Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

A private pool is not only a key part of the beautiful life we are used to seeing in movies, but also an opportunity to swim every day in crystal clear water, have fun with the kids, and, of course, to fully relax and improve your health. Fortunately, nowadays there are pools of many different types. Everyone can find something to suit their needs, in terms of both cost and the characteristics of the pool.

Currently, designing the area adjacent to a swimming pool is not very difficult, and it is something that can be afforded by even people with average incomes.To make your pool perfectly unique, it is a good idea to think about pool landscape design.

Also read about design ideas forsmall backyard pools

Thats how the site for a typical swimming pool looks prior to its construction. There is no sign of the landscaping around the pool, as this will be accomplished later.

Before you plan and calculate the costs, you need to determine several parameters and the purpose for which the pool will be used. If for swimming, its size must be at least 20 feet in length. If this is the font after taking bath treatment, the shape and size can be much smaller. Also the design of a sauna with a swimming pool may include a Spa with Jacuzzi, or additional features for relaxation.

You should also consider the type of pool, outdoor or indoor, and how you will plan the land in terms of constructions. How will the pool design fit the shape of the area and the whole house concept in general? Will it be a light or inflatable option or capital construction for many decades inside your house? As you can see, there are a lot issues before determining the design of pool and its finishing.

Even if you have clearly identified what pool you need and where it will be, the construction of the facility will bring about a lot of additional questions. The easiest way is to contact a specialized firm where they will consider all projects, provide assistance on pool landscaping and the features to be included in the area around the pool and garden, and calculate the total cost of components.

Find outhow to build a natural pool DIY

Different materials are used for the construction of the base bowl. Build clay brick walls with a thickness of 10 or construct formwork and pour in concrete around the rebar. Such a pool would be considered as being built from reinforced concrete. For the first two options a project would be required as well as the availability of adjacent space for the installation of pumping stations, equipment for water filtration and purification, sanitary fittings, and water heating elements.

There are demountable pools with the inclusion of plastic or metal parts. The best option for those on a limited budget is a polypropylene leak-proof design that does not require any additional installation of waterproofing. The construction of an indoor home pool should allow for the possibility of drainage. The obvious advantage of an indoor pool is that it can be used throughout the entire calendar year.

The water system can operate by means of a trough for water runoff when the pool is overflowing and a skimmer for when the water level is below the edge of the pool by 4, whereby water is removed through openings in the side walls. There are a lot of pool landscaping ideas based on this principle.

The construction stages of an outdoor pool are:

Every specialist in this field will say that exterior lighting is based on several different principles, and often has a different purpose to interior illumination. The basis of this concerns the position of people in relation to the landscape. Also of importance are, of course, the general rules of decor and the ability to find stylistic architectural solutions.

These are significant moments, since the design of lamps, the lighting line, colors and accenting ultimately depends on them. Historically, the design mainly relied on two different approaches. Fans of the classics adhere to the model based on a floodlight, this being an easy way to show the natural beauty of the water. The second method is a festival of experimental art. Nothing is forbidden, and the more unusual the look of the content, the better. For this approach, it is common for the water to have a red or yellow color, and the contour of the bowl, lit from inside, as if floating in zero gravity And the whole composition can be supplemented by music. The use of lighting in a pool landscape introduces something very special to your pool.

If you are choosing which lamps to position underwater, you should consider some nuances, first the brightness, and second that the power does not exceed 12 watts. Suitable for this purpose are LED and halogen lamps. An additional advantage is their durability, but on the other hand, they are fairly expensive.

At night the pool can be made additionally romantic or just given a beautiful design by using floating lamps. The design contains a built-in battery that requires periodic recharging. A positive factor is the absence of wires. They are most often used in ornamental ponds.

When the wind blows floating lights begin to move. If this hinders you when swimming, they can be fixed to the bottom or weighted down. Constant recharging of an enormous number of lamps may lead to some difficulties. If the sight is sunny and exposed, floating solar cell lights can be used.

Today LED tape is used in many ways, on ceilings, windows and other places. The manufacturers have not stopped and have now developed a pool variant. The permissible depth is limited to 4 ft. Today, they come with well-designed casing and a flexible base made of silicone, soldered to the resistors and LEDs, which are coated with a special sealant. It provides excellent protection from water without any loss of quality lighting. Therefore, experts recommend LEDs for the illumination of swimming pools for an aesthetically pleasing design. LEDs can be monochrome and RGB or full color. It is a rather affordable way to make the landscaping around your pool unique after dark.

When buying lights, it is necessary to pay attention to the Index of Protection, otherwise known by the abbreviation IP. The value must be at least 68. The first digit signifies the level of protection against dust and the ability to withstand shock, while the second digit is the resistance to moisture.

All planned underwater lighting should have a high degree of protection from the water. This applies not only to lamps, but also to the wiring and connections. Otherwise injuries and shocks are virtually unavoidable. To illuminate 120 square feet, a 100W lamp is suitable. If the area is 200 square feet, use a 300W bulb.

Many owners surround their pool with green vegetation. In this case, to give a more vivid lighting effect, it is a good idea to make use of vegetation. The most common technique is to use a backlight at ground level together with other light sources built directly into the ground. The volume and beauty of the crowns of adjacent trees and shrubs may also be emphasized by placing string lights among the thick foliage. This technique has become especially popular over the past few years.

After all, ideas for swimming pool landscaping are limited only by your imagination.

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Backyard swimming pool landscaping ideas of design

How much does it cost to install zoned HVAC?

Considering Zoned Comfort Solutions from Mitsubishi Electric for your heating and air conditioning requirements? There are many benefits (comfort, efficiency and health) to zoned heating systems and air conditioning, but you may be curious about the cost of adding an HVAC zone to your existing system or the cost to install a multi-zoned HVAC system in your home.

Zone heating and cooling systems are comprised of an outdoor unit connected by refrigerant piping to one or more indoor units. Indoor units come in a variety of styles, and can be networked together to create multiple zones each controlled separately. A single outdoor unit can create one large zone, eight unique zones, and anything in between.

A zoned HVAC system can consist of ducted or ductless indoor units (or a hybrid of both), It can provide cooling only or efficient and comfortable cooling and heating, even at temperatures well below zero. You may choose a system to condition one room or your entire home. Consequently, Mitsubishi Electrics Zoned Comfort Solutions give homeowners maximum flexibility in designing a super-efficient system that can meet nearly any comfort need.

Scheduling a consultation with a local Diamond Contractor is the best way to get an accurate quote on a single, two zone, three zone and up HVAC system cost. In fact, to be eligible for Mitsubishi Electric's industry-leading 12 year warranty, your HVAC system must be installed by one of our more than 3,500 certified HVAC Diamond Contractors.

Because our Zoned Comfort Solutions are customizable based on your heating and cooling needs, and you have so many options to choose from, pricing can vary extensively. For instance, are you considering a two-zone ductless HVAC system cost, or the cost of a single-zone ducted system? Are you adding an HVAC zone to a home that already has one so you can further customize temperatures in individual spaces? Our certified Diamond Contractors can help advise on ducted vs. ductless systems, how many zones you may need based on how you use your home and your current HVAC system, and provide an estimated cost of installing/adding HVAC zones.

While there are seemingly countless options for your homes new HVAC system, it is possible to get a sense of how much HVAC zoning costs. Final costs will be determined by your contractors evaluation, but we can outline contributing factors and cost ranges to get you started. Your costs will vary and may be higher or lower than the estimates provided below.

A. New equipment.Each Zoned Comfort Solution includes an outdoor unit, indoor unit(s), controls and parts including the refrigerant line-set, wiring and electrical accessories. Conditioning one room or zone comes at a significantly different price than heating and cooling an entire home with eight or more zones. Generally, new HVAC zoning equipment can range in cost from under $3,000 for a one-room cooling option up to $15,000 or more for multiple zone heating and cooling systems.

B. Installation Labor.This is what you pay your HVAC contractor to install the system (and remove your old system, if necessary). Contractors' labor prices vary widely, but you can expect the cost to install zoned HVAC to be roughly the same as your equipment cost but may vary depending on your geographic location and the complexity of your installation.

C.Possibleadditional costs.

1. Electrical. You may need to hire a licensed electrician to install a new 240V outlet, which generally costs $200 to $1,000, but varies based on geographic location and the nature of the work being performed. The price will increase if your homes electrical panel requires a new 240V circuit. To avoid surprises, secure an estimate before purchasing a new system.

2. Equipment pad or stand. Creating an even surface underneath the outdoor unit for proper drainage generally costs $50 to $300. Alternatively, units can be mounted on brackets. Ask your contractor about the best solution for your new system

3. Ductless or ducted?When choosing ducted indoor units, it's difficult to generalize the cost. Some homeowners might be installing ductwork for the first time while others may be repurposing existing ductwork, which adds a level of complexity and potentially 75 percent to the labor cost. Its best to communicate directly with an HVAC professional who is familiar with your home for advice and estimates regarding ductwork.

4. There are many controller options from which to choose with Zoned Comfort Solutions. What you select will affect the cost. Wall-mounted air conditioning and heating units come standard with a handheld wireless controller; or you may choose our popular kumo cloud APP-based thermostat that allows you to program and control each zone from anywhere in the country from your smartphone, or our wireless wall-mounted thermostat that works just like other controllers in your home. For these options, factor in $200 to $300 per controller per zone.

D. Any additional equipment needed for unique situations. Some homes need a little extra something; this is often true for older homes, high-performance homes, and homes in cold weather regions where the ambient temperature regularly drops below minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit. These homes often require specialized designs and/or equipment, all of which impacts the cost of the HVAC system. Our Hyper-Heating INVERTER technology is developed to provide comfortable indoor temperatures in extreme cold-climate conditions (as low as minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit) while saving energy and money, so in many climates you will not need additional heating equipment.

