Interfaith Design

Friends -

I've started writing a simple book in support of the built church.  In our region, in my demographic, in our denomination, there is a significant movement for "church plants", (i.e. new congregations), but an overt resistance to new construction.  We see a lot of churches springing up in shopping centers, theaters, restaurants, and warehouses.  I believe this is a common trend across the county.  For those churches who are interested in new construction, they're entirely gridlocked by questions about financing, location, and style - to the detriment of the congregations.

I've received some good support from local readers, but I'd love to open the document up for conversation and comment. I've been referred to some similar explorations, but this seems to be a necessary and underserved question on the reason and future of sacred architecture.

Please contact me directly if you're interested in being a reader - I'll be glad to share a link to the draft as it develops.  We're about 50 pages in right now, and it's been pretty easy text to develop so far - I think it's an easy read.

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Andrew Osterlund, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Andrew Osterlund, Architect, PLLC
Raleigh, NC
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I would be interested. Thanks, David J. Klemt, AIA Klemt + Associates Architects, Interior Design and Planning 243 West Bute Street Norfolk, VA 23510 LL (757) 624-2100 Fax (757) 624- 3810
Original Message----- From: Andrew Osterlund [mailto:noreply@egroups.aia.org] Sent: Monday, October 14, 2013 5:43 PM To: David Klemt Subject: [IFRAA]: Building - Book Friends - I've started writing a simple book in support of the built church. In our region, in my demographic, in our denomination, there is a significant movement for "church plants", (i.e. new congregations), but an overt resistance to new construction. We see a lot of churches springing up in shopping centers, theaters, restaurants, and warehouses. I believe this is a common trend across the county. For those churches who are interested in new construction, they're entirely gridlocked by questions about financing, location, and style - to the detriment of the congregations. I've received some good support from local readers, but I'd love to open the document up for conversation and comment. I've been referred to some similar explorations, but this seems to be a necessary and underserved question on the reason and future of sacred architecture. Please contact me directly if you're interested in being a reader - I'll be glad to share a link to the draft as it develops. We're about 50 pages in right now, and it's been pretty easy text to develop so far - I think it's an easy read. ------------------------------------------- Andrew Osterlund, AIA, LEED AP Principal Andrew Osterlund, Architect, PLLC Raleigh, NC -------------------------------------------

I would be interested in following the generation of this book.  We see this as a cultural trend that exceeds the economy of reclaimed space.  It is now culturally attractive to look like a hungry start-up, even if you don't need to.

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Audy Lack AIA
Miller Boskus Lack Architects, P.A.
Fayetteville AR
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-15-2013 09:48
From: David Klemt
Subject: Building - Book

I would be interested.
Thanks,

David J. Klemt, AIA
Klemt + Associates
Architects, Interior Design and Planning
243 West Bute Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
LL (757) 624-2100 Fax (757) 624- 3810

Audy is correct.  

In our area, we notice a lot of Baptist Churches changing their names to more generic faith-based names like Cross Church, Lifeway Church, etc. (while remaining fully affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention) trying to lose a little of the traditional Church image.  The concept appears to be that the traditional name AND architecture can repel prospects and they can be more effective as a Church losing some of those traditional archetypes.  The casual dress, come as you are, even Cowboy Church emphasis in some Churches carries that concept even further.

I tell my Church clients that the building by itself is not Holy, but just a tool to do the work of their Church and Congregation.  I tell them it needs to be a sharp, effective, and efficient tool and creating a place of reverence that enhances and focuses the worship/fellowship process is an important part of that tool's purpose.  Whether you do it with traditional symbols (stained glass, pipe organ, soaring spaces, etc.) or with state of the art stage, sound, light, systems, and projection screens, it is just the process of making that tool that is the Church building more effective.

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Darrel Odom AIA, LEED AP
President
Odom Peckham Architecture, Inc.
Little Rock AR
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2013 10:07
From: Audy Lack
Subject: Building - Book

I would be interested in following the generation of this book.  We see this as a cultural trend that exceeds the economy of reclaimed space.  It is now culturally attractive to look like a hungry start-up, even if you don't need to.

