In this week's comments update, readers are discussing a selection of brutalist and modernist churches captured by photographer Jamie McGregor Smith in his book Sacred Modernity.
With 139 photographs of 100 churches, McGregor Smith created the book to showcase the sculptural and unique forms of some of the churches built across Europe in the post-war period.
Sacred Modernity showcases "unique beauty and architectural innovation" of brutalist churches
"Powerful demonstration of architecture at its best"
Readers were divided in their reactions.
"Awesome," wrote JZ. "When the church leads with adventurous designs, rather than cheap regurgitation, you get powerful, inspirational results."
"Some really fantastically sculptural buildings with awe-inspiring and exciting interior spaces," agreed Alfred Hitchcock. "Architects and engineers working in harmony (before we start worrying about the carbon emissions from the concrete production!)" they added. Puzzello, meanwhile, felt it was a "powerful demonstration of architecture at its best."
Other readers weren't quite so convinced. "Yikes, I'll stick with my local All Saints Church ? centuries old and handsome as ever," wrote disapproving commenter Mr J.
For Jack Woodburn, the designs evoked "end of times/Armageddon informed bunkers."
Commenter The Truth expressed their aversion to the "drab, heavy, grim and inelegant interiors" befo...