66. holy ground

​Alexander regards a place of worship as a gateway, and thus thresholds become symbolic architectural elements. The physical shape of this ‘gateway’ differs between cultures however the fundamental characteristic is layers of access, levels of approach, gradual revelation, passage through a series of gates. This layering is a fundamental aspect of human psychology.

St Peter's Basilica

Rome, Italy

​Bernini’s elliptical space surrounded by fourfold rows of columns,  with a smaller square adjoining and thresholds through the nave, creates layers of approach.