There are many good reasons to participate in The McKnight Group’s i3 webinars. One big one is the ability to get your questions answered at the end. Here are some questions and our answers from a recent webinar on church design for children’s spaces.
How do you handle spaces that are dual purpose: for adults on Sunday morning, and then kids K-5 on Sunday night?
This question is something we often need to consider in church design. See some of examples that we posted previously of generic themes, or ones that aren’t fully “decked out,” so that spaces can be multi-use. Having a generic or simplified space is a great way to serve multiple ministries and groups without breaking the bank.
Another option, which can be a little pricey, is environmental projection. For this option, projectors are installed on multiple walls. Then you can show whatever theme is needed at the appropriate time. For example, different themes can appeal to younger or older children, depending on who is using the room. If adults are using the room, you don’t need to use the projectors at all. Those are some ways to be very specific and still have flexible room.
But the most economical way is just to sprinkle in theming and not go full board on a themed room. Another way to be generic is to bring in temporary items that are easy to move in and out to create a theme for an event. Your children’s spaces, especially if they are set up for multi-use, don’t always have to have a specific or permanent theme.
Keep in mind, however, that while spaces for older kids are very easy to set up as multi-use, preschool rooms are hard to set up that way due to the small furniture, low sinks, and everything else that is little-kid-focused.
Should every room in children’s areas have a theme, or at least a different color?
The answer here is “that depends on your church building.” Color can be a great way for kids to identify each room and understand where they need to go. For example, you can use several primary colors to make a room bright and fun, which appeals to younger kids. Or you can use complementary colors—one for younger kids’ rooms, and one for older kids’ rooms—to define each area. Paint gives you so many options to be creative. But if your church has limited room and your children’s spaces are multi-use, you may want to use more neutral colors.
Do you have questions about church design? Our i3 webinars present an opportunity for you to hear from our experts about the latest topics in church building and design, plus you can get your questions answered. Sign up for our free sessions.