A Mid-Century Modern Church in West Los Angeles is considering a renovation. We are exploring ideas to bring natural light in, expand the north entrance to provide seating, provide flexibility for multipurpose use, provide storage, improve audio-visual and acoustic quality for both in-person and online service and update the infrastructure to meet current demands. We are also exploring connecting the sanctuary to the rest of the campus and it’s neighborhood context to encourage congregational attendance, a goal of the Session Elders.
Taking away the pews brings the opportunity of flexibility with movable furniture. In this vision, we are proposing to use the wood from the pews on a new Chancel wall behind which we are carving storage space. The wood from the pews may be used on the floor of an extended Chancel to bring the pastor close to the congregation. See the existing space below for comparison.
Current View of the Sanctuary with fixed pews.
The wood from the pews is proposed to be re-purposed to create a new partition louvered wall which allows for air circulation and storage behind.
View from the Chancel floor towards the Congregation. A lighter and mobile pulpit and communion table can be moved around to allow for flexibility.
One of the goals is to allow for flexible use of the space for congregating in different ways. Many churches have explored multipurpose use of the long span structure.
White Walls are proposed to allow for light to be reflected back in the space. Glazed window walls can allow daylight and seamless connection between the courtyard and the sanctuary. Skylights on each bay allow for diffused day light through polycarbonate glazing that allows for thermal control and energy efficiency.
A new picture window visually connect the Narthex and the Sanctuary. The first bay along the walk way on the west could be covered to create much needed seating.
New entry glass doors can allow for view into the Sanctuary. A new tiered planter at the base of cross at the intersection allows for newly lit signage with updated lighting to create a symbol of a safe anchor in the community.