Mitsubishi Electric's zone heating and cooling systems are flexible, efficient solutions that can be configured to your specific budget and comfort needs. Start by finding a qualified HVAC contractor in your area. Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractors are licensed HVAC contractors with specific training and experience installing Mitsubishi Electric products. HVAC systems designed and installed by a Diamond Contractor are also covered by our 12-year parts and compressor limited warranty.

When you meet with your contractor, discuss:

How many zones you need.

Where indoor and outdoor units might be placed.

Whether you need cooling only or heating and cooling.

If you're replacing or supplementing an existing system.

If you prefer ductless or ducted options (or a mix) and any special considerations for example if you're interested in a unit with an i-see Sensor that detects temperature variations and controls the airflow.

Your HVAC contractor will also let you know what to expect during the installation process.

Sounds pretty good, right? Soon youll have your estimated cost, and after that a future filled with personalized comfort and energy savings.

Click here to REQUEST A CONSULTATION from an HVAC Contractor in your area.

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HVAC Zoning System Cost: Install Zone Heating and Cooling

AC Installation CostAverage$5,476Typical Range$3,755 and $7,252Low End - High End$1,800 to $10,500Central Air Conditioner PricesOn average, expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for a central air conditioner. However, the price varies greatly depending on your needs. And installation costs can make the price soar quickly. To get an accurate idea of what you'll spend, determine the size of the unit you'll need. Then, look at different brands. Various manufacturers produce cooling units, and there are pros and cons to each. So, consult with a professional about what you need and ask about additional features that may benefit your home. Here are some manufacturers and their average costs (in alphabetical order):

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The size of your home helps determine the type of air conditioning system you will need.

Window air conditioners cost less than central units, averaging $300. These systems generally suffice to keep a room cool on warm spring and summer days. They can bring added comfort for a reasonable price but are less powerful than a central air conditioner. If you have a bigger home with multiple rooms, you will probably need to have a larger system installed. Central air can cool several rooms at once, while window AC units usually only cover one or two rooms at a time.

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Cost of Central Air for a 1,200 Square Foot House

The cost to install central air in a 1,200 square foot home sits between $3,000 and $4,000. Of course, this price varies based on the SEER rating of the unit, and whether or not the home requires ductwork installation or repair.

The larger your house, the more cooling power you'll need. However, bigger isn't better in every scenario. If the system is too large it will cycle on and off all the time, wasting energy and emitting a loud, disruptive sound. On the other hand, if the system is too small, it will run constantly and cool your house inefficiently.

Cooling professionals use a variety of computations to analyze the characteristics of your home air conditioner and determine how much air it will lose. Factoring in environmental considerations like geography and solar rays, professionals can decide which system will best cool your home. Many refer to load calculating as the Manual J methodology.

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The manufacturer's warranty covers the equipment and parts in the machine. There is also the contractor's warranty, which covers the labor for AC repairs and additional work such as encasing the air conditioner in protective metal, wiring it to the home and so on.

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An air conditioning system's SEER is especially important if you live in a climate that changes temperature dramatically. The SEER is determined by the cooling output during the winter divided by its electric input during the winter. The higher the rating, the more efficient it will be. In January of 2006, the U.S. put standards in place for cooling units which are still in effect today. They must have a minimum SEER of 13. So, if you live in a home with a system installed before the new standards went into effect, consider having it replaced. SEER 13 units increase home efficiency by 30 percent.

An EER certifies the cooling efficiency of HVAC units. It's calculated by the rate of the cooling in British thermal units (Btus) per hour and divided by the rate of energy input in watts at a specific temperature. The calculation goes as BtuH/WATT at dry bulb (db) versus wet bulb (wb) temperatures. The optimal rating for a cooling unit is about 80db/67wb inside and 95db/75wb outside.

Depending on the project, it can take 1 to 5 or more days for a pro to install central air conditioning. AC replacements take more time, as do projects with extensive ductwork repairs or installations. This extra time can range anywhere from an additional day to another week!

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Excerpt from:
2019 Central Air Conditioner Costs | Cost to Install New ...

How much does it cost to install a fountain?

Installing a water fountain on your property can greatly add to its beauty, as well as value. You can install a water fountain as a stand-alone feature, or as a decorative addition to a pool or pond.

Several factors can influence the price you pay: size, materials,the type of fountain you choose, power needs,and labor. This guide looks at the average cost of installing afountain, which averages $1,080 for a medium concrete tier fountain with a pump.

The size of fountain you choose can have a big effect on your total price. The average fountain cost by size is listed below. Measurements are based on the widest points of the fountain body:

There are many fountain materials to choose from, and they each influence cost. Homeowners commonly choose materials that are durable enough to withstand outdoor exposure, and relatively inexpensive. These materials include resin & fiberglass1, as well as concrete. However, there are a wide range of other materials that have their own aesthetics.

For instance, marble and copper may be more expensive than most other materials, but they each have a unique appearance that can add great visual appeal. Below, weve listed the most common types of materials used for fountains, along with their average prices:

Shallow basin on a raised platform

that allows wild birds to bathe.

May not need pump3 depending

on design.

Simple spouts that open to basins,

or shallow square basins.

Typically hangs on the wall

and has an ornate design.

Multiple levels of basins that

spill into one another.

Disappearing

/ Pondless

No pools, the basin is filled with rocks

and water is immediately absorbed

for re-flow

Set on the ground against a wall,

usually has a pool

A framed sheet of glass upon which

the water flows

Store-bought fountains are usually far cheaper than their custom-made counterparts. But having your fountain custom built can allow you to make unique design choices, and create a fountain that is perfectly suited to your planned location. Custom pricing is highly variable, and depends on your choices of size, materials, style, and specific design elements. Count on paying at least $1,000+ for even small fountains that are custom-made.

A fountain needs a 110V outlet to hook up to; if you dont have one nearby you may need to install a new line. This can cost several hundred dollars. You will need at least one pump3 to run your fountain. They cost $60-$400.

Fountain & waterfall companies, pond builders, and some pool builders provide fountain installation services. Plumbing and electrical setup is typically included. This labor cost usually amounts to $40-$65 per hour. Fountain installation usually takes 1 full working day ($320-$520). Some landscaping companies that specialize in adding water features may be able to do the installation as well and they charge $45-$75 per hour ($360-$600).

You may be able to DIY your fountain installation. If you DIY, you may still need to hire a plumber to set up the pump3 and piping ($45-$65 per hour), and an electrician to connect the power supply ($65-$85 per hour).

If the land you want to put your fountain on is too high or uneven, you may need to have excavation or regrading work done. This can add costs. Excavation typically costs $225-$420 per cubic yard (100 sq. ft. of soil). The amount of excavation work you may need completely depends on the desired location of your fountain: its size, its terrain, and the surrounding land. Consider the largest basin diameter of your fountain when you determine the size of cleared space youll need for your fountain. Regrading costs anywhere from $0.047 to $2.28 per sq. ft.

Roman-style fountains are classical in design, usually featuring ornamental carvings and deep basins that the water flows into from small spouts. They can be either freestanding or wall fountains. Average prices are $400-$700+.

Solar fountains usually cost more than standard fountains, but they can save you a lot on energy costs. They also help you save money on electrical installation, which is very minimal compared to that needed for other fountains. Tier fountains and bird baths are the most common types to be pre-made solar ($250+). You can also outfit other fountains with solar panel & pump3 kits ($50-$250). A high-end solar fountain pump3 can provide power 24/7 ($100+).

Fountain bubblers are relatively small fountains that bubble up small amounts of water, rather than having basins and moderate flows. Their focus is usually less on the water and more on the fountain designs.They typically cost $400-$600.

Normally youd regularly refill your fountain garden hose, but you can also use an auto-fill device ($100). This will automatically keep your fountain full. This is useful if you have a hard time remembering to manually refill your fountain - having the water level get too low can damage the pump3. Youll need access to a nearby water line for an auto-fill installation. Expect installation to take at least 1 hour.

Heavy fountains and fountain materials may require extra laborers to handle the delivery. You should expect to pay at least 1 hours wage to each extra laborer needed for the transport and delivery of your fountain ($40-$75 per hour).

Wildlife are often attracted to the sound of flowing water. When your fountain is running, you may notice a greater number of insects and animals in your yard. The most common animals to see are birds and dragonflies.

Routine maintenance will keep your fountain running well. Change the water every month, and clean the fountain every 2-3 months. Cleaning involves scrubbing off algae from the basins, gently scrubbing the pump3, and adding algae-preventing chemicals to the water ($15 per bottle).

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Cost to Install a Fountain - Estimates and Prices at Fixr

The quiet trickle of a water fountain can add a sense of tranquility to your home. Whether used indoors or out, they offer visual interest as well as a soothing sound you can enjoy any time of day.

Choose Your StyleFind the right fountain to suit your space. Formal tiered fountains have a classic look, while Asian-inspired designs offer a Zen feel thats perfect for modern homes. Pottery-style options have an earthy, Mediterranean vibe. The natural look of stone fountains is fairly neutral but fits especially well in rustic spaces.

Upgrade an Outdoor OasisWeather-resistant outdoor options add tranquility to your porch, patio or garden. Some models come with a long power cord so its easy to plug in and enjoy. You could choose an energy-friendly solar water fountain to keep costs low. A submersible pump creates a flow that keeps your water fresh so insects dont breed. Who knows? This new retreat may also attract songbirds ready to bathe.

Enhance Your Indoor DecorA wall-hung waterfall fountain brings movement to a bland room without sacrificing floor space. Optional LED lights could cast an ambient glow from a shady corner or become the focal point of an entire room. Do you have space or budget limits? A tabletop water fountain is a wallet-friendly way to inspire calm.

