Like most things, architecture has changed dramatically over the centuries. New materials become popular, design theme trends change, and the needs of modern people change to an extent, too.
For a structure such as a church, which is so heavily rooted in symbolism and deeply intimate concepts, it is sometimes difficult to warrant many of those changes as time passes. Will they affect the core principles of the church? Will they impact the traditional themes and atmosphere of a church?
Well, churches have started to embrace a lot of contemporary design choices in recent years both out of necessity and to bring forth new traditions. That doesn’t mean that classical architecture in churches is a thing of the past, though.
Today, we’re going to explore how classical architecture and contemporary architecture blend to create churches that are traditional and embrace modern advances.
Let’s dive in!
Modern Materials Recreate Classical Details with Modern Benefits
One of the ways classical church architecture is being modernized is through the intelligent and highly focused use of modern materials.
Whereas stone, wood, and traditional masonry methods have always been used to build churches and continue to this day, foam has become a staple in church design.
Churches can utilize a variety of molded foam types to replicate the same look, durability, and feeling of traditional materials in various areas at a lower price point without sacrificing quality.
This can be used in a lot of areas that would normally drive up a church’s construction and decor budget without affecting structural integrity.
This includes many decor features such as wall facades, statues, molding, window molding, display pieces, and historical recreations for holiday events and similar situations.
While foam may sound like an abnormal material for such uses, it’s perfect.
The foam used is easily molded to any shape without the difficulties of carving wood or stone into complex shapes with fine details, but it also lasts indefinitely and is extremely resistant to wear and tear once it’s cured. It can also be made to mimic traditional materials exceptionally well.
Design Teams Have an Intimate Understanding of Church Values and Symbolism
One of the major aspects of a church building project is the consideration of how the church’s values and symbolism will be kept intact while using contemporary methods and design techniques.
This is no easy task. It requires an in-depth understanding of religion to execute appropriately and respectfully, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of religious and classical church architecture. Understanding why churches have adhered to specific architectural patterns for hundreds of years is crucial.
Design teams that specialize in church construction and architecture use an intimate knowledge of these concepts to carefully leverage modern technology and design themes in a way that honors those values and brings glory to God when the project is finished.
They also add modern features that increase accessibility and teaching capabilities while meeting modern construction standards within the church.
For example, while modern design aspects can be added, a Catholic church typically consists of a naive that serves as the central hub of the church where services are held, and small, purposefully placed, hallways connect to minor rooms such as offices, quarters, and similar spaces.
Even the cross that adorns the top of most Catholic churches must be oriented properly but is now often made with materials that make it far more resistant to the wear and tear it’s exposed to in the outdoors.
Modern Features are Worked into Classical Architecture Designs
One contemporary aspect of a modern church that isn’t found in the classical architecture of churches is the use of modern technological features.
As such, many churches were hesitant to start implementing most forms of technology into traditional church designs to prevent losing the classic feeling of and recognizability of a church.
However, these modern features are added seamlessly and without interfering with the classical designs everyone expects when they enter the church.
Elaborate sound systems that allow all church members to hear sermons clearly and easily are woven throughout classical features and hidden with sound rooms being completely out of sight of the general church population.
Projector televisions can be implemented overhead in a way that doesn’t distract from the more meaningful church architecture, but when visual aids are needed, they’re available. Modern features also include features such as kitchen and basement areas to support church functions or facilitate food pantries that many churches set up to aid their communities.
These are things that wouldn’t necessarily be included in traditional churches centuries ago, but modern needs have made them essential in contemporary design.
Maintaining Focus on the Timeless Beauty of the Church
The idea of a church, especially in Catholicism, is to create a structure that is as close to resembling heaven as possible for members of the flock to feel at home. While it’s impossible to achieve that, that is one of the primary goals in church design.
To instill it with beauty in a way that brings glory to God and shows the church’s prioritization of spreading the gospel.
This is why, even in contemporary churches, the core focus of the design plan is to create the timeless beauty the church is known for.
Grand walkways and towering ceilings adorned with remarkable symbolism, windows depicting the trinity and other concepts of faith, and more are all staples of classical church architecture that remain a focus in contemporary design.
However, contemporary practices allow us to take these concepts and improve upon them to create new features and design themes that enhance the church without taking from that timeless beauty.
Choose Baker Architects for Your Church Construction Project
Whether you’re building a new church to give a new area a place to worship, or you’re upgrading an older church to meet modern needs in a structural sense, you need church architects who understand both the fine details of classical church architecture and contemporary building methods.
Baker Architects offers that and more.
Not only do we put our skills to work in design and honor the values of Christianity, but we use the most advanced methods possible and the latest materials to do so in a way that has never been more accurate, flexible, and budget-conscious.
Contact Baker Architects today to talk to us about your project.
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