Multifunctionality and Ecumenism in Post-War British Church Architecture: Two Projects by Martin Purdy

• Published in: Histories of Postwar Architecture
• Main Author: Lorenzo Grieco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Bologna 2025-04-01
• Subjects: britain; liturgy and architecture; multi-purpose church; martin purdy; ecumenism
• Online Access: https://hpa.unibo.it/article/view/19673

In the period following the Second World War, both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England underwent profound transformations, driven by the influence of the Liturgical Movement. Within the Church of England, the reflection of these innovations is evident in the architectural projects of post-war Anglican parish churches, which serve as crucial environments for community engagement. In particular, this text summarises the context that led Anglican churches to a greater active involvement of the community in the rites, with significant effects on the sacred layout functional to the liturgy. It will then consider the specific urban context of the New Towns and suburbs where new churches have played a fundamental social role through the acquisition of extra-liturgical functions in parish centres and dual-use churches. The integration of various functions within the same building leads to the “multi-purpose church,” exemplified by the case of SS Philip and James in Hodge Hill, Birmingham, designed in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of Worship and Religious Architecture of Birmingham University. Finally, the ecumenical centre in Skelmersdale, designed by APEC, embodies the idea of concentrating not only different functions but also different denominational communities within a single building, sharing the same spaces for worship. For such structures, the character of inclusivity and spatial flexibility becomes a design criterion, aimed at engaging believers of all faiths in their daily activities and establishing a community identity through the new worship facilities.