The Temple in the House: Finding the Sacred in Everyday Architecture

by Anthony Lawlor

Illustrated with more than 175 photos and renderings, this book shows how the spaces we inhabit, from our public streets to our homes, can transform us. An award-winning architect identifies the fundamental design forms that have evoked a spiritual response throughout time, and relates these patterns to the elemental patterns of human awareness. Each chapter offers exercises and practical suggestions.

Genres: Architecture

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 1994

Reviews

[Jeff]

Not being an architect nor a spiritualist, I found the book hard to follow and a very slow read. Some points were made, as it liberally sprinkled with quotes.
“When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, it the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong. Buckminister Fuller

[Doug Kretz]

I don't agree with everything presented in this book but its main thesis has helped shape my home into something special. Would definitely recommend. The challenges at the end of each chapter are very refreshing.

[Liza]

utilizing this book for my thesis and wow it’s getting to the heart of what I want to explore in my thesis!

[Tristy]

This book fell into my lap, just as I was becoming more interested in the spiritual power of architecture. There are many gems in this collection and I enjoy how the author weaves together seemingly disparate things. There are also excellent photos and illustrations. That being said, it falls a little to heavy on the "personal philosophy as fact" side of the spectrum, which in the end, turned me off. It's a great book to take a look at though - great ideas and great photos.

[K.S.R.]

Wow. This is a phenomenal compendium of information Lawlor has gleaned from world cultures spanning centuries, as it relates to sacred spaces in architecture and in our own homes.

[Doug Gooch]

Too deep for most readers I would imagine but I found it meaningful, mindful and intelligent.