Role of building owners in shaping the design of newly constructed churches

• Elena V. Ponomarenko Scientific Research Institute of Theory and History of Architecture and Urban Planning, branch of the Central Institute for Research and Design of the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation; Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Abstract

The research objective is to reveal the role of building owners in shaping the design of newly constructed churches. The key approach was historical architectural analysis and integration of data from archives and field surveys. As a result, modern types of religious building owners are classified; the legal framework providing for public involvement in church building is examined. In conclusion, it is a peculiar characteristic of the modern South Urals architecture that the potent grassroots aspiration to revive the genius loci, deep-rooted ethnic traditions and culture, comes into conflict with insufficient professional expertise and experience.