Problems of Identity in the Contemporary Architecture of the Orthodox Churches

Abstract

In modern days the mentality of the architects is mostly determined by the traditional approaches to the creation of the new churches. Simultaneously many architects are longing to find the innovative meaning and МагШЬ'с structures, underlining that only these attempts can express the present-day emotions of the believers and create brighter architectural images.

It is as well essential to find the features of the cultural code of the contemporary architecture of the Russian Orthodox church. The hierarchy, believers, and scholars, including foreigners, are confessing the idea of the unique identity of the Russian Orthodox architecture. Everybody always underlines the inevitable use of the cross-and-square system of inner space by the Russians for more than a thousand years. The recognizable image of our churches is determined by the constant interest in the Late Medieval decoration as the main artistic source and its interpretation by the masters of the Neo-Russian style of the XIX - beginning of ХХ centuries.

The national identity in the architecture of the Russian Orthodox church is not a combination of immanent features but is the historic process of the treasuring of artistic character and the formation of architectural meaning during several centuries. The introduction of modernity into this context may lead to the artistic success of the architects.