The architectural dimension of ritual in the Lima churches of the 20th century. Case studies

Abstract

This article presents the main achievements of the master's thesis of the same title (1), and answers the question: How do they affect the spatial, functional and perceptual structures in the Lima churches of the 20th century, in the self-referential messages relating both to the hierarchy among the participants as to the exclusivity of their movements in the ritual of the Mass?

This article also presents a methodological exercise to make easier the spatial comprehension of the ritual of the Mass in Catholic churches. Qualify, quantify, evaluate, and interpret spatial, functional and perceptual operative dimensions of Lima churches of the 20th century have been the objectives of this research, but the boldest intent, was to propose operational definitions and quantitative measurements of the perceptual aspects.