For this assignment you will create a profile of a sacred space considering specific criteria.  

Select one of the following sacred spaces to analyze.  It is expected that you will use two additional sources for this assignment.

• Great Stupa, Sanchi India (p. 413)
• Masjid-i-Shah (Shah Mosque), Isfahan, Iran (p. 588)
• Ise Jingu (shrine complex), Ise, Japan (p. 589)
• Kandariya Mahadeva temple, Khajuraho, India (p. 416)
• Ziggurat of Ur, Iraq (p. 569)

All text and images should be saved in one document and submitted as a doc. or pdf. Your final document should include the following:

1) General Description – Why was it built? Is its location significant?  

2) Architectural Design – What aspects of its design are unique? What engineering techniques are significant? How was the space design for its function? 

3) Harmony with Nature –  How is the building (or the site as a whole) oriented? Do the cardinal directions play a role? Is the design related to astronomy? Are natural elements or materials used? Was sunlight considered when making the space? 

4) Symbolism –  Are there religious symbols? Do shapes have special meaning?

5) Sacred Objects –  What objects are held within the space? Are there relics?

6) How was this space originally used by worshipers?  How did they practice their rituals?  How is it used today?

7) Compare your sacred space with Chartres Cathedral. Find at least two similarities and two differences. Discuss how these similarities and differences relate to the function of these spaces. Your two spaces obviously support different religions, so this difference should not be one of your answers. 

8) Five images should be included somewhere in your document to show aspects of the building that support your comments. Images should be proportionally correct and not stretched. (Tip: When resizing images – pull from the corners of the images and not the sides. Save as a jpeg)

9) You are responsible for citing your sources, and using appropriate sources.