Each year, we share the church building trends that church leaders are integrating into their church design. Some trends have been around a while (such as remodeling existing facilities, multi-ministry church design, etc.), while others are newer (smaller is better). We wrap up this year’s trend series with three more church building trends that church leaders should want to consider.
Technology is an Obvious Church Design Trend
While integrating technology into a church design has become ubiquitous, we are seeing some new tech advancements lately worth mentioning. Beyond audio, video, lighting, and Wi-Fi, some church leaders want multi-campus, real-time simulcasting. They want common shared experiences available online and stream-able to virtual worship venues.
Inside church buildings, we are placing digital signage and installing giving kiosks. Church leaders want apps for giving too, as well as for real-time opportunities to share feedback and questions during a sermon.
This explosion in technology demand impacts church design too, including platform size changes in relation to screen size and location. More churches are installing LED walls instead of projectors and screens, for example.
In addition, we are including dedicated spaces in church buildings for video control, online streaming, and recording and video editing equipment. Last, but not least, HVAC controls today provide tech for energy management and climate systems that can be controlled from any location via your phone.
Security Continues to Impact Church Design Today
Another important trend is security. We integrate security elements into every church design we create based upon the church’s desired level of security. Children’s areas include check-in barriers, one-way windows, lockdown doors, and classroom doors with special features. Security cameras and control rooms are designed into the children’s wings of many church buildings today.
Adult security elements generally focus on offices and staffing, but we are also including a nurse’s room or medical facility in many new church designs. This provides a safe place where emergency care can be administered until an ambulance arrives. Physical barriers on the exterior of the church building also help to prevent unauthorized penetration into a church building.
Questions about Green Church Building Possibilities
The final church building trend on our list is less about what gets built and more about what gets asked. We have been approached by church leaders focusing on stewardship and asking about green design, energy efficiency, and environmentally sensitive church design. The most common requests are for upgraded heating and cooling systems, including geothermal heating and/or cooling, upgraded insulation, more efficient lighting, and solar energy options.
Unfortunately, some of these require greater up-front investment, which can be difficult for church communities to afford. Still, the desire by church leaders for green and sustainably church buildings isn’t likely to wane soon.
In summary, there are many trends in church design and construction that are impacting the churches we are building or remodeling. In order to keep up with the latest wisdom on church building, we encourage you to stay tuned for the unveiling of our 2023 free i3 webinar series, where we present the latest information on various elements of church design and answer your questions.