(now
BUILT
ENVIRONMENT AND BIBLICAL THEOLOGY
MAKING
CONNECTIONS: DISCERNING RELATIONSHIPS
MICHAEL POWELL
Doctor of Philosophy February 2003
ABSTRACT
The aim of this thesis is to relate `Biblical Theology'
to `Built Environment' using specific biblical texts and built environment
locations and by means of `picture' and `disclosure' models.
Built Environments are viewed at one level as everyday
building activity and at a deeper level as embodiments of ideas and values,
mirrors to human life. Similarly, at one level Biblical Theology is simply the
text of the Bible, while at a deeper level it is what is revealed by a complex
text built up over time and through experience. interpreted in the
contemporary world to give deep and archetypal insights into life.
Two specific built environments, the Borough of
Chelmsford in the
Sydney Opera House ads as both a `picture' model
envisaging different Sections of the thesis as different parts of the building
and as a 'disclosure' model.
The 'disclosure' model is based on the fact that all
the sail-like parts of Sydney Opera House are derived from a single sphere. It
demonstrates coherence and unity between ten sets of Built Environment and
Biblical Theology materials. Five sets travel from Biblical Theology to Built
Environment and five from Built Environment to Biblical Theology.
This dynamic travel is conceptualised through viewing
the single sphere, not as concrete, but as light emanating from the centre
point and reaching the surface of the sphere. The centre is seen as Biblical
Theology and the surface as Built Environment. Between the two. centrifugal
and centripetal forces operate.
Following this detailed work with the `disclosure'
model, the thesis returns to the 'picture' model. In the penultimate Section,
a wide-ranging, imaginative set of discussions is opened up, which engage with
the mainly human aspects of the materials .
In the final Section, a perspective is taken offshore
from Sydney Opera House. This reviews the complex research process undertaken,
draws attention to principal discoveries made, particularly those concerning
the interaction of materials with models, and reflects on the potential of the
work in terms of usefulness, generalisability and contribution to knowledge.
It argues that methodology and process have combined with the richness of the
materials employed and the potential of the work, to constitute a revelatory
and original thesis.