A place to meet : a response to the rise of the ‘modern warehouse church’

Abstract

Today we live in an ‘Enlightened’ society, ideas of spirituality and religion have become increasingly scrutinised in the public arena. The Church is no longer the super power of western civilisation that it once was. Inevitable some would say, but the question must be asked... Is society better off? - What if the church was the center of a city or town like it once was?

This research project, A Place to Meet, explores the possibility of a church being the hub of a city and/or town like it once was. This project addresses the increasing usage of warehouses as Christian places of worship, (classified as light weight steel buildings, constructed with low cost materials). These buildings function as ‘islands’ isolated from their local communities, with the architecture offering little invitation for the public to engage in the church.

How can a church be more than a place to hold services and/ or run programs? How can a church site be more than a collection of facilities supporting these various programs? How can the church be more immersed in its local community? How can a church be a community hub? What does todays society need in a church building? How can a church building be a message of the gospel itself - a practical tangible and clearly communicated visual message, proclaiming the necessity and importance of a church in its community.

Project site: 17 Marewa Road, Greenlane, Auckland.