In this interview Anna Kinde discusses her doctoral research into the arrangement and use of space in medieval cathedrals in Central Europe.  She approaches this topic on the premise that people and communities are reflected in and by their built environment, including non-domestic and religious spaces, and thus by studying the built environment helps us to understand the societies that built them.   As numbers of central European cathedrals have been destroyed or extensively rebuilt, Anna’s analysis of the use of space includes liturgical instructions and secular records of activities such as trials and signing important documents that occurred within the space of cathedrals.

Anna also notes how good structural design enhances feeling of personal well-being and positive social interaction.  This can be seen and felt within many medieval ecclesiastical buildings.

This podcast is based on archive material from the CEU Medieval Radio, an initiative of the doctoral students of the Department of Historical Studies.  It forms part of a series for the CEU Department of Historical Studies and MECERN.