Symbolic forms in Church architecture: a case study of Saint Augustine Catholic Church Ikorodu, Lagos State

Abstract

A religious building is nothing less than the symbolic representation of the tradition, values, culture and creativity levels of the special territory in which it stands. Each type of church architecture may have different symbolic qualities, but every church building transmits some symbolic messages. Human beings provide meanings to the images that are received from objects by their symbolic minds. The study examined architectural spaces in Saint Augustine Catholic Church Ikorodu, in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State Nigeria enacting from the perspective of indigenous form, art and symbols. It demonstrates the integration of cultural heritage, traditional forms, material availability, arts and symbols into the architecture of Catholic Church. The study is an historical, explanatory, qualitative using the methods of observation and focused interviews. The Church architecture illustrates how influences from indigenous and local forms and symbols have been incorporated in sacred spaces in the Catholic Church. The study expounded knowledge for the clergy and the institution of religion bodies and the enlightenment of academic expository. KEY WORDS: Catholic Church, Church Architecture, Culture, Ikorodu, Symbols.