Crosspointe Church, Cary, NC; multi-phase project, Visioneering Studios
Leading into 2020, think subtraction. When you ask noted church architects and interior designers around the country what elements will define church lobby spaces, their responses will skew toward lean and clean.
Church.Design asked Danae Dougherty, managing principal of Visioneering Studios, based in the company's Dallas offices, for her take on the top design thinking on church lobbies, and these are the leading interior design elements she lists.
1-Minimal physical footprints for welcome desks
As "information" moves to web and apps, physical space requirements for these services dwindle.
2-Digital integration
Think touchscreens for content delivery.
3-Co-working spaces
While coffee and hospitality continue to be important integrations, co-working spaces have begun to find their way into churches. These spaces give the community a great environment in which to work, as well as to enjoy a cappuccino, Monday-Saturday.
4-Intentional blank or white space
A few strategic focal design pieces and plenty of intentional “blank or white space” is what's fresh, rather than cluttering all the walls with signs, messages, mission statements and pamphlets.
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana; Visioneering Studios
5-Whiter ceilings and natural light
Interior design is embracing brighter, lighter, whiter ceilings and natural light--a move away from black-box lobbies.
Severns Valley Baptist Church, Elizabethtown, KY; Visioneering Studios
The designers of Severans Valley Baptist Church let the natural light inside.
6-Clean, clear graphics and signage
This point is represented in a slow move away from rustic looks, grunge and script fonts.
Add your thoughts on these elements--and more--in the comments section below.
