The Catholic Church in Uruguay held a contest to design a church building near the city of Colonia. This is the result:

More photos at the link above, which also discusses the rich symbolism behind the design. They appear to have taken both form and function into equal account in constructing it. In the “Who Has the Most Inspiring Church Buildings” competition (a competition taking place mostly in my own mind), Europe and South America are thus far leagues ahead of the U.S.

(Via Andrew Sullivan.)

Bonus link on this topic: Why are there so many ugly churches? An interview with Moyra Doorly, author of No Place For God: The Denial of the Transcendent in Modern Church Architecture. And an excerpt from the book. Don’t be shy, Ms. Doorly—tell us what you really think of modern church architecture!