In the last few months we have been in contact with the Baroness Warsi Foundation to explore synergies between our projects and the potential to share and disseminate learning.
The Baroness Warsi Foundation’s ‘Modern Places of Worship’ project, explores the interplay between architecture, faith and identity from both an historic and a modern perspective. The Foundation is hosting a series of ten UK-wide debates, and aims to publish a report and launch an architectural design competition.
Drawing on our common interest on exploring the relationship between places of worship and local communities we decided to partner on a debate on “Shared spaces: the modern place of worship”. The debate is focussed on exploring the potential for places of worship to be shared, by different faith groups, by the wider community, and for mixed uses. It is held on the 25th of November, 3:00-5:00 at Liverpool School of Architecture.
The connection between people and their place of worship, and between a place of worship and the wider community around it, is layered with complex connotations, interpretations and feelings. Places of worship are fundamental to faith communities, providing a physical space to practice their faith and to come together. Bricks and mortar take on spiritual and faith values. For others, a place of worship may feel out of their reach or disconnected from their local community. What happens when those places of worship become shared spaces?
- Is the form, feeling and function of a building defined by the particular faith practiced there?
- How do different faith groups perceive other places of worship and can different faiths come together in shared buildings?
- Can a faith building accommodate local community activities and services while maintaining its integrity and function as a place of worship?
This free debate will consider these questions starting with a series of provocations from a panel of speakers that bring a diverse range of experience and insights into the topic:
- Dr. Andrew Crompton, Head of the School of Architecture, University of Liverpool
- Daniel Leon & Matthew Lloyd, two of the architects behind the tri-faith prayer space, the Friday, Saturday, Sunday project
- The Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Revd Malcolm McMahon OP
- Sophia de Sousa, Empowering Design Practices project research team & Chief Executive, The Glass-House Community Led Design.
The debate will be chaired by Lord Alton of Liverpool.
The event is open to anyone interested in exploring the future of places of worship and their place in our communities.
Click here to register