For a special touch, let bright blossoms float in the water basin as a fun and fancy party prop. Watch this video to learn how to make your own terra cotta fountain from scratch.

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Fountains - Outdoor Decor - The Home Depot

May you like attached garage addition plans. Some days ago, we try to collected photos for your need, we hope you can inspired with these awesome galleries. We hope you can vote them. Perhaps the following data that we have add as well you need.

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Central air conditioning techniques dispose of this condensation with pipes connected to your own home's sewage system. You should also make sure the electrical system is what you want, not what they want to sell you. As in an on-site house, the more electrical shops, the higher, and make sure you get a service higher than a hundred amps. Greater than a 3rd of manufactured homebuyers report plumbing problems, so that you wish to ensure you get excessive-quality fixtures, even when it costs a little bit extra. If you want extra data, you must test it out. Just as essential, be sure you take a look at the options of the home you buy. Check the place the heating and cooling outlets are and get those appropriate in your space.

All air conditioners (regardless of whether or not you take about a central system, a window unit, or a portable unit) take the new air out and substitute it with cool air. When folks consider home air conditioners, the very first thing that normally comes into their minds are central air conditioning units or window models. Just considering off hand of sure situations like 'empty nesters' that live in massive centrally air conditioned homes, it simply doesn't make financial sense to keep all of these unused rooms totally air conditioned throughout the summer time. The clubhouses and craft rooms resemble summer camps for those fifty five and older. Granted, the value of such a house is determined by whether or not you put it on your own land or in a "trailer park".

How is park model mobile dwelling dwelling a fun lifestyle? How about residing in a park mannequin cell house? Cheap dwelling in retirement can be each enjoyable and frugal. Have you ever considered lifestyles which can be cheaper but in addition fun? It may be loads of fun to be frugal. 150/month lot rental, embrace that in "what can I afford to pay each month". You are able to do it year round or be seasonal. Consumer Reports has an online brochure that may also help anybody contemplating buying a manufactured home on their web site. With housing prices being what they are, first-time homebuyers could not be able to afford a conventional residence of the identical quality that they'll get in a manufactured home. It isn't like you must exit and buy a steel storage shed or construct an extension on your property. It does not have to be like that in any respect.

In a case like this, a portable air conditioning unit would make perfect sense. Portable unit will include collapsible duct tubing (ala your clothes dryer) to channel the new air elsewhere, sometimes out of a window. Windows items will drip out the again end that's hanging outside of your window. Make it possible for the window and flooring choices are acceptable. Do not surrender on retirement until you discover all the choices. The current economic mess is causing all of us to rethink our plans for the longer term, especially those retired or serious about retirement. With portable models, there may be nowhere to dispose of the condensation, so that most common solution is that they come equipped with a container or tub the place the condensation is stored till you manually empty it. You want to contemplate the place you will most definitely be utilizing your unit and ensure you have got entry to an exhaust location and that the exhaust answer provided will work for you.

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If its been a while since your last air duct cleaning, youre probably tempted to make that call and get someone in your home to sanitize those ducts that promise to deliver cool air throughout your home this spring and summer.

But before you do, youve got to arm yourself with some knowledge to avoid falling prey to an air duct cleaning scam!

RELATED: Best and worst home insurance companies

We consulted an expert to learn about the warning signs and caveats you need to know

Heres a classic upsell from carpet cleaners: They get in your home to work on your carpets and then offer to clean your air ducts, too, for a rock-bottom price.

Dont take the bait!

This is maybe one of the biggest scams carpet cleaning companies that say they can clean your air ducts for $49.99, then they remove and vacuum your registers, stick their vacuums into the duct at the register, then re-attach your registers, Dave Baker of WSBs Home Fix-It Show tells Clark.com.

A thorough duct cleaning shouldnt be treated as add-on service to a carpet cleaning. Expect to pay several hundred dollars up to somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 and be ready for the job to take at least two to four hours to complete.

If you want to find reputable companies for duct cleaning, check with the industry organization National Air Duct Cleaners Association.

Baker recommends an immediate duct cleaning when you move into a newly built home.

Theres lots of construction debris. Saw dust, dry wall scraps [and even] Doritos bags can end up in the duct work of a newly built home, he says.

After that, Baker says a duct cleaning should be done every 7-10 years unless you have someone in the house with breathing problems.

If thats the case, then Baker advises a different route. You should get your HVAC provider out to your house to upgrade your furnace filtration situation. That is money better spent than on a yearly or every two year duct cleaning scam.

A quality duct cleaning isnt, in my opinion, complete without your HVAC system cleaned at the same time, Baker says.

But heres the thing: Duct cleaners arent legally allowed to touch your HVAC unless they have a current HVAC license.

The company must provide you with the license number upon request. If they cant or wont, thats not a good sign.

While were on the topic of HVACs and dust, most HVAC maintenance plans include regular changes of the furnace filter. But changing the filter between visits yourself usually every three months will help keep your system running at peak efficiency and cut down on dust.

Not sure how to change your HVAC furnace filter? The first thing to do is remove the existing filter from your furnace and make a note of the size that will be printed on the sides of the filter. It will be something like 14x25x1 or something similar. Remember to put the filter back when youre done.

Next, head to the store or look online for a replacement filter. You can get a good one for anywhere from $5 to $20 at a big-box store like Walmart or Target or at the home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowes. Your local supermarket may even carry filters in limited sizes, but the prices will often be higher here than at other places.

If youre noticing a lot of dust or other allergens in your home, it may well be worth it to pay the few extra bucks to get a filter with a higherMinimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. MERV ratings are on a scale from 1 to 16 for most residential uses.

Once youve got your new filter, youre ready to take out the old one and put in the new one. Weve got a DIY video here to guide you through the simple process.

A quality duct cleaning company will and should clean your dryer vents too, Baker says. They are also ducts!

Heres how this one works: A company calls you and says that they will be in your neighborhood next week and can clean your ducts for $25 or some other outlandishly low price.

Baker isnt buying it. This has so many issues with it just on the surface you cant even get a pizza delivered to your house for $25 for one thing that it screams SCAM!

The home fix-it expert has received these calls himself and heres what he discovered after trying to set up an appointment:

I pressed the lady [on the phone] the last time [they called] and told her I was interested. I agreed to set up an appointment, [then] asked for a number to call and after much back and forth she gave me [a bogus] 555 number. We never did hook up.

Companies that put a mold test kit in your house and hope the test results will prove that you need your ducts cleaned are likely just scaring you.

If youre told you have a mold problem by a duct-cleaning company, Baker recommends buying your own test kit at a home improvement store to independently verify what theyre saying.

But there is an additional caveat here.

Every decent mold test kit will detect mold in every house every time because there is mold in the air everywhere, unless you live in a hospital. So you cant just go by the findings of a store-bought mold test to determine if your house has a serious mold problem, Baker notes.

Mold isnt the only reason to clean your duct work though. [Ducts] do get dirty over time and can lead to having more dust in your home. Dust is just a fact of life, as everything emits dust.

RELATED: Warning: Do not buy these 3 carbon monoxide alarms

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What you don't know about air duct cleaning can hurt you ...

It may be too cold for the playground, but there are plenty of spots in NJ where kids can climb and slide all winter long. From giant mazes to wall-to-wall trampolines, check out these great places for indoor play.

Fun Force

551 Main Ave., Wallington

973-777-0767; funforcenj.com

An afternoon spent racing around a roller rink, battling it out in laser tag and flying through the air in a bounce house is just what your restless brood needs. Theres also Gaga Ball, where players duke it out in an inflatable ring, plus plenty of arcade games. Fri: 411 pm,Sat: 111 pm, Sun: 17 pm.

The Big Playhouse

316 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood

855-343-7529;thebigplayhouse.info

This out-of-the-ordinary, tech-free playground for kids six and under is all about make-believe. Kids can play chef at Caf Main, nurse animals back to health at Doctors at Main, and get their hands dirty at a pretend construction site. TuesSun: times vary.

Play Your Way

Mill Race Shopping Center

72 Hamburg Tpke., Riverdale

862-248-0410;playyourwaynj.com

This mega activity center and playground helps adventurers 16 years old improve their agility on the climbers, balance beam and in a sensory playhouse, while older kids can brave it out on a mini rock wall and an obstacle course. Tues: 11 am and WedSun: 9 am.

Elite Climbing

67 Old Kings Hwy., Maple Shade

856-273-1370; eliteclimbing.com

Your mini adrenaline junkie can spend the day zooming down the zipline, scaling up rock walls and running in races at this top-notch climbing center. No previous experience is required, so its a great intro to the sport. MonFri: 4 pm and SatSun: 12 pm.

Fun Time Junction

400 Fairfield Rd., Fairfield

973-882-9777;funtimejunction.net

Perfect for preschoolers, kids can climb around a huge jungle gym, get messy in a craft corner and take a spin on a ton of ride-on character vehicles. Theres also laser tag and plenty of carnival games for those a little older. TuesSun until 6 pm.

Pole Position Raceway

99 Caven Point Rd., Jersey City

201-333-7223;polepositionraceway.com

If your kid has a need for speed, hell love mastering the art of racing in the super popular Arrive & Drive program, where kids show up alone or in small groups and get to compete ingo-kart races that teach control, speed and endurance. There are also Junior Races for littles 4858"that teach new speedsters how to drive safely around the arena. Open MonThursat 1210 pm, Friday 12 pmmidnight, Saturday10 ammidnight and Sunday 10 am10 pm.

Wild At Play

125 River Dr., Jersey City

201-333-4244; wildatplay.com

This 2,300-square-foot jungle gym actually changes with the seasons. Its a tropical island in the summer and Olafs winter wonderland in the winter, so kids (ages 3 months12 years old) wont ever get tired of the action. Our favorite part? The STEM-focused play area, where kids can take a break from the mayhem and squeeze in some outside-the-classroom learning with educational toys, books and real, live animals. MonFri: 10 am1 pm, 36 pm,Sat: 9 am12 pm.

