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by Sarah Woodhead, SHW Group Inc.
§ Shared office space for a compatible non-profit organization;
§ Availability of meeting rooms for community use;
§ A gallery of some sort;
§ Use of sanctuary as intimate theater.
§ A Healing Suite for a wellness/therapy practitioner;
§ Other? -
Overall Characteristics
Welcoming;
Joyful;
Combination of vibrant and peaceful;
Comfortable and home-like place.
Art integrated throughout: from art making to clean up to display.
Practical, cost effective to construct and maintain.
The "back" door should feel like a front door, too.
Site Design Issues
§ Parking for 13 cars, including accessible spaces.
§ Bicycle parking;
§ Basketball on parking lot;
§ Play equipment for young children;
§ Picnic table;
§ Barbecue;
Dining or meeting area inside could flow out.
An accessible path of travel to main floor(s) is important.
Security
Building security and security for occupants is important. While security will be enhanced via an alarm system, other passive security measures are important. They include:
§ Zoning the building for after-hours use;
§ Having a church-mouse;
§ Good lighting at parking lot entrance;
§ Good visibility at parking lot entrance
§ Other??
§ An early group arrives to set up (won't be as big a job in the new space):
§ Set up altar; set bulletins on chairs
§ Sacred dance and/or music rehearsal - could be in worship space if acoustically isolated from circle;
§ Members arrive
§ Coats off/informal greetings
§ Circle: announcements, birthday hat, etc.
§ (Children stay near circle)
§ Occasional processions, otherwise simply enter the worship space;
§ Service takes a variety of forms;
§ Children's circle near the beginning;
§ Children go off to Sunday school, with grown-up escorts;
§ After service, coffee
§ Many stay for meetings
§ Often there are additional Sunday evening meetings
See Space Program sheets for individual space requirements. In general, the facility should have a thorough and flexible technological capacity without calling excessive attention to technology systems. Elements/capabilities:
§ Phone (fixed and portable?)
§ Computers/Internet, etc.
§ Recording music, services, etc.
§ Playing recorded music
§ Distributing music or other sound to other spaces
§ Security system
§ Transmitting sound for hearing impaired
§ LCD projection capability
§ Other ? --
The renovation and operation of the Carroll Street property should be designed to minimize negative impacts on the environment. Ideas include:
§ Energy efficient windows / building envelope
§ Solar water heating/energy efficient systems
§ Making room for plants in the building
§ Good indoor air quality
§ Use of materials with high % recycled content
UV protection where needed to protect art from sunlight.
Fire extinguishers and other unprogrammed elements need to be located with consideration for appearance, especially in relation to art.
Accessibility
The goal of the Church is to be fully accessible to all members, regardless of disability. To the extent feasible, this means complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Where physical access is technically infeasible, program accessibility will be provided. Issues identified to date include:
§ Providing for those with hearing loss or other hearing impairment, in the main worship space and elsewhere;
§ Providing an accessible path of travel from the parking lot to the significant program spaces, and from one activity area to another in a typical Sunday sequence.
§ There is a willingness to temporarily or permanently move an activity to an accessible area when necessary, if all areas are not on an accessible path of travel.
Music & dance performances
Liturgical dancing
Meetings
Other compatible activities
Mostly adults; children's circle area service; Altar at "front"
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
Community meetings, performances, etc. Note that worship takes priority over other activities.
Adjacencies
Near circle area (dining room); one remove from kitchen; accessible bathrooms nearby.
Sacred, but not fragile. The church is non-hierarchical, and the space should also be. Egalitarian theology with lots of participation and interaction.
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Controlled natural lighting; potential for dramatic lighting, including from the top; flexible lighting for performances and display of art.
Casework & Storage Needs
Storage for chairs nearby; storage for props, candles, etc. nearby.
Furnishings & Equipment
60 to 150 chairs
A movable altar
A piano
Various props and other elements
Acoustics
Good acoustical environment for speech intelligibility; music is secondary but important; good sound isolation from distracting sounds within building and outside.
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: no
Telephone:
Amplification: yes; and sound system for recorded music and occasional recording; mixing, etc. (Glen will help here)
Computer: yes
Other: Full multi-media capability
Finishes
Flooring: wood, carpet, or combination
Walls: Primary wall
Ceiling:
NOTES:
· Small open space at altar;
· Aisle space for dancing;
· semi-circular gathering at front; communion in a circle;
· limited fluorescent lighting;
· room should be roughly proportionally square;
· consider the labyrinth from Chartres on the floor.
Weekly dinner
Meetings / Classes
Special occasions / receptions
Other compatible activities
30 to 40 for school of Christian Living
From 10 to 100 people
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
Community meetings
Adjacencies
Near kitchen; near coat area; accessible bathrooms nearby; a more intimate meeting space nearby.
Strangers and guests need to be able to find the circle from the street.
