EVENT ORGANISED BY: The Baroness Warsi Foundation, in partnership with the Empowering Design Practices research project.
ABOUT THE EVENTThis debate will explore the potential for places of worship to be shared, by different faith groups, by the wider community, and for mixed uses.
The connection between people and their place of worship, and between a place of worship and the wider community around it is layered with complex connotations, interpretations and feelings. Places of worship are fundamental to faith communities, providing a physical space to practice their faith and to come together. Bricks and mortar take on spiritual and faith values. For others, a place of worship may feel out of their reach or disconnected from their local community. What happens when those places of worship become shared spaces?
- How does faith practice influence the form, feeling and function of a building?
- How do different faith groups perceive other places of worship and can different faiths come together in shared buildings?
- How do societal changes (e.g. rapid urbanisation, lack of public spaces) influence the use and sharing of faith buildings?
- Can a faith building accommodate local community activities and services, while maintaining its integrity and function as a place of worship?
- Should sacred spaces be shared more equally between men and women?
This free debate will consider these questions starting with a series of provocations from a panel of speakers that bring a diverse range of experience and insights into the topic. The debate is open to anyone interested in exploring the future of places of worship and their place in our communities.
Speakers:
– Dr. Andrew Crompton, Head of the School of Architecture, University of Liverpool
– Toxteth Friday, Saturday, Sunday project
– The Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Revd Malcolm McMahon OP
– Sophia de Sousa, Empowering Design Practices project research team (and Chief Executive of The Glass-House Community Led Design)
The debate will be chaired by Lord Alton of Liverpool.
WHAT THE GLASS-HOUSE IS DOING
Sophia, our Chief Executive, will speak on behalf of the Empowering Design Practices project, a 5-year research project that is exploring how community-led design can help empower those who look after historic places of worship to create more open, vibrant and sustainable places that respect and enhance their heritage. Sophia will share insights and stories from our research, reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of designing and managing shared spaces for worship and a range of other uses, and their impact on people and places.
EXPLORE
Eventbrite registration
Empowering Design Practices project
Baroness Warsi Foundation