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Worship Center Typologies

January 24th, 2007 by Sary

Today’s worship centers tend to be designed along certain basic styles:

Traditional Auditorium – In this case seating is arranged in a linear pattern with pews and the stage or chancel area tends to be more formal, perhaps with choir risers, and a fixed baptistery. These spaces tend to be relatively inflexible, and it is difficult to accommodate seasonal dramas, concerts or other special Events. They also tend to be less friendly to the un-churched that prefer not to sit on a bench with total strangers.

Theater Approach – This style is where the stage area is a polished performance space with back drop curtains, very flexible, able to accommodate a variety of uses. The seating tends to be arranged in a radial pattern and a variety of seating can be used. True theater seats, movable chairs and occasionally pews are used. If pews are to be used it is best to have a divider to indicate individual seats. Sight lines are generally better than the traditional auditorium, often using sloping floors, with the final row of seating much closer to the stage because of the radial layout. Colors are generally bright. This is most appealing to the “Baby Boomer” generation, which prefers a clean and polished performance space.

Warehouse - The converted warehouse or dark theater approach is becoming increasingly popular. These spaces tend to have dark ceilings with exposed structure painted black. The lighting and visual focus is toward the stage area. The seating is strictly individual. These spaces may be made of natural material and wood, as in a large barn or rustic mill. The look is not polished; speaker wires and other elements of Technology, such as cameras and sound mixing areas, are left exposed. This is consistent with the mentality of the emerging generations that are looking to “keep it real.”

For more images of worship centers, see our gallery.