Jungle Gym'n Bounce

12 Minneakoning Road 104B, Flemington

908-236-7555; junglegymbounce.com

Kids big and little take their pick between dozens of gigantic inflatables (yes, that means slides, bounce houses and obstacle courses!) before sneaking in a round of laser tag or bazooka ball. FYI: There's open bounce sessions every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so it's a great way to keep your squad entertained on a rainy day.

The Jumping Jungle

10 Alvin Ct., East Brunswick

732-613-5867;jumpingjungle.com

Kids 2 and up can climb and slide on eight inflatables, play laser tag, go head-to-head in the arcade and see if they can survive the storm simulator. And no sitting on the sidelines for Mom and Dad! Adults get in on the action in the kids vs. adults laser tag games. Times and days vary.

Fun Time America

269 State Hwy. 35 N., Eatontown

732-460-0700;funtimeamerica.com

Have they gotten too old for baby rides? The newest attraction here, Grand Theft Laser Blast, puts a big kid spin on ordinary laser tag with bubble machines and special effects. Theres also the Viper Simulator, a virtual reality ride that sends passengers into 360-degree barrel rolls and a 22-foot-high rock climbing wall for kids 10 and up.MonFri: 12 pm and SatSun: 10 am.

iPlay America

110 Schanck Rd., Freehold

732-577-8200; iplayamerica.com

This gigantic space features a go-kart raceway (kids 10 and up can drive by themselves), a 6,500-square-foot outer-space-themed laser tag arena and a slew of classic boardwalk games. Who can say no to a few rounds of balloon darts and Whack-A-Mole? Dont miss iPlay After Dark on Friday nights from 7 pmmidnight, where teens get full access to unlimited rides, go-karts and laser tag, plus live music and a light show. MonFri: times vary.

House of Bounce

5100 Belmar Blvd., Wall

732-919-0999;houseofbounce.com

Looking to burn up some energy on an extra yucky winter afternoon? This 10,000-square-foot spot is packed with huge inflatables, climbers, and obstacle courses, and even has a gym where she can shoot hoops. MonSun: timesvary.

JerZJump

51 Stout Ln.,Monmouth Junction

732-438-5867; jerzjump.com

We love the just-for-toddlers room here where jumpers 3 and under can play without getting knocked around by the big kids. Theres also a 15-foot-tall jungle gym, a handful of gigantic slides and huge bounce houses for the older set.FriSun: 12 pm.

Junglerrific

600 Rike Dr., Millstone Twp.

732-577-1118;junglerrrificpartygym.com

Little climbers ages 28 can fly through the air on the trampolines, tumble on squishy inflatables and scale the highest heights on the indoor jungle gym. Big kids wont want to miss the zipline, which ends with a free fall into a giant foam sponge pit. MonFri: times vary.

The Funplex

182 Rte. 10 W., East Hanover

973-428-1166;funplexeasthanover.com

Kids take their pick from bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag and a 4-D motion theater in this 100,000-foot, everything-under-the-sun facility. Theres also MagicQuest (a gigantic, scavenger hunt game) and Wiggles and Giggles, a separate area perfect for toddlers.MonFri: 12 pm and SatSun: 10 am.

Bounce About

1 South Main St., Toms River

732-608-7108; bounceaboutlasertag.com

This brand new, underwater-themedspace is equipped with a two-story laser tag arena, basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor playground and inflatable slides for the younger set. Infants get to check outLou's Little Joey's, a soft play area for babies with an interactive discovery wall, merry go round and tug boat.

Kidnetic

2 Changebridge Rd., Montville

973-331-9001; kidneticnj.com

The three-level play structure is the biggest attraction at this fun zone designed specifically for 1-7-year-olds. Theres also a smaller toddler playground just for little hands, a ball pit and an area covered in mats of all colors and sizes. Big kids can test their skills on the rock wall and the zipline. MonFri: 9:30 am5:30 pm, Sun: 9 am11:30 am.

Billy Beez USA

Palisades Center

West Nyack

845-915-4709; billybeez.com

Get lost in Billys Rainforest, a 26,000-square-foot space that boasts dozens of safari-themed slides, bouncy trampolines and obstacle courses. Theres also a pint-sized sports court with basketball hoops, soccer nets and a Rainbow Wave Slide for races. Times vary.

Bounce! Trampoline Sports

612 Corporate Way,Valley Cottage

845-268-4000;bouncevalleycottage.com

Kids pick from two different dodgeball courts here (separated by age), practice their slam dunk on the basketball court or launch themselves into the sky on one of the trampolines. Plus, the big-kid-free Bounce Jr. Zone for the 5-and-under crowd, its own trampoline court, a foam pit and mini bounce castle. Days and times vary.

Laser Zone

Bridgewater Sports Arena

1425 Frontier Rd., Bridgewater

732-627-0006; bsaarena.com

Tons of fog and blacklight madness take modern-day capture-the-flag over the top. Adventurers five and up can play real-life Ghostbusters by hiding in the mazes nooks and crannies. Times vary.

Branchburg Sports Complex

47 Readington Rd., Branchburg

908-203-1600;branchburgsportscomplex.com

Bigger is betterespecially when it comes to play spaces. And this complex is hugeevery day, kids ages 312 explore the 82 different features (bridges, slides and tunnels) in the spots multi-level PlayMaze. And while the kids are having the time of their lives, parents can keep a watchful eye from the enclosed viewing section. Dont forget to bring the older crowdtheyll love the three indoor turf fields, four batting cages and 9,000-square-foot fantasy-themed laser tag arena. WedSun: times vary.

Laser One

Wantage Plaza Shopping Center

205 Rte. 23, Wantage

973-702-0500; laser1.us

Take his game of hide-and-seek up a notch in this 6,000-square-foot space with fog and crazy light displays. Players pick from themes like Infection, where one person starts out as patient zero and works to contaminate all of the others. Take a break between rounds with Highway 66 Bowling (a small version of the real thing), putt nine holes of mini-golf or compete in tons of arcade games (kids four and up). Mon, Thurs, Fri: 3:30 pm, SatSun: 11 am.

Kidz Village

131 South 31st St., Kenilworth

908-445-7220

The rest is here:
Best Indoor Play Places in New Jersey - NJ Family

This ultimate bedroom feng shui guide sets out 17 layout diagrams showing good and bad bedroom feng shui as well as lists out 25 feng shui rules with pictures.- Advertisement -

For over 3,000 years, Feng Shui has always been an important part of the Chinese culture. It is the practice of harmonizing the different natural elements and harnessing energy from our surroundings. This energy is known to the Chinese as Chi and is said to bring people total health and abundance.

Over the years, the teachings of Feng Shui have not only spread throughout Asia but also outside of the continent. It has been quickly adopted by the Western world, especially in interior designing. The big question is, What exactly is Feng Shui and why is it so important when you design your bedroom? If its so important, how do you get a Feng Shui bedroom anyway? Well be finding all of these out here.

Feng Shui literally means wind and water if you translate it into English. However, from a Chinese point of view, Feng Shui means flowing energy from the Heavens (wind) and flowing energy from the earth (water). Combine that energy in synergy, and youll have abundance.

In order to know why Feng Shui is used in interior design, its important to go back to the core foundation of Feng ShuiChi. Chi is the life energy that you can draw from anything, living and nonliving, on earth. Everything carries Chi whether its a tree, a lake, or a person. In order for any being to be healthy, it must have a good flow of internal Chi. Of course, this also means that our surroundings must be healthy as well. If your surroundings arent able to maximize the flow of Chi, then they may not be healthy places to stay in.

Placement is the key in keeping a good flow of Chi. So when it comes to interior designing, the way you position things in your room greatly affects the flow of Chi. If you place your bed, for example, in a place where the Chi flow is blocked, you will manifest negative energy, which may make you more prone to illnesses or bad luck. This is why many people opt to Feng Shui their houses before they move any furniture into rooms including bedrooms, living rooms and other rooms of the home.

In the above room, youll see that the bed is up against the wall but not across the entrance. Make sure that the entrance can be seen though. The best position of the entrance should be somewhere on the side position of the bed where it can be seen. This is known as the command position.

When you go to sleep after a long day at work, your head subconsciously looks for a good back support. Thus, in feng shui, the best headboards are those made from solid parawood or the upholstered ones.

If you look at this room, youll notice that there are no electronics at all. Computers, TVs, radios, and other electronics emit magnetic and electric fields. These can disturb your sleep and affect your immunity system.

Clutter is distracting. It blocks the flow of qi, thus disturbing sleep and inviting negativity to the person staying in the room. As much as possible, keep the room tidy. Its also best that you dont add furniture that you dont actually need. When it comes to feng shui in the bedroom, less is more.

In feng shui, the goal is to create a relaxing and uplifting environment. When adding artwork in the bedroom, make sure that when choosing art for the bedroom, its best that you choose options with a happy or serene theme.

In feng shui, round and oval furniture is better than those with sharp corners as they dont cut the chi that is focused on the sleeping person. In choosing a bedside table, its best that you pick those with round edges.

Symmetry is essential in feng shui. It brings balance and increases relationship chi. In this room, youll notice that there are identical bedside tables and lamps. This is the easiest way to achieve symmetry in the bedroom.

This room has a dynamic, bold, and bright atmosphere. This is exactly the effect of incorporating fire elements in your bedroom interior. Choose warm colors that will ignite passion, success, and romance such as red, orange, red-yellow, etc.

