Why should inspirational architecture belong exclusively to religionists? Shouldn’t non-believers have quiet places to go where they can ponder a diety-free universe? If writer and philosopher Alain de Botton’s vision comes to fruition, the United Kingdom will soon have its first such building, a 46-meter tower in the heart of London called the Temple to Perspective.
Why this and why now? According to de Botton, who’s set to publish his new book “Religion for Atheists” in March of this year, “you can build a temple to anything that’s positive and good. That could mean: a temple to love, friendship, calm or perspective.” De Botton suggests that while the supernatural aspects of religions are pure fallacy, certain religious traditions still have qualities worth emulating and even stealing. And one aspect that de Botton seems to like most about religion is its architecture, which in his estimation conveys an instantly accessible message of inspiration.
Designed by architects Tom Greenhall and Jordan Hodgson, the height of the tower will represent the age of the earth, with each centimeter representing a million years. Slightly up from the base, a tiny milimeter-thick gold band will represent mankind’s existence, designed to help visitors renew their perspective and to simply reflect on humankind’s relative insignificance on the map of time.
Without a doubt, the concept raises questions; why do atheists need a place to not worship? In creating places of non-worship, isn’t someone just creating a new anti-religion religion? And who’s to say that believers wouldn’t use it as a place of private prayer and belief regardless of its very reason for being?
Still, it’s an interesting concept, and one that’s certain to generate controversy. It’s just the first of several temples for atheists that de Botton has planned to build throughout the United Kingdom.
Images via dezeen