Choosing the Right Church Design Architect Can Impact the Development of Community in the Church

Choosing the Right Church Design Architect Can Impact the Development of Community in the Church

There is an idea prevalent in today's churches that in order to develop a sense of community, more than just a five-minute fellowship ritual in the service, a coffee hour in between services, or potluck dinner afterwards is necessary for the parishioners' lives to genuinely intersect. Spaces are needed where the members of a church community can gather to share honestly about the journey in faith as Christian followers.

There are very profound implications for church architects when it comes to designing a church, whether the church community is building a church home for the first time, remodeling the structure they already have, or are putting on an addition.

As few as 10 to 15 years ago, the typical plans drawn up by a church design architect contained a narthex/lobby area that was much smaller in size. The space acted more as a way to funnel members to other church spaces or to or from the exterior entry points. Under the old design, although it was possible for members to stop and talk following service, few actually did to avoid causing a traffic jam at key areas. Most would simply avoid the bottleneck and leave quickly to go and pick up the kids and go home immediately after service. Any discussions or other social interaction would have to wait for the potluck suppers to avoid crowding or standing in someone else's way.

The experienced church design architect who understands the mechanisms needed to foster community now includes such things as:

Allowing for 7-10 square feet per person of space rather than the more traditional 3-5 square feet per person. Now church members can sit or stand and share what is going on in their life with friends without feeling rushed or that they are blocking someone else's way.

Wider corridors to allow for easier circulation between different ministry spaces that are well lit and integrated fully with modern information technologies. An experienced church design architect knows that the ease of movement between different ministry areas allows members to feel more relaxed rather experiencing a rush hour on a crowded expressway atmosphere.

Constructing multiple entry points that lead to specific ministry spaces like the Administration, Children's Ministry, Youth, Recreation, Recovery or other kinds of support ministries.

Including dedicated conversation spaces where different groups can congregate to talk quietly or hold quick meetings. A good church design architect will also design a pleasing and aesthetic interior to promote an open and naturally lit space. Employing acoustical design concepts to allow for intimate

conversations between members.

Designing narthexes to accommodate multiple uses such as a space for limited luncheons/

banquets. The ability to plan for a meal and presentation with folks from a specific ministry becomes a real asset, and a nice meal for 25-50 people can be accomplished without the need for setting up or heating and cooling a fellowship hall designed for 500.

Each of these design concepts/criteria, when properly employed by the church design architect, has the effect of allowing people to interact in more meaningful ways and promotes church community.

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