analog kansas
Mormon Temple
Posted by grant (kansas city, United States) on 1 April 2009 in Architecture and Portfolio.
Independence, Missouri
Fuji GS645
Tmax 100
cat from Tel Aviv, Israel
What a very unusual design - although I have no idea whether this is typical of a Mormon temple... It looks very futuristic and space-agey, as if a giant has twisted a metal tube to create this steeple. It looks enormous too, because of the row of footsteps leading up to it.
1 Apr 2009 7:47am
@cat: i have no idea if this is typical. as far as i know, this is the only one i've ever seen. to me it feels a bit scary.
Sidney from Manila, Philippines
Wow ! I like that architecture... very special and unusual... to be honest I never saw something like that !
1 Apr 2009 9:20am
Stovepipe from Ames, Iowa, United States
Beautifully made, with that lonely set of footprints leading into the spire and thence to a lovely sky.
1 Apr 2009 11:02am
rhys from United Kingdom
like a twisted funnel, inspired by twisters maybe? reminds me of that wooden scandinavian church whos name espcapes me. Its a cool shot Grant, cool in the minimalism sense. nice.
1 Apr 2009 11:12am
daina from New York, United States
What a monstrosity! In no way, to my mind, does it resemble Russian or Scandinavian churches which have such humanity built into them. This looks like something out of a science fiction movie from 1950. But it is a marvelous photo and accentuates all of the grandiose ugliness built into this building. The footsteps look more like a cat’s than a persons and give one an idea of scale and how large this building is. The sky is perfect as are the shadows and angles for this moody and imposing image.
1 Apr 2009 2:07pm
@daina: yes, it's a very strange feeling coming upon this place. it seems to pop up out of nowhere. this shot is more typical of the neighborhood:
http://gbephotography.aminus3.com/image/2009-01-17.html
as i mentioned to cat, i find it scary looking. howard's comment, above, seems on target too.
don from Spokane, United States
This is so different from the few Mormon temples I've seen. I'm used to Moroni being on the top!
I can't say that I like the twisted swirl of the steeple. I'd be interesting in the history and decisions in the church to accept this unusual design. Fine shot of it, by the way.
1 Apr 2009 3:51pm
@don: thanks don. it sounds like you know more about this than i do. i tried a few google searches to find some information. i must say, i didn't try too hard, but i was surprised that more information wasn't easily available.
dogilicious from Millerstown, PA, United States
It almost looks superimposed on that sky. Great sharpness.
1 Apr 2009 7:09pm
Howard F. from South Pasadena, Calif., United States
This is not a temple, this is a borg ship. My gosh, it is a grand building. Great contrast and perspective. I really like the gray tones on the building, having sort of this spinning motion to it (like a space ship). Nice shot. Those footprints are funny to, people following the signal to this beacon building :)
1 Apr 2009 9:24pm
@Howard F.: i'm not quite sure what a borg ship is, but i think i get the idea - it fits for me! thanks howard.
shallowregret from Kongsberg, Norway
this is beautiful bw work, love the footsteps
1 Apr 2009 10:07pm
Chris Parr from Jefferson City, United States
I got a good laugh out of Howard F.'s opening observation. That pretty much nails it. I love the footprints...a touch of humanity for a structure from somewhere else.
1 Apr 2009 10:30pm
Marcie from United States
Altho I can't say I like the building (architecturally)..I do like the way you've framed and captured this. The contrasting lights and darks of the spiral are terrific!!!
1 Apr 2009 10:59pm
Polydactyle from Montreal, Canada
You found the tower of Babel? Superb architecture and mood!
1 Apr 2009 11:08pm
@Polydactyle: in the heart of usa!
observing from North West, United Kingdom
Excellent frame filling image, but that strange spire looks hideous. The angled shadow on the snow is good.
1 Apr 2009 11:37pm
ordinaryimages from Kentucky Bluegrass, United States
Wonderful composition! The foot prints offer a touch of humanity. best...jerry
2 Apr 2009 2:40am
Bill from Belton, United States
A very strange and imposing building which you have captured with perfection Grant! The image is technically perfect in every respect.
2 Apr 2009 3:21am
@Bill: thanks bill
Annie Viguié from Bordeaux, France
This sky and this light are very wonderful ! Surprising architecture very well highlighted by your photo !
2 Apr 2009 5:10am
Carraol from Mexico City, Mexico
Amazing composition and architecture, it suggest a kind of Babel Tower!
2 Apr 2009 6:18am
Lucca from Cologne, Germany
This is a masterpiece, Grant – very impressing photo. I think it's the snow and the footprints which make it very unique – and of course your talent.
2 Apr 2009 10:27pm
Mindy from United States
Quite a structure. Perfect trail of footprints to lead you into the image, too.
3 Apr 2009 6:38am
lisa v from Gawler, Australia
Magnificent building, fantastic design with that spiral.
5 Apr 2009 11:34pm
TSCPTHLPS from United States
This is not a Mormon Temple. This was built by the Community of Christ, a sect that broke off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The label this as a Mormon Temple is an insult.
16 Oct 2009 6:31am
@TSCPTHLPS: when i google "community of christ temple" i get a homepage for the temple. in a section called "our beliefs" it says:
"Community of Christ uses the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants—not to replace the witness of the Bible or improve on it, but because they confirm its message that Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God."
it's comments like yours - one religious person insulting other religious people because the other ones kneel twice instead of three times or face east instead of west or some other silliness - that makes it hard for the rest of us to take any of you seriously.
i hope you liked the photo, because that's all i really cared about at the time i made the post. i just happened to find your comment offensive.
