Charming Churches: Five Design Trends of 2019

Until recent years, church architectural trends were fairly homogenous. Lots of dark wood, dim lighting, and cramped meeting areas prevailed. As seen in some of the top church design trends of 2019, millennials are embracing the opportunity to transform the traditional concept of churches into big, bright facilities that draw guests in for both worship and fellowship.

Welcoming Vibe 
A new church being built


Instead of trying to incorporate thematic elements that many interpret as overwhelming or cheesy, recent trends saw simplification in newer church design models. By creating areas that are more like home and include features like natural light, sectionals, indoor plants, and fireplaces, churches aim to compel more visitors to grab a coffee, open their laptops, and get cozy.

Sophisticated Hospitality


From minimalistic stage sets to natural materials and neutral colors, churches are shifting from uninviting dark features to fresh, clean sophistication. Doing away with features that contributed to a busy, chaotic look, many designs now place more emphasis on the church's message.

Larger Lobbies


In keeping with the more welcoming feel that they're providing to individual visitors, church leaders have started encouraging more camaraderie between members by building larger lobbies. While smaller lobbies tend to make churchgoers feel that they're being herded quickly into the worship area, more expansive areas contribute to a feeling of community and togetherness.

Expression of Identity


Recently, many churches have jumped on board with the trend of showcasing their identity. Branding has transformed from just names and logos to clear visual representation of mission statements and values worked into the overall aesthetic. Some even incorporate their own fonts and color schemes into their design efforts.

Family and Community Focus


Clergy members have realized that, outside of church activities, organizations would rather choose public spaces such as libraries for their meetings and extracurricular activities. In an effort to create more inviting community features that appealed to clubs, groups, and families, designers have started to incorporate more meeting rooms, play areas, recreation rooms, and even cafes to encourage the use of church spaces through the week, not just on Sundays.

At Vanko Studio Architects, we know that the power of God can bring a congregation together anywhere. We want to help you create a modern, inviting church space with features designed to draw people in and experience Christ in a comfortable, fulfilling way. Contact us today at 617-502-1120 to get started.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding the Benefits of Adaptive Reuse Projects

Image
Many architects dream of designing gleaming new structures on a large scale. The chance to etch one's name on the skyline of a great city like New York or Chicago is deeply alluring, and likely always will be. But architects in cities that have already experienced decades or even centuries of development know that working within the built environment to breathe new life into existing structures can be just as rewarding. Adaptive reuse projects have grown in prominence thanks to factors like an emphasis on sustainability and the re-urbanization of many major American cities. Architectural Heritage  A generation ago, one of the defining trends of social geography was the growth of suburbs as people left downtown for the space and safety of the suburbs. In cities like Atlanta, Detroit, and Boston, this hollowed out the urban cores, which often succumbed to poverty and blight. Today, people (especially young people) are moving back into the city center, drawn by affordable hou
Read more

Keeping It Simple: Hotel Design With Millennials in Mind

Image
For decades, hotel design has reflected the preferences of Baby Boomers. According to the Pew Research Center, Millennials are expected to overtake Baby Boomers as the largest adult population in the United States sometime this year. As more members of this tech-savvy generation enter the workforce, their values are leading to more efficient habits and lifestyles. Based on recent trends in hotel design, the hospitality industry is following their lead. Embracing Minimalism  Gone are the days of spacious closets, full baths, and large desks. Because Millennials tend to think of their rooms as just a place to sleep, hotels are cutting back on extras and introducing the small, bright, contemporary spaces they desire. Socializing Workspaces Although desks in hotel rooms have gotten smaller, workspaces have grown. More hotels are opting for larger lobbies with tables and outlets so guests can still work alone but in an open environment. To be more Instagram-ready, hotels hav
Read more

Why Boston Is Moving From Brownstones to High-Rise Condos

Image
Boston brownstones may create the quintessential image of a Beantown neighborhood, but more and more residents are opting to pull up stakes and head to high-rise condos. Why the switch? Here's what Boston architecture buffs need to know about the city's ascension from rowhouses to luxurious residential skyscrapers. Room for Growth  Building upward means room for more residents. After all, the city only has so much square footage, which means that any expansion eventually has to go vertical. As urban dwellers know, the downtown lifestyle is defined by lots of people bringing their energy, creativity, and brainpower to a relatively small space. This dynamic defines Boston, which is America's third most population-dense city, according to the Boston Globe. Amenities Create Resort-style Living As ever more high-rises dot the skyline, these buildings expand beyond condos to include retail space, entertainment, eateries, and amenities such as spas and gyms. This l
Read more