Exposure to natural light in the morning can influence serotonin levels, which will affect your mood for the rest of the day. The soft light in the evening is also good in feng shui. Windows with covering that can easily be opened, such as that in this bedroom, are advisable.

Not much can be seen in this bedroom, but weve added it to the list to highlight the scented candles. The bedroom is the best place for candles, which are the best representation of the fire element. You can position them according to their colors.

In a childs bedroom, it can get a little cluttered. However, you still have to keep it as clean as possible. The most important thing is that you dont position the bed behind the door. It should be in the commanding position. Also, dont store any electronics in the bedroom.

Table lights, overhead lights, and wall lights are good additions to the bedroom. When dimmed, they create a calming energy.

This bedroom has a decorative beam. However, youll notice that the bed is positioned so it is not directly under the center ceiling beam. In feng shui, its not good for ones relationship and health to be underneath a ceiling fan or structural beam as this cuts the chi and forces a downward pressure towards you as you sleep.

If you dont have a big space and you have to use the bedroom as your office, make sure that you use screen panels to block the view of the office when you are going to sleep.

Most paintings in the bedroom are easily positioned above the headboard. However, in this bedroom, its positioned exactly opposite the bed. In feng shui, this can improve your life energy as the art piece is the last thing you see before you sleep and the first thing that you will see when you wake up.

It is tempting to put things under the bed, especially if you are in deep need of a storage area. However, as much as possible, avoid putting things under the bed. Invest in storage cabinets instead.

In this bedroom, we want to highlight how the pieces of furniture are positioned. Youll notice that the table and cabinets have sharp corners or sharp arrows. However, none of them points towards the bed. If they do, they will create poison arrows, which can deflect chi.

When it comes to choosing the bed and the bedding, you shouldnt skimp on comfort. Feng shui always emphasizes comfort when it comes to the bedroom.

The most ideal bed is one with legs. It should elevate above the floor to let the chi circulate beneath it. This assists in creating a healing nature of rest. However, you must make sure that the bed is not too high that youre having difficulty reaching it.

An air purifier is a good addition to any bedroom. It helps clean the air and brings freshness and energy to the space.

Because feng shui puts much emphasis on the importance of plants, people tend to put one in their bedroom as well. However, this may not be the best idea. The bedroom is about healing and regeneration. This requires a soft, downward energy movement. However, a plant has an active, upward energy movement.

This room is a nightmare for feng shui experts. Mirrors are useful in making spaces look larger. However, they attract energy and direct it in the opposite way. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors, in particular, makes the subconscious mind think that the room is for activity and not for rest.

Water, in feng shui, is said to activate money and wealth. Thus, adding water elements in many parts of the house is good, but not in the bedroom. Water kills fire, which is a symbol of passion. Its presence in the bedroom can easily invite arguments.

Not only is this room cluttered, but it also has electronics all over the place. Most of the things present in the room disrupt good energy, thus preventing you to have a peaceful sleep.

Footboards are not good in feng shui. They block progress in life and should be avoided as much as possible. However, if you cant avoid having your bed face the door, the footboard is acceptable. This will serve as a block between your feet and the door.

Do you want to turn your bedroom into a Feng Shui bedroom? Then follow the tips given above. Many interior designers have always used the fundamental concepts of Feng Shui when they design roomsand with good reason. The flow of energy inside a bedroom is crucial for the health and stability of the ones who stay in it. This is why its very important to take into consideration both the type of furniture youll get for your bedroom and more importantly, the placement of the furniture. If you follow some of these best practices and things to avoid, youll be able to make a good Feng Shui bedroom where youll really feel the smooth flow of natural energy around you.

Home Stratosphere is an award-winning home and garden online publication thats a result of our talented researchers and writers who work directly with hundreds of professional interior designers, furniture designers, landscape designers and architects from around the world to create helpful, informative, entertaining and inspiring articles and design galleries.

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How to Feng Shui Your Bedroom (25 Rules with 17 Layout ...

Church architecture refers to the architecture of buildings of Christian churches. It has evolved over the two thousand years of the Christian religion, partly by innovation and partly by imitating other architectural styles as well as responding to changing beliefs, practices and local traditions. From the birth of Christianity to the present, the most significant objects of transformation for Christian architecture and design were the great churches of Byzantium, the Romanesque abbey churches, Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance basilicas with its emphasis on harmony. These large, often ornate and architecturally prestigious buildings were dominant features of the towns and countryside in which they stood. However, far more numerous were the parish churches in Christendom, the focus of Christian devotion in every town and village. While a few are counted as sublime works of architecture to equal the great cathedrals and churches, the majority developed along simpler lines, showing great regional diversity and often demonstrating local vernacular technology and decoration.

Buildings were at first from those originally intended for other purposes but, with the rise of distinctively ecclesiastical architecture, church buildings came to influence secular ones which have often imitated religious architecture. In the 20th century, the use of new materials, such as steel and concrete, has had an effect upon the design of churches. The history of church architecture divides itself into periods, and into countries or regions and by religious affiliation. The matter is complicated by the fact that buildings put up for one purpose may have been re-used for another, that new building techniques may permit changes in style and size, that changes in liturgical practice may result in the alteration of existing buildings and that a building built by one religious group may be used by a successor group with different purposes.

The simplest church building comprises a single meeting space, built of locally available material and using the same skills of construction as the local domestic buildings. Such churches are generally rectangular, but in African countries where circular dwellings are the norm, vernacular churches may be circular as well. A simple church may be built of mud brick, wattle and daub, split logs or rubble. It may be roofed with thatch, shingles, corrugated iron or banana leaves. However, church congregations, from the 4th century onwards, have sought to construct church buildings that were both permanent and aesthetically pleasing. This had led to a tradition in which congregations and local leaders have invested time, money and personal prestige into the building and decoration of churches.

Within any parish, the local church is often the oldest building and is larger than any pre-19th-century structure except perhaps a barn. The church is often built of the most durable material available, often dressed stone or brick. The requirements of liturgy have generally demanded that the church should extend beyond a single meeting room to two main spaces, one for the congregation and one in which the priest performs the rituals of the Mass. To the two-room structure is often added aisles, a tower, chapels, and vestries and sometimes transepts and mortuary chapels. The additional chambers may be part of the original plan, but in the case of a great many old churches, the building has been extended piecemeal, its various parts testifying to its long architectural history.

In the first three centuries of the Early Livia Christian Church, the practice of Christianity was illegal and few churches were constructed. In the beginning, Christians worshipped along with Jews in synagogues and in private houses. After the separation of Jews and Christians, the latter continued to worship in people's houses, known as house churches. These were often the homes of the wealthier members of the faith. Saint Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians writes: "The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord."[1]

Some domestic buildings were adapted to function as churches. One of the earliest of adapted residences is at Dura Europos church, built shortly after 200 AD, where two rooms were made into one, by removing a wall, and a dais was set up. To the right of the entrance a small room was made into a baptistry.[citation needed]

Some church buildings were specifically built as church assemblies, such as that opposite the emperor Diocletian's palace in Nicomedia. Its destruction was recorded thus:

When that day dawned, in the eighth consulship of Diocletian and seventh of Maximian, suddenly, while it was yet hardly light, the perfect, together with chief commanders, tribunes, and officers of the treasury, came to the church in Nicomedia, and the gates having been forced open, they searched everywhere for an idol of the Divinity. The books of the Holy Scriptures were found, and they were committed to the flames; the utensils and furniture of the church were abandoned to pillage: all was rapine, confusion, tumult. That church, situated on rising ground, was within view of the palace; and Diocletian and Galerius stood as if on a watchtower, disputing long whether it ought to be set on fire. The sentiment of Diocletian prevailed, who dreaded lest, so great a fire being once kindled, some part of the city might he burnt; for there were many and large buildings that surrounded the church. Then the Pretorian Guards came in battle array, with axes and other iron instruments, and having been let loose everywhere, they in a few hours leveled that very lofty edifice with the ground.[2]

From the first to the early fourth centuries most Christian communities worshipped in private homes, often secretly. Some Roman churches, such as the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, are built directly over the houses where early Christians worshipped. Other early Roman churches are built on the sites of Christian martyrdom or at the entrance to catacombs where Christians were buried.

With the victory of the Roman emperor Constantine at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, Christianity became a lawful and then the privileged religion of the Roman Empire. The faith, already spread around the Mediterranean, now expressed itself in buildings. Christian architecture was made to correspond to civic and imperial forms, and so the Basilica, a large rectangular meeting hall became general in east and west, as the model for churches, with a nave and aisles and sometimes galleries and clerestories. While civic basilicas had apses at either end, the Christian basilica usually had a single apse where the bishop and presbyters sat in a dais behind the altar. While pagan basilicas had as their focus a statue of the emperor, Christian basilicas focused on the Eucharist as the symbol of the eternal, loving and forgiving God.

The first very large Christian churches, notably Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, and Santa Costanza, were built in Rome in the early 4th century.[3][full citation needed]

The church building as we know it grew out of a number of features of the Ancient Roman period:

When Early Christian communities began to build churches they drew on one particular feature of the houses that preceded them, the atrium, or courtyard with a colonnade surrounding it. Most of these atriums have disappeared. A fine example remains at the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome and another was built in the Romanesque period at Sant'Ambrogio, Milan. The descendants of these atria may be seen in the large square cloisters that can be found beside many cathedrals, and in the huge colonnaded squares or piazza at the Basilicas of St Peter's in Rome and St Mark's in Venice and the Camposanto (Holy Field) at the Cathedral of Pisa.

