We now find ourselves in the 21st century. It has been a journey to get here, however, we are here and plan on being here for another 2000 years. This desire will create a lot of remodeling jobs that need to be done so we can make sure we get there in style. It is not so much style as it is functionality. We all need spaces and places that we, as a society, can come together in and function.
Designing church renovations are some of the most sensitive remodeling work a company can get involved in. It is just not GOD’s house you’re working on, but a congregation worship space. This is the space that has baptized their babies and married their children for generations. This is sacred ground not to be messed with by just anybody. These projects can be some of the most sensitive remodeling jobs a company can undertake. Besides the fact you are working for a whole congregation, remains the fact that GOD is your ultimate boss. So that is a lot to think about every day on your way to work. This being said, you may find yourself under a lot of scrutinies.
The church looking to the future is the whole idea for a renovation. The church needs room to grow and contemporary church services are requiring new ways of designing Alters that can allow for all the trapping of 20th-century movie productions, complete with stage lights. People worrying about how loose pew cushions are may not be high on the priority list as one considers ways to incorporate all the new technology without compromising the grace and presence of the Altar to GOD.
The existing integrity of the church must not be changed beyond what the congregation can handle. Some of the most beautiful and breathtaking churches are from the 17th and 18th centuries. This will always be the standard to measure by. The churches of today require more space and meeting rooms that take it to a whole new level. Increasing the main chapel capacity is not always behind a modern renovation. The church has become a community center that is utilized by all the people, organizations, and civic groups a church can make room for. This has always been the case and will continue to be. The church is a central figure in a community’s need for space.
The devil is in the details and this can be true, especially on a renovation job on an old church. The small pieces are what make up the whole project and can make it come together into a cohesive unit that will function as intended. This is where the architect comes in and is always the bad guy. The one who forgot this or doesn’t understand that. Many contractors will blame an architect for the project not coming out on a budget or behind schedule. This will always be the case because most times the architect is not on-site, and probably will never get the chance to set on the loose pew cushions. However, they will follow the principles that they went to college to learn and generally know what they are doing.
The design for church renovation should follow one principle: GOD’s mission for the church. This will be the case as long as the congregation and the design committee are on the same page. Renovation of the local church is a fair-weather indicator for a community that is healthy and growing. The future will remain bright as long as the church is growing for a community that needs it.
