Annotated Bibliography 1

Architecture and Theology by Quinlan Terry excerpt from Theories

and manifestoes of contemporary architecture
We live in an age where society gluttonously consumes worldly resources to the extent that minds have
turned insatiable. Quinlan Terry is an adversary to this way of life. He argues that it has caused man to
lose fear of God, therefore “the ability to design and build beautiful buildings has ceased” and mankind
has “expressed this defiance in his art” (Terry, 1989, cited in Jencks and Kropf, 1997).

The theory aims to emphasise the dire need for architecture and theology to be intertwined, otherwise
there shall be adverse repercussions.

Terry discusses some of these ramifications that have mutilated traditional architecture. He states that
St Paul’s Cathedral has been “dwarfed by… the banks which live off usury” however, back in the 18th
century the cathedral beautifully “dominated the skyline” (Terry, 1993). He suggests that banks have
not only physically disfigured architecture but have spiritually wounded it as usury is the root of many
evils according to Biblical teachings. Furthermore, Terry highlights that we have abstained from using
natural materials, which can be viewed as an insult to God and as a result, “skyscrapers which look like
oil refineries are built” (Terry, 1993). Terry aimed to please God by crafting religious buildings such as “the
House of Worship” (Watkin, 2006).

It is crucial that man constantly ruminates over the fact that he has a creator. Otherwise, his fate could
resemble that of the architects; Pugin and Raskin, who shifted from being “devout Christians and ended
their days in mental asylum” (Terry, 1989, cited in Jencks and Kropf, 1997).

Implementing this theory in “Urban Identities” may pose as a spiritual reminder for the world enabling
them to utilise and preserve elements of nature in their constructions rather than erecting skyscrapers
with the intent of following the godless “Darwinian misconception that evolution and progress are
mandatory” (Terry, 1993).

Figure 1. Authors own (2023) The Religious Architect vs The God-Rejecting Architect

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Annotated Bibliography 2
Architecture as Another Nature by Itsuko Hasegawa excerpt from
Theories and manifestoes of contemporary architecture
There is a belief that architecture is constructed based on modern rationalism and that it differentiates
from other forms of matter. Itsuko Hasegawa challenges this view as she believes architecture responds
to and compliments nature, so long as certain protocols are followed.

Her theory attempts to exemplify the importance of adapting nature to the needs of a society. In effect, a
new nature is formed through architecture which acts as a tool for diversity.

Hasegawa informs us to “reconsider architecture of the past, which… permitted human coexistence with
nature” (Hasegawa, 1991, cited in Jencks and Kropf, 1997). She argues that human beings are part of
nature which means that architecture must be restored according to the needs of the people. As a result,
when new buildings are constructed, the original nature of the space is destroyed. Hasegawa proclaims
that these new buildings “commemorate the nature that had been destroyed” (Hasegawa, 1991, cited
in Jencks and Kropf, 1997). In contrast, some critics believe that her theory is conflicting and have said
“Hasegawa imagines she can restore nature but in fact her camp architecture deals it the death blow”
(Bouman and Toorn, 1994). This point is countered as she states, “architecture must be responsive to the
ecosystem” (Hasegawa, 1991, cited in Jencks and Kropf, 1997) and humans being part of the ecosystem,
hold the most importance.

Therefore, it is imperative to know that nature can be adapted or even exterminated for the sake of
human life to form an ameliorated environment for living, via architecture. Both the buildings and its
inhabitants will form a new nature of its own.

This theory can be utilised as a tool of analysis to help evaluate whether “Urban Identities” have either
preserved or destroyed nature, whilst serving humanity’s needs.

Figure 2. Authors own (2023) A withering discoloured leaf containing a Figure 3. Authors own (2023) A living green leaf containing
rural town with a road, trees and vegetation. a town that has become urbanised, all nature it previously
possessed has been eradicated.
Reference List
Hasegawa, I. (1991) Architecture as Another Nature. In: Jencks, C. & Kropf, K. (1997) Theories and
manifestoes of contemporary architecture. Chichester: Academy Editions.

Bouman, O. and Toorn, R. V. (1994) The Invisible in Architecture. London: Academy Editions.

Terry, Q. (1989) Architecture and Theology. In: Jencks, C. & Kropf, K. (1997) Theories and manifestoes of
contemporary architecture. Chichester: Academy Editions.

Terry, Q. (1993) Quinlan Terry: selected works: No. 27 (Architectural Monographs). London: Academy
Editions.

Watkin, D. (2006) Radical Classicism: the architecture of Quinlan Terry. New York: Rizzoli.

Bibliography
Dobney, S. (1997) Itsuko Hasegawa: selected and current works. Victoria: Images Publishing Group Pty
Ltd.

List of Figures

Figure 1. Authors own. (2023) The Religious Architect vs The God-Rejecting Architect.

Figure 2. Authors own. (2023) A withering discoloured leaf containing a rural town with a road, trees and
vegetation.

Figure 3. Authors own. (2023) A living green leaf containing a town that has become urbanised, all nature
it previously possessed has been eradicated.