Celtic and Celtic as well as Roman settlers to these countries. Also, when you think about the Celts and where they lived, surrounded by water on all sides, you begin to realize that they more than likely realized the strength of water and how it could both destroy and heal.
