Humanities Homework Help

Research Paper 1: Religion Research

Assignment Overview

There are many cultures and religions in the world, and designers must be sensitive and knowledgeable about the different cultures and religions to participate successfully in the global marketplace. Each sacred space contributes to the function of the built environment and the quality of life promoted therein.

Step 1: Research Five Major Religions

Research the following five religions and their similarities and differences. What unique attribute(s) did you find to be most interesting in each religion?

• Judaism
• Christianity (select a denomination: Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox—not general Protestantism)
• Islam
• Hinduism
• Buddhism

Note: All students will research each of these religions and create a concise list of similarities and differences (this can be a simple table noting the religion, similarities, and differences). Include a list of MLA-formatted citations for your research. Review the MLA Guidelines and the external link provided. See notes below on Research Paper.

Step 2: Assigned Religion Research, Essays, and Sketches 

For this section, your instructor will assign each one of you a country to research the prevalent religion(s) therein. The research will be focused in essential architectural elements and features in creating an interior design of a worship room in a designated space such as: multicultural community center, international student center, exposition center, or convention center. Research your assigned religion’s history, traditions, beliefs, and architecture. Approach the architecture by first researching the cultural groups that developed and built its religious facilities. Locate three examples of a worship room from this religion, such as a temple, church, mosque, synagogue, or chapel, based on your assigned religion. Research the interiors and notable architectural features.

Based on your research, write a 500-word essay supported by visuals discussing your observations on how a particular culture, architecture, or location has impacted the design of the religious facilities you discovered during your research. Use the prescribed format.

In your essay, include a list of requirements that a worship room designed for your assigned religion should or must have—including space requirements, adjacencies, special requirements pertaining to specific rooms, traffic flow, etc. The requirements can include items such as necessary furniture, specialty items, types of stained glass, artwork names/types, floor coverings, etc. You may create the list based on your own observations. Along with your essay, include a minimum of five sketches illustrating your research findings. Include a list of MLA-formatted citations for your research. Review the following PDF for some tips: