The idea that architecture could be simply that was a new concept brought to my attention earlier this semester. Architectural examples often symbolize something outside of themselves and it is this referential aspect that somehow gave it meaning and validation. Is there a need for symbolism in architecture? Does architecture need to stand for, refer to, or represent something outside of itself? Does this usage of symbolism make it Architecture?
Sacred Symbolism
Symbolism is at the core of sacred architecture. I began my exploration here since it seemed an easy point of entry. Looking at both old and new architecture, it seems that symbolism is the unifying thread over time. Both old St. Peter's and the more recent Santa Maria use symbols and varying methods of representation in order to refer to something outside of themselves.