Architecture of Roman Catholic Cathedrals and Basilicas in Developing Countries

This article reflects the forms and shapes of the Roman Catholic cathedrals built in the 20th and 21st century in the Third World countries and the approach to its ideal design. Selected examples from the different developing countries all over the world are expounded on the background of the interference of the former colonizers countries architecture (e.g. Sacred Hearts Cathedral, Casablanca, Morocco), inspiration from the traditional architecture and materials (e.g. Basilica of Uganda Martyrs, Namugongo, Uganda), creating the own style (e.g. St. Paul’s Cathedral, Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire) or following world trends (e.g. Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kericho, Kenya). The question of the life cycle of the architecture, its subsequently costs and well considered choice of the proper material as well as the shape and resulting form is discussed.