Sanctuaries Evolve with the World Around Them
By Ray Robinson
 Church design in the 21st century should facilitate multiple ministries--with style. |
One of the greatest technological advances in history was the invention of the printing press. This had a great impact upon the church because it made the Word of God available to the masses in a way unprecedented in the history of the church. This interactive process, introduced masses of people to a broader concept and understanding of God. Individual study gave birth to scholars who were enlightened to the will and plan of God. In their quest for deeper learning, a spiritual awakening occurred that would ultimately have a major impact upon both the spiritual church and the physical faculties that would house them. Thus, the church began to adapt to the societal changes that were taking place around them.
In the postmodern church of the 21st century, technological advances will continue to govern church architecture. Over the last 200 years we have witnessed a gradual metamorphosis from the great cathedrals of Christopher Wren to the box architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Churches reflected the personalities and styles of their designers instead of the mission and purpose of the function for which they existed. Church design for the 21st century must be focused to create edifices specifically designed to assist in the overall mission of the church, one of multiplicity. Therefore, these must be versatile enough to adapt to the multiple uses that the church ministries will require of the facility.
Sanctuary design changes
Presentation technology has brought a greater range of communicative ability to the ministry team of the church than ever before. The new sanctuary should be equipped with a range of multimedia tools including high-quality projectors and multiple screens. In Microsoft's chairman Bill Gates' home are special programs that display digital art that is activated by smart pins that sense the mood or identity of those who pass by. As far out as this seems, the famous stained glass window that serves as a backdrop for the choir in a church in Hillsongs, Australia, follows with similar technology. This window is perpetually changing as a computer adjusts the colors to fit the mood and music of the service.
Multiple projectors will be used to display several languages simultaneously so ethnic and linguistic barriers can be removed. Closed caption software displayed on large but discrete monitors will assist in helping the hearing impaired enjoy the service. Light control will be governed by smart windows that are gas-filled and can change from transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch.
Multipurpose facilities evolve
 As futuristic as the technology inside may be, the exterior needs to keep up too. |
Churches will become focused on a holistic approach to spiritual development. We are currently designing facilities that incorporate bowling alleys, racquetball courts, cafes, workout centers, interactive theaters and video walls for computer game tournaments. Some will also include rock-climbing walls, therapeutic health spas with various services and on-site medical clinics as well as full service banking and a myriad of other services.
Educational space changes
This is a very interactive-oriented generation. Every room would be equipped with large screen monitors capable of computer-generated images and surround sound.
Churches with Christian schools will be designed to interact with the students' laptops. When the student arrives, infra- red sensors will automatically download their homework assignments as well as any communication or correspondence from the teacher or student. The students will have all their academic tools loaded on their laptops. They will do all their homework assignments and then download to the school network. The students will have access to a wide network of libraries and research engines.
Rooms will be designed according to ages, ranging from rooms similar to college lecture halls equipped with multimedia technology to nurseries equipped with the latest technology just for children.
Learning labs using the latest in virtual technology would allow children to enter virtual realistic worlds designed to allow them to interact with Bible characters.
Rooms equipped with satellite technology will allow complete two-way interactivity to connect other facilities.
Administrative space evolves
Church administrative areas should represent spaces designed to tap into the creative abilities of the church staff. Spaces will be designed like hotel lobbies, living rooms, conference centers, lounges andcoffee bars. Large screens and computer networks will promote interactivity to both in-house and off-campus staff. Conference centers will be designed for true interactivity with the latest in multimedia technology.
The advent of computer technology will force architects and engineers to adapt their buildings to meet the growing hunger of churches to use all the technology available to them. Without a doubt church architecture in the 21st century will change to meet the demands of this new generation.
Ray Robinson is VP of Sales & Marketing for JCDM Church Builders, Joplin MO, a full service design build firm.
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