Religion and Architecture: Designing a temple of Candomble in Salvador Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

My thesis aims to create a place of worship for the people of the neighborhood of Plataforma, located in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. Candomble was introduced to Brazil during times of slavery and is the root of Afro-Brazilian culture. In the chaotic world of favelas (Portuguese for slums) the religion of Candomble brings people together and gives order to the community. The neighborhood's current temple also functions as the local priest's home. As an area of low socioeconomic status, Plataforma has been neglected, and so has its temple. My design seeks to honor the importance of religion in this area of Brazil by using sacred architecture to create a structure that is culturally and religiously sensitive. Construction of the temple mimics the natural architecture of the favelas, and the materials used for the site can be found in the area. My hope for this project is to work in collaboration with the non-profit organization Axis Mundi, to raise the funds and support necessary to build this temple for the community of Plataforma.