Early church architecture did not draw its form from Roman temples, as the latter did not have large internal spaces where worshipping congregations could meet. It was the Roman basilica, used for meetings, markets and courts of law that provided a model for the large Christian church and that gave its name to the Christian basilica.[4]

Both Roman basilicas and Roman bath houses had at their core a large vaulted building with a high roof, braced on either side by a series of lower chambers or a wide arcaded passage. An important feature of the Roman basilica was that at either end it had a projecting exedra, or apse, a semicircular space roofed with a half-dome. This was where the magistrates sat to hold court. It passed into the church architecture of the Roman world and was adapted in different ways as a feature of cathedral architecture.[3][full citation needed]

The earliest large churches, such as the Cathedral of San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome, consisted of a single-ended basilica with one apsidal end and a courtyard, or atrium, at the other end. As Christian liturgy developed, processions became part of the proceedings. The processional door was that which led from the furthest end of the building, while the door most used by the public might be that central to one side of the building, as in a basilica of law. This is the case in many cathedrals and churches.[5][full citation needed]

As numbers of clergy increased, the small apse which contained the altar, or table upon which the sacramental bread and wine were offered in the rite of Holy Communion, was not sufficient to accommodate them. A raised dais called a bema formed part of many large basilican churches. In the case of St. Peter's Basilica and San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St Paul's outside the Walls) in Rome, this bema extended laterally beyond the main meeting hall, forming two arms so that the building took on the shape of a T with a projecting apse. From this beginning, the plan of the church developed into the so-called Latin Cross which is the shape of most Western Cathedrals and large churches. The arms of the cross are called the transept.[6][full citation needed]

One of the influences on church architecture was the mausoleum. The mausoleum of a noble Roman was a square or circular domed structure which housed a sarcophagus. The Emperor Constantine built for his daughter Costanza a mausoleum which has a circular central space surrounded by a lower ambulatory or passageway separated by a colonnade.Santa Costanza's burial place became a place of worship as well as a tomb. It is one of the earliest church buildings that was central, rather than longitudinally planned. Constantine was also responsible for the building of the circular, mausoleum-like Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which in turn influenced the plan of a number of buildings, including that constructed in Rome to house the remains of the proto-martyr Stephen, San Stefano Rotondo and the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna.

Ancient circular or polygonal churches are comparatively rare. A small number, such as the Temple Church, London were built during the Crusades in imitation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as isolated examples in England, France, and Spain. In Denmark such churches in the Romanesque style are much more numerous. In parts of Eastern Europe, there are also round tower-like churches of the Romanesque period but they are generally vernacular architecture and of small scale. Others, like St Martin's Rotunda at Visegrad, in the Czech Republic, are finely detailed.

The circular or polygonal form lent itself to those buildings within church complexes that perform a function in which it is desirable for people to stand, or sit around, with a centralized focus, rather than an axial one. In Italy, the circular or polygonal form was used throughout the medieval period for baptisteries, while in England it was adapted for chapter houses. In France, the aisled polygonal plan was adopted as the eastern terminal and in Spain, the same form is often used as a chapel.

Other than Santa Costanza and San Stefano, there was another significant place of worship in Rome that was also circular, the vast Ancient Roman Pantheon, with its numerous statue-filled niches. This too was to become a Christian church and lend its style to the development of Cathedral architecture.

Most cathedrals and great churches have a cruciform groundplan. In churches of Western European tradition, the plan is usually longitudinal, in the form of the so-called Latin Cross, with a long nave crossed by a transept. The transept may be as strongly projecting as at York Minster or not project beyond the aisles as at Amiens Cathedral.

Many of the earliest churches of Byzantium have a longitudinal plan. At Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, there is a central dome, the frame on one axis by two high semi-domes and on the other by low rectangular transept arms, the overall plan being square. This large church was to influence the building of many later churches, even into the 21st century. A square plan in which the nave, chancel and transept arms are of equal length forming a Greek cross, the crossing generally surmounted by a dome became the common form in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with many churches throughout Eastern Europe and Russia being built in this way. Churches of the Greek Cross form often have a narthex or vestibule which stretches across the front of the church. This type of plan was also to later play a part in the development of church architecture in Western Europe, most notably in Bramante's plan for St. Peter's Basilica.[3][full citation needed][6][full citation needed]

Early Christian: House Church at Dura, Syria, domestic rooms around a courtyard were adapted as a meeting place and baptistry.

The division of the Roman Empire in the fourth century AD, resulted in Christian ritual evolving in distinctly different ways in the eastern and western parts of the empire. The final break was the Great Schism of 1054.

Eastern Christianity and Western Christianity began to diverge from each other from an early date. Whereas the basilica was the most common form in the west, a more compact centralized style became predominant in the east. These churches were in origin martyria, constructed as mausoleums housing the tombs of the saints who had died during the persecutions which only fully ended with the conversion of Emperor Constantine. An important surviving example is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, which has retained its mosaic decorations. Dating from the 5th century, it may have been briefly used as an oratory before it became a mausoleum.

These buildings copied pagan tombs and were square, cruciform with shallow projecting arms or polygonal. They were roofed by domes which came to symbolize heaven. The projecting arms were sometimes roofed with domes or semi-domes that were lower and abutted the central block of the building. Byzantine churches, although centrally planned around a domed space, generally maintained a definite axis towards the apsidal chancel which generally extended further than the other apses. This projection allowed for the erection of an iconostasis, a screen on which icons are hung and which conceals the altar from the worshippers except at those points in the liturgy when its doors are opened.

The architecture of Constantinople (Istanbul) in the 6th century produced churches that effectively combined centralized and basilica plans, having semi-domes forming the axis, and arcaded galleries on either side. The church of Hagia Sophia (now a museum) was the most significant example and had an enormous influence on both later Christian and Islamic architecture, such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the Umayyad Great Mosque in Damascus. Many later Eastern Orthodox churches, particularly large ones, combine a centrally planned, domed eastern end with an aisled nave at the west.

A variant form of the centralized church was developed in Russia and came to prominence in the sixteenth century. Here the dome was replaced by a much thinner and taller hipped or conical roof which perhaps originated from the need to prevent snow from remaining on roofs. One of the finest examples of these tented churches is St. Basil's in Red Square in Moscow.

Participation in worship, which gave rise to the porch church, began to decline as the church became increasingly clericalized; with the rise of the monasteries church buildings changed as well. The 'two-room' church' became, in Europe, the norm. The first 'room', the nave, was used by the congregation; the second 'room', the sanctuary, was the preserve of the clergy and was where the Mass was celebrated. This could then only be seen from a distance by the congregation through the arch between the rooms (from late mediaeval times closed by a wooden partition, the Rood screen), and the elevation of the host, the bread of the communion, became the focus of the celebration: it was not at that time generally partaken of by the congregation. Given that the liturgy was said in Latin, the people contented themselves with their own private devotions until this point. Because of the difficulty of sight lines, some churches had holes, 'squints', cut strategically in walls and screens, through which the elevation could be seen from the nave. Again, from the twin principles that every priest must say his mass every day and that an altar could only be used once, in religious communities a number of altars were required for which space had to be found, at least within monastic churches.

Apart from changes in the liturgy, the other major influence on church architecture was in the use of new materials and the development of new techniques. In northern Europe, early churches were often built of wood, for which reason almost none survive. With the wider use of stone by the Benedictine monks, in the tenth and eleventh centuries, larger structures were erected.

The two-room church, particularly if it were an abbey or a cathedral, might acquire transepts. These were effectively arms of the cross which now made up the ground plan of the building. The buildings became more clearly symbolic of what they were intended for. Sometimes this crossing, now the central focus of the church, would be surmounted by its own tower, in addition to the west end towers, or instead of them. (Such precarious structures were known to collapse as at Ely and had to be rebuilt.) Sanctuaries, now providing for the singing of the offices by monks or canons, grew longer and became chancels, separated from the nave by a screen. Practical function and symbolism were both at work in the process of development.

Across Europe, the process by which church architecture developed and individual churches were designed and built was different in different regions, and sometimes differed from church to church in the same region and within the same historic period.

Among the factors that determined how a church was designed and built are the nature of the local community, the location in city, town or village, whether the church was an abbey church, whether the church was a collegiate church, whether the church had the patronage of a bishop, whether the church had the ongoing patronage of a wealthy family and whether the church contained relics of a saint or other holy objects that were likely to draw pilgrimage.

Collegiate churches and abbey churches, even those serving small religious communities, generally demonstrate a greater complexity of form than parochial churches in the same area and of a similar date.

Churches that have been built under the patronage of a bishop have generally employed a competent church architect and demonstrate in the design refinement of style unlike that of the parochial builder.

Many parochial churches have had the patronage of wealthy local families. The degree to which this has an effect on the architecture can differ greatly. It may entail the design and construction of the entire building having been financed and influenced by a particular patron. On the other hand, the evidence of patronage may be apparent only in accretion of chantry chapels, tombs, memorials, fittings, stained glass, and other decorations.

Churches that contain famous relics or objects of veneration and have thus become pilgrimage churches are often very large and have been elevated to the status of basilica. However, many other churches enshrine the bodies or are associated with the lives of particular saints without having attracted continuing pilgrimage and the financial benefit that it brought.

The popularity of saints, the veneration of their relics, and the size and importance of the church built to honor them are without consistency and can be dependent upon entirely different factors. Two virtually unknown warrior saints, San Giovanni and San Paolo, are honoured by one of the largest churches in Venice, built by the Dominican Friars in competition to the Franciscans who were building the Frari Church at the same time. The much smaller church that contained the body of Saint Lucy, a martyr venerated by Catholics and Protestants across the world and the titular saint of numerous locations, was demolished in the late 19th century to make way for Venices railway station.

The first truly baroque faade was built in Rome between 1568 and 1584 for the Church of the Ges, the mother church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It introduced the baroque style into architecture. Corresponding with the Society's theological task as the spearhead of the Counter-Reformation, the new style soon became a triumphant feature in Catholic church architecture.

