Inspiration from religious designs
While gathering inspiration and designs for reference, I became intrigued by a particular genre that intertwined religious architecture and furniture design. Specifically, I found myself drawn to the architectural style of Mormon (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) churches and the furniture designs of the Shakers (The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing). My initial acquaintance with these two religious groups through design—such as a tour video of the Washington D.C. temple and an article on Raf Simons’ Shaker System—piqued my interest due to their distinctive expression, though my exploration was not yet thorough. The study of brutalism later reignited my fascination with these styles, as I sensed an analogous aesthetic and ethos shared between brutalist architecture and these religious designs, albeit subjectively.
The Washington D.C. Temple, Maryland, USA
Raf Simons, Shaker System
The visual languages of Mormon churches and brutalist architecture exhibit notable differences, such as the preference for white marble in Mormon churches versus the grey concrete of brutalist structures. Yet, to me, both convey a serene and sacred ambience. As noted in my research proposal, they share an indelible and profound textural quality, the origins of which are still to be determined—whether they stem from similar geometric forms or the starkness of windowless surfaces demands deeper investigation, possibly extending into the doctrines behind the designs.
CA Mormon Temple, Oakland, USA
San Diego California Temple in La Jolla, California, USA
Shaker furniture, predominantly wooden, embodies principles of equality, minimalism, and functionalism, eschewing superfluous adornments. This philosophy aligns with aspects of brutalism. Particularly captivating is the Shaker practice of incorporating a wooden rail with hangers throughout a room, allowing for the hanging of garments and even chairs, a tangible manifestation of their egalitarian ethos. This feature resonated with me as a vivid, material expression of equality, thereby drawing a parallel to brutalism in my mind. This connection suggests that there is a wealth of further insights to be uncovered in the study of Shaker furniture.
Architectural elements from a Retiring Room in the North Family Dwelling America, New York, USA
United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (“Shakers”), Seed Stand
United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (“Shakers”), Rocking Chair
United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (“Shakers”), Bench