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Audy Lack AIA
Miller Boskus Lack Architects, P.A.
Fayetteville AR
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-15-2013 09:48
From: David Klemt
Subject: Building - Book

I would be interested.
Thanks,

David J. Klemt, AIA
Klemt + Associates
Architects, Interior Design and Planning
243 West Bute Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
LL (757) 624-2100 Fax (757) 624- 3810

A few years ago I wrote a book that addressed this phenomena as a part of a broader look at the church building process. Entitled Building Momentum, this book was written for the paster or church leader who is in a position to guide the process for the congregation, taking a look at both spiritual and practical aspects of the planning and building process. I attempted to address some of the pitfalls and potential hazards that can create problems for the church, and discussed some of the alternatives to new construction such as reclaiming big box stores, etc. but I did not go into any particulars of the whys and how-tos for this type of facility. I primarily focused on principles that would apply to building, regardless of the methods. If you are inclined to check it out, you can find it here: http://tinyurl.com/kz7dqrl or for a little less here: http://tinyurl.com/kea4l9m 

I think there is a need for help with navigating the waters of decision-making about the appropriateness, suitability, financial, and other considerations before a church decides to take this route. There are a lot of reasons to reclaim a underutilized space for church use, but there are a lot of issues that should be considered as well. I would hope you will linterview some pastors who have taken this step to get their opinion on how it has affected thier ministry. I think that would be an interesting read.
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Gary Nicholson AIA
Studio Director
Visioneering Studios at LifeWay
Nashville, TN
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2013 17:40
From: Andrew Osterlund
Subject: Building - Book

Friends -

I've started writing a simple book in support of the built church.  In our region, in my demographic, in our denomination, there is a significant movement for "church plants", (i.e. new congregations), but an overt resistance to new construction.  We see a lot of churches springing up in shopping centers, theaters, restaurants, and warehouses.  I believe this is a common trend across the county.  For those churches who are interested in new construction, they're entirely gridlocked by questions about financing, location, and style - to the detriment of the congregations.

I've received some good support from local readers, but I'd love to open the document up for conversation and comment. I've been referred to some similar explorations, but this seems to be a necessary and underserved question on the reason and future of sacred architecture.

Please contact me directly if you're interested in being a reader - I'll be glad to share a link to the draft as it develops.  We're about 50 pages in right now, and it's been pretty easy text to develop so far - I think it's an easy read.

-------------------------------------------
Andrew Osterlund, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Andrew Osterlund, Architect, PLLC
Raleigh, NC
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Andrew;

I would be interested to be a reader for your book.  The facilities of Sacred Architecture need the kind of discussion I believe you are bringing forth. Thank you for offering.

ONward, Bob

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Robert Arnold AIA
Architect & Planner
Arnold Architectural Strategies
Medina OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2013 17:40
From: Andrew Osterlund
Subject: Building - Book

Friends -

I've started writing a simple book in support of the built church.  In our region, in my demographic, in our denomination, there is a significant movement for "church plants", (i.e. new congregations), but an overt resistance to new construction.  We see a lot of churches springing up in shopping centers, theaters, restaurants, and warehouses.  I believe this is a common trend across the county.  For those churches who are interested in new construction, they're entirely gridlocked by questions about financing, location, and style - to the detriment of the congregations.

I've received some good support from local readers, but I'd love to open the document up for conversation and comment. I've been referred to some similar explorations, but this seems to be a necessary and underserved question on the reason and future of sacred architecture.

Please contact me directly if you're interested in being a reader - I'll be glad to share a link to the draft as it develops.  We're about 50 pages in right now, and it's been pretty easy text to develop so far - I think it's an easy read.

-------------------------------------------
Andrew Osterlund, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Andrew Osterlund, Architect, PLLC
Raleigh, NC
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