Homey, not institutional; not formal, but can be dressed up. A hospitality center.
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Controlled natural lighting; both low and high light levels for different activities (dining ambiance, but also bright). Lighting for art
Casework & Storage Needs
Storage for folding tables; storage for coffee supplies; storage for a class; storage for linens.
Furnishings & Equipment
A large oak table
Smaller movable tables
Built-in counter/cabinets for coffee & supplies "between" kitchen & dining, or at a separate counter with sink and microwave (optimal)
Acoustics
Good acoustical environment for speech intelligibility; Concern for openness with kitchen while preserving option to isolate noisy clean-up
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: at "coffee" sink (optimal)
Telephone:
Amplification: yes; and sound system for recorded music and occasional recording
Computer: yes, with provision for computer projection for slides, video, computer, etc.
Other: music system
Finishes
Flooring: wood or other domestic but cleanable finish
Walls:
Ceiling:
NOTES:
· Wood, not plastic;
· Central table as symbol;
· Old "piano" function: setting out materials;
· Home feeling, not fragile;
· Working room, with sink for floral arrangement (alt: in one bathroom);
Non-messy crafts or classes can occur here.
· Sunday coffee
· Weekly dinner
· Potluck dinners
· Special occasions / receptions
Gathering and socializing
Mostly adults
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
Adjacencies
Near dining area; access to yard.
Functional; possibility of fireplace and chairs to emphasize domestic quality (figuratively if not literally)?
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Natural lighting; Bright lighting for cooking. Good task lighting.
Casework & Storage Needs
Storage of cookware, tableware and serving pieces; limited food storage. Alternatively, a pantry for some supplies can be developed between kitchen & dining.
Furnishings & Equipment
Built-in counter/cabinets; large fridge; 2 dishwashers; 2 microwaves; 2 large ovens.
Acoustics
Concern for isolating noisy clean-up activities
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: 2 sinks (optimal) plus hand sinks if needed
Telephone: yes
Amplification:
Computer:
Other:
Finishes
Flooring: resilient cleanable
Walls:
Ceiling:
NOTES:
· Ample counter area for up to three cooks, in two separate zones: one for cooking and one for clean-up.
· Health department regs will apply; researching implications, costs, and alternatives.
· Pass-through from kitchen to dining for coffee/tea, unless a separate coffee area is set up in dining area.
· Keeping food warm needs to be addressed.
· Up to 3 large ovens are desirable to maintain food at different temperatures;
· Burners should be sized for 10 gallon pots.
· Washer & dryer somewhere for linens;
· Gathering aspect can overlap w/ dining room;
· Traffic flow for serving and clean up is important; consider two doors.
· On floor where kitchen isn't: a kitchenette w/ fridge, microwave, sink.
Caring for babies and children under 3
Napping, reading aloud, playing, etc.
1 or 2 adults
See above
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
Adjacencies
Near a bathroom suitable for changing diapers.
Comfortable, functional, bright and cheerful.
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Short staying time; natural light is desirable, but not required.
Casework & Storage Needs
Storage for toys and books, baby supplies.
Furnishings & Equipment
2 comfortable adult-size chairs
Child-size table and chairs
1 or 2 Cribs; look into "stacking" cribs
Acoustics
Sound-isolated from noisy activities
Utilities
Power: outlets
Water: sink nearby
Telephone: outlet
Amplification: If there is an intercom, should be capable of turning sound off here.
Computer: no (verify)
Other: music system? Or transmit the service?
Finishes
Flooring: Resilient flooring with bound carpet over part
Walls:
Ceiling:
NOTES:
· Size and amenities may need to increase if Seekers share with other Church of the Savior group(s).
Sunday school, snack, quiet and active play
Whole group, small-group, and individual activities
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
Adjacencies
Near toilet rooms; near an area appropriate to serve snacks - kitchen or another area;
Easy access to outdoor play area
Bright, pleasant, functional and child-scaled
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Short staying time; natural light is desirable, but not required.
Casework & Storage Needs
Storage for toys and books, craft supplies, etc., including hanger for roll for drawing paper.
Furnishings & Equipment
2 tables with 4 to 6 chairs each; 2 or more activity centers. Soft furnishings, like pillows or bean bags.
Acoustics
Good acoustical environment for speech intelligibility;
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: nearby
Telephone: yes
Amplification: no
Computer: yes,
Other: music system?
Finishes
Flooring: Resilient flooring with bound carpeting over +/- ½ of floor
Walls:
Ceiling:
NOTES:
· Important to be able to "find" children when it's time to go.
· Nearby snack support: fridge, sink, counter, storage.
· Space should be attractive to children;
· Children older than 6 years old will use "regular" classroom space, but additionally there should be an unstructured (or more relaxed) area that feels dedicated to children: See "Pillow Room."