After the second world war, modern materials and techniques such as concrete and metal panels were introduced in Norwegian church construction. Bod Cathedral for instance was built in reinforced concrete allowing a wide basilica to be built. During the 1960s there was a more pronounced break from tradition as in the Arctic Cathedral built in lightweight concrete and covered in aluminum sidings.

In Norway, church architecture has been affected by wood as the preferred material, particularly in sparsely populated areas. Churches built until the second world war are about 90% wooden except medieval constructions.[7][pageneeded] During the Middle Ages all wooden churches in Norway (about 1000 in total) were constructed in the stave church technique, but only 271 masonry constructions.[8] After the Protestant reformation when the construction of new (or replacement of old) churches was resumed, wood was still the dominant material but the log technique became dominant.[9] The log construction gave a lower more sturdy style of building compared to the light and often tall stave churches. Log construction became structurally unstable for long and tall walls, particularly if cut through by tall windows. Adding transepts improved the stability of the log technique and is one reason why the cruciform floor plan was widely used during 1600 and 1700s. For instance the Old Olden Church (1759) replaced a building damaged by hurricane, the 1759 church was then constructed in cruciform shape to make it withstand the strongest winds.[10] The length of trees (logs) also determined the length of walls according to Sther.[11] In Samnanger church for instance, outside corners have been cut to avoid splicing logs, the result is an octagonal floor plan rather than rectangular.[12] The cruciform constructions provided a more rigid structure and larger churches, but view to the pulpit and altar was obstructed by interior corners for seats in the transept. The octagonal floor plan offers good visibility as well as a rigid structure allowing a relatively wide nave to be constructed - Hkon Christie believes that this is a reason why the octagonal church design became popular during the 1700s.[9] Vreim believes that the introduction of log technique after the reformation resulted in a multitude of church designs in Norway.[13][pageneeded]

In Ukraine, wood church constructions originate from the introduction of Christianity and continued to be widespread, particularly in rural areas, when masonry churches dominated in cities and in Western Europe.[citation needed]

Church architecture varies depending on both the sect of the faith, as well as the geographical location and the influences acting upon it. Variances from the typical church architecture as well as unique characteristics can be seen in many areas around the globe.

The split between Eastern and Western Church Architecture extended its influence into the churches we see in America today as well. America's churches are an amalgamation of the many styles and cultures that collided here, examples being St. Constantine, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Polish Cathedral style churches, and Russian Orthodox churches, found all across the country.[14] There are remnants of the Byzantine inspired architecture in many of the churches, such as the large domed ceilings, extensive stonework, and a maximizing of space to be used for religious iconography on walls and such.[14] Churches classified as Ukrainian or Catholic also seem to follow the trend of being overall much more elaborately decorated and accentuated than their Protestant counterparts, in which decoration is simple.[14]

Specifically in Texas, there are remnants of the Anglo-American colonization that are visible in the architecture itself.[15] Texas in itself was a religious hotbed, and so ecclesiastical architecture developed at a faster pace than in other areas. Looking at the Antebellum period, (18351861) Church architecture shows the values and personal beliefs of the architects who created them, while also showcasing Texan cultural history.[15] Both the Catholic and Protestant buildings showed things such as the architectural traditions, economic circumstances, religious ordinances, and aesthetic tastes[15] of those involved. The movement to keep ethnicities segregated during this time was also present in the very foundations of this architecture. Their physical appearances vary wildly from area to area though, as each served its own local purpose, and as mentioned before, due to the multitude of religious groups, each held a different set of beliefs.[15]

The history of England's churches is extensive, their style has gone through many changes and has had numerous influences such as 'geographical, geological, climatic, religious, social and historical, shape it.[16] One of the earliest style changes is shown in the Abbey Church of Westminster, which was built in a foreign style and was a cause for concern for many as it heralded change.[16] A second example is St Paul's Cathedral, which was one of the earliest Protestant Cathedrals in England. There are many other notable churches that have each had their own influence on the ever-changing style in England, such as Truro, Westminster Cathedral, Liverpool and Guildford.[16] Between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the style of church architecture could be called 'Early English' and 'Decorated'. This time is considered to be when England was in its prime in the category of a church building. It was after the Black Death that the style went through another change, the 'perpendicular style', where ornamentation became more extravagant.[16]

An architectural element that appeared soon after the Black Death style change and is observed extensively in Medieval English styles is fan vaulting, seen in the Chapel of Henry VII and the King's College Chapel in Cambridge.[16] After this, the prevalent style was Gothic for around 300 years but the style was clearly present for many years before that as well. In these late Gothic times, there was a specific way in which the foundations for the churches were built. First, a stone skeleton would be built, then the spaces between the vertical supports filled with large glass windows, then those windows supported by their own transoms and mullions.[16] On the topic of church windows, the windows are somewhat controversial as some argue that the church should be flooded with light and some argue that they should be dim for an ideal praying environment.[16] Most church plans in England have their roots in one of two styles, Basilican and Celtic and then we see the later emergence of a 'two-cell' plan, consisting of nave and sanctuary.[16]

In the time before the last war, there was a movement towards a new style of architecture, one that was more functional than embellished.[16] There was an increased use of steel and concrete and a rebellion against the romantic nature of the traditional style. This resulted in a 'battle of the styles'[16] in which one side was leaning towards the modernist, functional way of design, and the other was following traditional Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles,[16] as reflected in the architecture of all buildings, not just churches.

In the early Romanian territory of Wallachia, there were three major influences that can be seen. The first are the western influences of Gothic and Romanesque styles,[17] before later falling to the greater influence of the Byzantine styles. The early western influences can be seen in two places, the first is a church in Cmpulung, that showcases distinctly Romanesque styles, and the second are the remnants of a church in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, which has features of the Gothic style.[17] There are not many remaining examples of those two styles, but the Byzantine influence is much more prominent. A few prime examples of the direct Byzantine influence are the St. Nicoara and Domneasca in Curtea de Arges, and church at Nicopolis in Bulgaria. These all show the characteristic features such as sanctuaries, rectangular naves, circular interiors with non-circular exteriors, and small chapels.[17] The Nicopolis church and the Domneasca both have Greek-inspired plans, but the Domneasca is far more developed than the Nicopolis church. Alongside these are also traces of Serbian, Georgian, and Armenian influences that found their way to Wallachia through Serbia.[17]

Gothic-era architecture, originating in 12th-century France, is a style where curves, arches, and complex geometry are highly emphasized. These intricate structures, often of immense size, required great amounts of planning, effort and resources; involved large numbers of engineers and laborers; and often took hundreds of years to completeall of which was considered a tribute to God.

The characteristics of a Gothic-style church are largely in congruence with the ideology that the more breathtaking a church is, the better it reflects the majesty of God. This was accomplished through clever math and engineering. In a time period where complex shapes, especially in huge cathedrals, were not typically found in structures. Through this newly implemented skill of being able to design complex shapes churches consisted of namely pointed arches, curved lights and windows, and rib vaults.[18][19] Since these newly popular designs were implemented with respect to the width of the church rather than height, width was much more desired rather than height.[20]

Gothic architecture in churches had a heavy emphasis on art. Just like the structure of the building, there was an emphasis on complex geometric shapes. An example of this is stained glass windows, which can still be found in modern churches. Stained glass windows were both artistic and functional in the way that they allowed colored light to enter the church and create a heavenly atmosphere.[21] Other popular art styles in the Gothic era were sculptures. Creating lifelike depictions of figures, again with the use of complex curves and shapes. Artists would include a high level of detail to best preserve and represent their subject.[22]

The Gothic era, first referred to by historiographer Giorgio Vasari,[18] began in northeastern France and slowly spread throughout Europe. It was perhaps most characteristically expressed in the Rayonnant style, originating in the 13th century, known for its exaggerated geometrical features that made everything as astounding and eye-catching as possible. Gothic churches were often highly decorated, with geometrical features applied to already complex structural forms.[20] By the time the Gothic period neared its close, its influence had spread to residences, guild halls, and public and government buildings.

Although having its roots in the traditions of Eastern Christianity especially the Syrian church as well as later being exposed to European influences the traditional architectural style of Ethiopian Orthodox churches has followed a path all its own. The earliest known churches show the familiar basilican layout. For example, the church of Debre Damo is organized around a nave of four bays separated by re-used monolithic columns; at the western end is a low-roofed narthex, while on the eastern is the maqdas, or Holy of Holies, separated by the only arch in the building.[23]

The next period, beginning in the second half of the first millennium AD and lasting into the 16th century, includes both structures built of conventional materials, and those hewn from rock. Although most surviving examples of the first are now found in caves, Thomas Pakenham discovered an example in Wollo, protected inside the circular walls of later construction.[24] An example of these built-up churches would be the church of Yemrehana Krestos, which has many resemblances to the church of Debre Damo both in plan and construction.[25]

The other style of this period, perhaps the most famous architectural tradition of Ethiopia, are the numerous monolithic churches. This includes houses of worship carved out of the side of mountains, such as Abreha we Atsbeha, which although approximately square the nave and transepts combine to form a cruciform outline leading experts to categorize Abreha we Atsbeha as an example of cross-in-square churches. Then there are the churches of Lalibela, which were created by excavating into "a hillside of soft, reddish tuff, variable in hardness and composition". Some of the churches, such as Bete Ammanuel and the cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis, are entirely free-standing with the volcanic tuff removed from all sides, while other churches, such as Bete Gabriel-Rufael and Bete Abba Libanos, are only detached from the living rock on one or two sides. All of the churches are accessed through a labyrinth of tunnels.[26]

The final period of Ethiopian church architecture, which extends to the present day, is characterized by round churches with conical roofs quite similar to the ordinary houses the inhabitants of the Ethiopian highlands live in. Despite this resemblance, the interiors are quite different in how their rooms are laid out, based on a three-part division of:

In the early 16th century, the Reformation brought a period of radical change to church design. On Christmas Day 1521, Andreas Karlstadt performed the first reformed communion service. In early January 1522, the Wittenberg city council authorized the removal of imagery from churches and affirmed the changes introduced by Karlstadt on Christmas. According to the ideals of the Protestant Reformation, the spoken word, the sermon, should be central act in the church service. This implied that the pulpit became the focal point of the church interior and that churches should be designed to allow all to hear and see the minister.[28][pageneeded] Pulpits had always been a feature of Western churches. The birth of Protestantism led to extensive changes in the way that Christianity was practiced (and hence the design of churches).

