Shortsighted expectations – A church that has been overstuffed into an old facility will often explode in size when a larger facility is available. Often they are struck with the same shortage of space dilemma shortly after the construction is complete.
Patchwork planning – Related to the first complaint, many churches don’t plan their facilities or land for growth. Their shortsighted ideas hamper future expansion of their facilities. To avoid this problem, complete a master plan to determine where future construction phases will occur. If done properly, master planning can help a facility grow gracefully.
Overcrowded circulation–Many architects and congregations don’t understand that church circulation spaces – which are places where people move from one place to another like hallways, lobbies and stairways – are key locations for fellowship between members and guests. People like to stand in these areas to chat, and if you don’t provide for this, growth will be stifled.
Poor parking – Visitors’ first impressions of a church occur when they enter a parking lot. Nothing gives visitors a sour taste more than inadequate parking. Municipalities govern the minimum parking spaces allowable, but their requirements are usually inadequate. Be sure to plan for adequate parking, especially when multiple services will be programmed.
Inadequate acoustics – When church members plan to build a new worship center, they must understand the different acoustical requirements for the facility. For instance, great church music requires a loud active space while speaking halls require a quiet space that reinforces the speaker’s voice. Many times involving an acoustical consultant is the only way of providing the balance in a large or complicated worship space.
Source: Cosco & Associates
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