Religious architecture is a typology where the traditional and the contemporary can easily clash, but it is possible to create harmony between the two, as seen in the Faith & Form/IFRAA Awards. The annual awards program not only showcases a glimpse of the wide range of religious architecture around the globe, it also poses the question of how architects can rethink a sacred congregational space that is suitable for the evolving state of present-day religious practice.

According to Faith & Form editor-in-chief Michael J. Crosbie, the jury of the latest edition of the Awards -- Terry Byrd Eason (liturgical designer, jury chair); Michael Berkowicz (artist); Craig Rafferty (architect); Doug Johnston (architect); and Rev. Robb Webb (clergy) --  were most impressed with the diversity of architectural styles and overall sophistication of the 134 submissions, regardless if they were small or large, modest or opulent.

Compared to 19 winners last year, a total of 32 projects were awarded this time around in the categories of Religious Architecture, Liturgical/Interior Design, Sacred Landscape, and Religious Arts. Although the 134 entries were described as diverse, most of the winning projects were Christian churches. Other awarded projects included a mosque, a synagogue and a few quiet indoor and outdoor spaces for prayer and meditation.

Pictured below are the five Honor-winning projects:

Religious Architecture - New Facilities - Honor: KAPSARC Community Mosque, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by HOK.

Religious Architecture - New Facilities - Honor: Boa Nova Church, Estoril, Portugal by Roseta Vaz Monteiro Arquitectos.

Religious Architecture - Renovation - Honor: First Presbyterian Church of Burbank, Burbank, California by domusstudio architecture.

Religious Architecture - Restoration - Honor: Church of St. Gregory the Great, Portsmouth, Rhode Island by Northeast Collaborative Architects.

Cover image: Religious Architecture - New Facilities - Honor: St. Ignatius Chapel at the Georgetown University, Bluemont, Virginia by Dynerman Architects, PC