With 14 contributions by international scholars, the colloquium “Built Ritual Space” (22-23 October 2021) dealt with the role of built and roofed, i.e. enclosed, cult buildings in the urban context. Organized by Philipp Kobusch in the framework of the Subcluser Urban ROOTS activities (link), the colloquium placed a particular focus on the interaction between the sacred places and the surrounding urban space.

The participants addressed four different aspects in this context. Contributions addressed spatial design, which determines the forms and degree of interaction. In the second session, the role of the perception of the different areas in this context was discussed. Focusing on specific (ritual) practices that link the two spaces in a concrete way, the connection of the areas via action was thematised. In a fourth topic, contributions emphasised the significance that can be attributed to individual objects and their integration into contexts of action.

Although the architectural structure of cult buildings usually accentuates their isolation and autonomy, the colloquium was able to show that such places nevertheless function as a decisive culmination point for urban agency and perception for many social and ritual processes and practices within the city.

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The programme of the colloquium can be seen here
The proceedings of the interdisciplinary colloquium will appear in the ROOTS Studies series.