Mystery and Matter: On the Relationship Between Liturgy and Architecture in the Thought of Dom Hans Van Der Laan OSB (1904-1991)

Most of the scholarship regarding the Dutch monk and architect Dom Hans van der Laan OSB (1904-1991) has been narrowly focused on his architectural theory and projects. The liturgical and theological dimensions have been virtually neglected, though they are vital for a proper understanding of his thought. Through a thorough reading of the original sources, including previously unexplored documents from various archives, this book takes an interdisciplinary approach to Van der Laan's theory. It brings together the different aspects of his work by studying both the liturgical-theological and architectural elements. On this basis the book offers a synthesis of the way in which Van der Laan was able to link earthly matter to the divine Mystery.