· Allow for the development of alliances between younger and older children, as well as for a variety of children/adult groupings.
Sunday school, School of Christian Living, and Art projects; possible community use
6 to 8 adults, up to 10 children with 1 or 2 adults
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
(see activities list above)
Adjacencies
Capable of being zoned for community use; therefore near toilet rooms, exits, etc.
Pleasant and functional
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Well-lit
Casework & Storage Needs
Lockable storage for class materials, art supplies, etc; casework with counter for setting up and cleaning up
Furnishings & Equipment
1 or 2 tables with 6 chairs each
Acoustics
Good acoustical environment for speech intelligibility
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: yes
Telephone: yes
Amplification: no
Computer: yes (?)
Other: music system? Intercom?
Finishes
Flooring: Resilient
Walls:
Ceiling:
(Sunday school), School of Christian Living, and Library/Resource;
6 to 8 adults
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
(see activities list above)
Adjacencies
Calm & quiet atmosphere
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Well-lit; views to the outdoors are desirable
Casework & Storage Needs
Book cases with limited lockable area
Furnishings & Equipment
1 table with 4 to 6 chairs; 1 or 2 upholstered chairs
Acoustics
Good acoustical environment for speech intelligibility; acoustically isolated from noisy activities.
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: no
Telephone: yes
Amplification: no
Computer: yes (?)
Other: music system? Intercom?
Finishes
Flooring: Carpet or resilient
Walls:
Ceiling:
NOTES:
This space will not lend itself to being shared with community or other outside uses.
Open shelving for:
XXXX books
(Sheet music: here or in music practice room?)
Closed shelving for:
Projector and conference room type screen/marker board for presentations
Sunday school, School of Christian Living, and Community Use;
See above
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
(see activities list above)
Adjacencies
Bright, inviting, and functional; easy to keep clean.
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Well-lit; views to the outdoors are desirable, but not required.
Casework & Storage Needs
Base and upper cabinets with some lockable storage.
Furnishings & Equipment
2 tables with +/- 10 chairs;
Bulletin board
Acoustics
Good acoustical environment for speech intelligibility.
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: no
Telephone: yes
Amplification: no
Computer: yes (?)
Other: music system? Intercom?
Finishes
Flooring: Resilient flooring
Walls:
Ceiling:
NOTES:
Conference room - type screen/marker board for presentations;
Coat hooks on wall or door.
(Note: remember to include picture rail)
Office for Seekers Church, Management and administration; production of bulletins, etc. Possible use as a School of Christian Living Classroom for a small group. Communications center; alternative use as a computer classroom area for up to four people.
See above
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
(see activities list above)
Adjacencies
Bright, inviting, and functional; easy to keep clean.
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Well-lit; View of Carroll Street is desirable.
Casework & Storage Needs
Furnishings & Equipment
Primary desk and 3 to four additional computer stations and 4 chairs. Space for peripheral equipment. A photocopier should be within the space, but in an alcove or otherwise separated from the main work area.
Bulletin board
Acoustics
Good acoustical environment for speech intelligibility.
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: no
Telephone: yes
Amplification: no
Computer: yes (?)
Other: music system? Intercom?
Finishes
Flooring: Resilient flooring
Walls:
Ceiling:
NOTES:
Need to clarify possible community use
Quiet place for two or three people to confer; typically available for unscheduled use.
See above
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
(see activities list above)
Adjacencies
Quiet, comfortable.
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Non-fluorescent
Casework & Storage Needs
Furnishings & Equipment
2 upholstered chairs and side table.
Acoustics
Acoustically isolated.
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: no
Telephone: yes
Amplification: no
Computer: ?
Other:
Finishes
Flooring: Carpeting
Walls:
Ceiling:
NOTES:
Practice for Seekers music:
Mostly vocal with guitar and accordion
Possibility for limited recording and playing recorded music.
See above
Time & frequency of activity
Practice usually occurs before Sunday service. (Could happen in Worship space if its acoustically isolated from circle area, since they happen simultaneously).
This activity can overlap with the following activities
May overlap with a classroom function.
Adjacencies
Flexible and functional
Artificial & Natural Lighting & Views
Well-lit.
Casework & Storage Needs
Sheet music storage; small instrument storage;
Furnishings & Equipment
Keyboard and/or piano; Chairs; sheet music storage cabinet; need more detail on the instrument storage.
Acoustics
Good acoustical environment for vocal and instrumental practice without disturbing nearby activities.
Utilities
Power: ample outlets
Water: no
Telephone: yes
Amplification: no
Computer: yes (?)
Other: music system? Intercom?
Finishes
Flooring: Resilient flooring
Walls:
Ceiling: ACT
NOTES:
Need further assistance to clarify electronic capability requirements.
Hanging out space for teenagers.
See above
Time & frequency of activity
This activity can overlap with the following activities
Possibly with adult meditation
Adjacencies