During the Reformation period, there was an emphasis on "full and active participation". The focus of Protestant churches was on the preaching of the Word, rather than a sacerdotal emphasis. Holy Communion tables became wood to emphasise that Christ's sacrifice was made once for all and were made more immediate to the congregation to emphasise man's direct access to God through Christ. Therefore catholic churches were redecorated when they became reformed: Paintings and statues of saints were removed and sometimes the altar table was placed in front of the pulpit, as in Strasbourg Cathedral in 1524. The pews were turned towards the pulpit. Wooden galleries were built to allow more worshippers to follow the sermon.

The first newly built protestant church was the court chapel of Neuburg Castle in 1543, followed by the court chapel of Hartenfels Castle in Torgau, consecrated by Martin Luther on 5 October 1544.

Images and statues were sometimes removed in disorderly attacks and unofficial mob actions (in the Netherlands called the Beeldenstorm). Medieval churches were stripped of their decorations, such as the Grossmnster in Zrich in 1524, a stance enhanced by the Calvinist reformation, beginning with its main church, St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, in 1535. At the Peace of Augsburg of 1555, which ended a period of armed conflict between Roman Catholic and Protestant forces within the Holy Roman Empire, the rulers of the German-speaking states and Charles V, the Habsburg Emperor, agreed to accept the principle Cuius regio, eius religio, meaning that the religion of the ruler was to dictate the religion of those ruled.

In the Netherlands the Reformed church in Willemstad, North Brabant was built in 1607 as the first Protestant church building in the Netherlands, a domed church with an octagonal shape, according to Calvinism's focus on the sermon.[29] The Westerkerk of Amsterdam was built between 1620 and 1631 in Renaissance style and remains the largest church in the Netherlands that was built for Protestants.

By the beginning of the 17th century, in spite of the cuius regio principle, the majority of the peoples in the Habsburg Monarchy had become protestant, sparking the Counter-Reformation by the Habsburg emperors which resulted in the Thirty Years' War in 1618. In the Peace of Westphalia treaties of 1648 which ended the war, the Habsburgs were obliged to tolerate three protestant churches in their province of Silesia, where the counter-reformation had not been completely successful, as in Austria, Bohemia and Hungary, and about half of the population still remained protestant. However, the government ordered these three churches to be located outside the towns, not to be recognisable as churches, they had to be wooden structures, to look like barns or residential houses, and they were not allowed to have towers or bells. The construction had to be accomplished within a year. Accordingly, the protestants built their three Churches of Peace, huge enough to give space for more than 5,000 people each. When Protestant troops under Swedish leadership again threatened to invade the Habsburg territories during the Great Northern War, the Habsburgs were forced to allow more protestant churches within their empire with the Treaty of Altranstdt (1707), however limiting these with similar requirements, the so-called Gnadenkirchen (Churches of Grace). They were mostly smaller wooden structures.

In Britain during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, it became usual for Anglican churches to display the Royal Arms inside, either as a painting or as a relief, to symbolise the monarch's role as head of the church.[30]

During the 17th and 18th centuries protestant churches were built in the baroque style that originated in Italy, however consciously more simply decorated. Some could still become fairly grand, for instance the Katarina Church, Stockholm, St. Michael's Church, Hamburg or the Dresden Frauenkirche, built between 1726 and 1743 as a sign of the will of the citizen to remain Protestant after their ruler had converted to Catholicism.

Some churches were built with a new and genuinely Protestant alignment: the transept became the main church while the nave was omitted, for instance at the Ludwigskirche in Saarbrcken; this building scheme was also quite popular in Switzerland, with the largest being the churches of Wdenswil (1767) and Horgen (1782). A new protestant interior design scheme was established in many German Lutheran churches during the 18th century, following the example of the court chapel of Wilhelmsburg Castle of 1590: The connection of altar with baptismal font, pulpit and organ in a vertical axis. The central painting above the altar was replaced with the pulpit.

Neo-Lutheranism in the early 19th century criticized this scheme as being too profane. The German Evangelical Church Conference therefore recommended the Gothic language of forms for church building in 1861. Gothic Revival architecture began its triumphal march. With regard to protestant churches it was not only an expression of historism, but also of a new theological programme which put the Lord's supper above the sermon again. Two decades later liberal Lutherans and Calvinists expressed their wish for a new genuinely protestant church architecture, conceived on the basis of liturgical requirements. The spaces for altar and worshippers should no longer be separated from each other. Accordingly, churches should not only give space for service, but also for social activities of the parish. Churches were to be seen as meeting houses for the celebrating faithful. The Ringkirche in Wiesbaden was the first church realised according to this ideology in 1892-94. The unity of the parish was expressed by an architecture that united the pulpit and the altar in its circle, following early Calvinist tradition.

The idea that worship was a corporate activity and that the congregation should be in no way excluded from sight or participation derives from the Liturgical Movement. Simple one-room plans are almost of the essence of modernity in architecture. In France and Germany between the first and second World Wars, some of the major developments took place. The church at Le Raincy near Paris by Auguste Perret is cited as the starting point of process, not only for its plan but also for the materials used, reinforced concrete. More central to the development of the process was Schloss Rothenfels-am-Main in Germany which was remodelled in 1928. Rudolf Schwartz, its architect, was hugely influential on later church building, not only on the continent of Europe but also in the United States of America. Schloss Rothenfels was a large rectangular space, with solid white walls, deep windows and a stone pavement. It had no decoration. The only furniture consisted of a hundred little black cuboid moveable stools. For worship, an altar was set up and the faithful surrounded it on three sides.

Corpus Christi in Aachen was Schwartz's first parish church and adheres to the same principles, very much reminiscent of the Bauhaus movement of art. Externally it is a plan cube; the interior has white walls and colourless windows, a langbau i.e. a narrow rectangle at the end of which is the altar. It was to be, said Schwartz not 'christocentric' but 'theocentric'. In front of the altar were simple benches. Behind the altar was a great white void of a back wall, signifying the region of the invisible Father. The influence of this simplicity spread to Switzerland with such architects as Fritz Metzger and Dominikus Bhm.

After the Second World War, Metzger continued to develop his ideas, notably with the church of St. Franscus at Basel-Richen. Another notable building is Notre Dame du Haut at Ronchamp by Le Corbusier (1954). Similar principles of simplicity and continuity of style throughout can be found in the United States, in particular at the Roman Catholic Abbey church of St. Procopius, in Lisle, near Chicago (1971).

A theological principle which resulted in change was the decree Sacrosanctum Concilium of the Second Vatican Council issued in December 1963. This encouraged 'active participation' (in Latin: participatio actuosa) by the faithful in the celebration of the liturgy by the people and required that new churches should be built with this in mind (para 124) Subsequently, rubrics and instructions encouraged the use of a freestanding altar allowing the priest to face the people. The effect of these changes can be seen in such churches as the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedrals of Liverpool and the Braslia, both circular buildings with a free-standing altar.

Different principles and practical pressures produced other changes. Parish churches were inevitably built more modestly. Often shortage of finances, as well as a 'market place' theology suggested the building of multi-purpose churches, in which secular and sacred events might take place in the same space at different times. Again, the emphasis on the unity of the liturgical action, was countered by a return to the idea of movement. Three spaces, one for the baptism, one for the liturgy of the word and one for the celebration of the Eucharist with a congregation standing around an altar, were promoted by Richard Giles in England and the United States. The congregation were to process from one place to another. Such arrangements were less appropriate for large congregations than for small; for the former, proscenium arch arrangements with huge amphitheatres such as at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago in the United States have been one answer.

As with other Postmodern movements, the Postmodern movement in architecture formed in reaction to the ideals of modernism as a response to the perceived blandness, hostility, and utopianism of the Modern movement. While rare in designs of church architecture, there are nonetheless some notable examples as architects have begun to recover and renew historical styles and "cultural memory" of Christian architecture. Notable practitioners include Dr. Steven Schloeder, Duncan Stroik, and Thomas Gordon Smith.

The functional and formalized shapes and spaces of the modernist movement are replaced by unapologetically diverse aesthetics: styles collide, form is adopted for its own sake, and new ways of viewing familiar styles and space abound. Perhaps most obviously, architects rediscovered the expressive and symbolic value of architectural elements and forms that had evolved through centuries of buildingoften maintaining meaning in literature, poetry and artbut which had been abandoned by the modern movement. Church buildings in Nigeria evolved from its foreign monument look of old to the contemporary design which makes it look like a factory.[31]

Santa Mara, Cambre, Galicia, Spain

San Pedro de Dozn, Spain

St Gregory the Great, Kirknewton, Scotland

Wooroolin Church, Queensland, Australia

Collegiate Church of St Vitus

San Bartolo, San Gimignano

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria

Sant'Agostino, San Gimignano, Tuscany

St Martin's in the Fields, London

Presbyterian church, Washington, Georgia, 1826

Rococo choir of Church of Saint-Sulpice, Fougres, Brittany, 16th 18th century

Saint John the Baptist of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France

Romanesque interior, Schngrabern, Austria

St Bartholomew-the-Great, London

Interior of a Medieval Welsh church c.1910

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