Architects Talk: Design Trends

This Isn’t Your Grandparents’ Church

By David E. Evans, AIA

It used to be families attended one room church houses with musty basements for classrooms, no air conditioning and leaky roofs — a far cry from today’s worship facilities.

Now, churches are searching for creative ways to integrate spatial flexibility and hightech features in sound technology, theatrical lighting and projection with theater-style seating. Regardless of your church’s size, faith or demographic, creating a worship facility that supports its vision and ministries is the ultimate goal.

Envisioning the Master Plan

A well-developed written program and master plan are critical to the success of any project, especially if your church has outgrown its existing facilities and purchased new property with plans to relocate. The master plan should be a voice that speaks loudly about “who” your church is and why it exists.

Since churches must build in phases, most leaders prefer building additions that blend to appear as though all were constructed at the same time. Some architectural firms have developed strategic planning workshops to facilitate the necessary programming information. A few firms have even developed computer programs that generate several different models based on facility size, demographics, growth patterns, financing, fund raising, project costs and cash flow. These models are so sophisticated, they allow real-time input and modification to explore different design choices, with instant feedback on their effects. All these master planning elements are critical to a successful project.

Wired for Sound (and Much More)

Today’s churches are more technologically alive than ever. Worship centers are filled with all-digital sound for audio mixing and control, and full-blown stage houses boast fly galleries, rigging equipment and catwalks. In many churches, theatrical lighting systems are just as sophisticated as those in performing arts centers, and video projection systems are impressive enough to inspire awe in the average moviegoer. Churches continue to position themselves to provide cutting-edge worship services, not only through the spoken word, but also with drama, music and video technology. More progressive churches now use these tools on a daily basis and with all age groups — a direct reflection of the visionary mission and ministries of today’s Church. Technology not only appeals to young people; it has become the standard among children and teens who use it in school every day.

Looks Are Everything

For many churchgoers, the look of a campus doesn’t just make a first impression; it makes a lasting one. Many churches’ images and styles have undergone major “cosmetic surgery” in the last 20 years.

One trend has been to design a campus plan. Churches are no longer just buildings, but hosts to several different site amenities, including walking trails, ball fields, picnic areas, prayer and meditation gardens, water features, and most importantly, ample parking. The exterior design of these facilities takes on the appearance of convention centers — large, open spaces with lots of glass and a feeling of invitation. The use of traditional “box” designs, gable roofs, steeples and stained glass windows continues to diminish.

Upon entry into the sanctuary, large fellowship foyers or malls now greet people. These lively spaces are the hubs of church activity and boast several features, including welcome centers, coffee/cafÈ areas, prayer rooms, large restrooms, bride’s rooms, bookstores, personal visiting places, cry rooms and directional information. All other spaces radiate from the fellowship foyer.

Today, sanctuaries and auditoriums are designed with much larger seat counts (sometimes several thousand), yet they are shaped and sculpted to provide the feeling of intimacy. Architectural materials and specialty lighting play big roles in creating character in such spaces. Large platforms, or stages, now accommodate several activities besides sermon delivery. As such, space is needed for large choirs, orchestras and dramatic props.

In addition, larger spaces are being allocated for daily staff members and administration, as well as for volunteer support services. Themed spaces for specific ministries (especially nurseries and other youth areas) are becoming increasingly popular and play a big role in making everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Other church spaces accommodate events both on Sunday and during the week. Plus, many churches offer use of their facilities to outside community groups as part of outreach ministries and community awareness.

Flexibility of Space

Since churches’ needs often seem to outweigh their budgets, creativity is a must. Classroom spaces are designed to become much larger and often are able to be subdivided using operable partitions that glide in a track system suspended from the ceiling. They offer excellent acoustics with seals at the floor and ceiling and can withstand much abuse. While these dividers are a trendier, more expensive option than metal studs or drywall, they provide maximum flexibility.

But it doesn’t stop in the classroom; worship space has become more flexible as well. Some churches use moveable chairs in lieu of fixed pews or theater seats, and platforms are made to be extremely flexible with minimal fixed-in-place items. Many first-phase church buildings begin in multipurpose buildings that facilitate worship, fellowship, dining and recreation under one roof, and even in the same space.

A well-developed master plan, state-of-the-art technology, contemporary architectural style and image, and spaces intended for multifunctional use: These constitute the hottest design trends for today’s churches. They support vision, assist churches in reaching their ultimate goals and provide the best possible facilities.

Our grandparents wouldn’t even recognize us.

David E. Evans, AIA, is the vice president of Mantel & Teter Architects Inc., in Kansas City, Mo. Evans, who is registered to practice in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas and Iowa, has nearly 30 church design projects to his credit. To learn more, log on to http://www.mta-kc.com/.