Sinclair, Brian R.Hampshire, Caitlin2019-01-042019-01-042019-01-02Hampshire, C. (2019). Between – Exploring the Ineffable in Search of the Sacred: Defining and Developing the Architecture of Experience (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/109412Our current century is fraught with disconnection. Extreme accessibility and connectivity facilitated by social media platforms and instant communication has given birth to a paradox: we are more connected than ever before, and increasingly distant - not only from one another, but also, and more detrimentally, from ourselves. Our sense of belonging often rests in our public networks, with our ability to self-actualize built upon external determinants and fluctuating opinions. The result is a void within each of us that hungers for deeper meaning, more powerful connections, and extraordinary experiences. I believe that architecture is uniquely and favorably positioned to meet these needs. This thesis seeks to address some key questions in the field of research surrounding sacred space/ spiritual architecture. Presently these include the following: what is the historical place of sacred/ spiritual architecture in society and how is it defined/ exemplified? What common elements are present in transcendental experiences of space? What elements of space move us emotionally, physically, psychologically and spiritually? And finally, can we consciously create the sacred and the intangible with tangible materials, or does spiritual experience lie in the intersection of seeming opposite: what is seen, and what is felt. This thesis argues that the buildings we create must supersede their mathematical and structural components. Our environments cannot be composed of brick and mortar only, but must extend themselves to encompass the realms of emotion and experience. This results in structures that impart feelings of delight, and offer experiences which return us to moments of childlike wonder.enUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.ArchitectureEducation--Religiousmaster thesishttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/35687