rori barker

Psychology Factors: How architectural design of Catholic churches in American and Europe (1700-Present) has influenced people

Started June 6, 2025

Abstract or project description

Rori's paper will focus on how the architectural design and building construction of Catholic structures has a profound influence on how people psychology around the church experience, and in turn, how the faith is understood and potentially cultivated. The paper will look at American and Europe from 1700-Present. The paper will examine -- architectural design (rooms, spaces, windows, ceilings, thresholds), Materials (stone, wood, etc), Construction Details (carvings, gargoyles, columns, stained glass, etc), and interior treatments (gold leaf, statues, paintings, etc) all contribute to producing psychological effects in people who worship. The paper will talk about how these hit the senses: feeling, hearing, seeing, touching ,etc. We will examine some of those effects -- is it happiness, getting closer to the spirit, education about the bible and faith? The paper will also talk about what effects this psychology has had (if any) on the Catholic faith's longevity, evolution, and influence over time.