The sense of arrival. Psychologically, it symbolizes the completion of a journey. Excitement is present when a destination is achieved and the experience or what lies ahead is in store. 

Upon arrival to a church facility, people process through a series of motions as the experience of arrival is achieved. Site parking and amenities establish a precursor to the architectural experience within the facility. Together, site and building work to complete the sense of arrival and enrich the experience. Recently-conducted surveys of first-time churchgoers concluded that a church has just 3-5 minutes to make a first impression. Within this amount of time, the average first-time visitor has concluded whether or not they feel welcome and comfortable and if they're likely to return. And chances are, they haven't even heard pastor preach!

That's why the sense of arrival and the experience during this progression is to enhance and embrace this journey through the site and building architecture. The image and activity within the spaces create this experience.

Looks Are Everything

To many first-time visitors, the look of a church not only makes a first impression, but a lasting one. People want to feel comfortable in a place. 

The image and style of the Church has experienced some major cosmetic surgery, especially in recent years. On the outside, the trend has been to design a campus plan. The expression is one of a church in motion, full of life and energy. The site is no longer only buildings but also host to several different amenities including walking trails, ball fields, picnic areas, prayer and meditation gardens, water features and, most importantly, ample parking.

Parking lots that are 80% full appear full! The average first-time visitor will drive by a church if parking appears to be unavailable or if they perceive it'll be "too much of an inconvenience" to find a space.

The exterior design of these facilities takes on the appearance of a community or civic center. Large, open spaces with lots of glass and a feeling of invitation are critical. Outdoor plazas and interactive spaces where individuals and groups can meet have taken on very important roles in achieving a sense of arrival. The traditional church forms – "square boxes" with gable roofs, steeples and stained-glass windows – continue to diminish.

On the inside, design trends now create several unique spaces. Upon entry, large atrium-type spaces or fellowship halls greet people. These lively spaces are the hubs of activity and boast welcome centers, coffee/cafe areas, prayer rooms, accessible restrooms, bride's rooms, bookstores, personal visiting places, cry rooms and directional information. Kiosks now link all activities and information into a single, readily accessible location. Users can check a ministry calendar, log in to make a financial contribution and check their babies into the nursery even before they arrive on the campus! These grand halls serve as ministry "exhibit halls" – destinations where members and guests become connected with, and experience the energy of, their church. All the other spaces throughout the church radiate from this vibrant, very interactive core. 

Auditoriums are now designed with much larger seat counts – as many as several thousand – yet they're shaped and sculpted to provide an intimate feeling and a sense of personal touch. Architectural materials and specialty lighting play big roles in creating the character of these spaces. Large platforms or stages now host much more than just Sunday sermons; such spaces are now needed for large choirs, orchestras and dramatic props. Since a variety of ministries use these areas, fewer items are fixed on the platform, allowing maximum flexibility and ease of use. 

Check back next week for The Art of Arrival Part 2: Excitement of Space.