featured article: form follows values, by danny meyer

Form follows function is a principle associated with architecture and industrial design in the 20th century, which states that the shape of a building or object should be predicated on its intended purpose.

 

Well, can form follow value?  That was a question that was considered at every step in designing the Vineyard Church of Delaware County.  The answer led to some unique architectural elements and some intentional interior design choices.

Being located on the main route into and out of the community, we considered what “values” could be communicated to the thousands of people who pass by the church every day, without saying a word.  Warmth, welcome, family, friendly, and relevance were values that dictated the shape, look and feel of Vineyard Church of Delaware County.  Those decisions not only led to unique structure, but the structure itself has become one of the primary growth factors. 

 

People driving by or visiting for the first time are not only curious about what the Vineyard is, but when encountered with a front porch full of rocking chairs, often ask – “What’s up with the rockers?”  Another common response to the building’s design is, "Did they model this church after Cracker Barrel restaurants?" Well, the answer to both questions is the same.

As we survey the world today it is obvious that our fast-paced culture has left little time for genuine relationships, rest, and simplicity. While designing the building we wanted to communicate that walking into VCDC would not be like going through a McDrivethru.  As a church family, we don't want to mimic the hectic pace of life or echo the "drive-thru" environment experienced most everywhere else in life.

 

As a growing church, flow was also taken into consideration.  However, we didn’t ask the question, “How can we get people in and out quickly and efficiently?” but rather, “Can we provide enough space for people to visit with one another between and after services and still have room for people to come and go?”  This required a larger than necessary lobby, but results in lots of people taking time to visit with one another without feeling like they are “in they way.”  

 

That same consideration helped determine placement of the café and style of seating.  When you walk into VCDC you enter a large lobby with the café prominently located on your right.  The rich woods, dark tones, and stone fireplace encourage people to sit – and they do.

 

The choices made in architectural design and interior décor also communicate a respect for, and relationship to, our community.  Being located in a smaller rural community with a history of farming, hunting, and long family trees, a modern building with frosted glass, brushed aluminum, and sharp edges would have stood out like a sore thumb.  The lodge-like architecture communicates respect and relevance to our community.  It fits.

 

We want people who visit and attend this church to slow down and connect with Jesus, their friends, and neighbors. The rocking chairs, fireplace, café, and general decor of the building should evoke the feeling you get when you gather in your family or living room: warmth. Vineyard Church of Delaware County is a place to gather, sit with a warm cup of coffee, and connect with Jesus and those you love.

 

So while form may often follow function, they can both communicate the values that are held high.  Our building itself reflects what we desire to be and what our people are – warm and friendly.  Rocking chairs on the porch, even if never used (though they are), say come on in, sit a while, visit, and get to know us and let us get to know you.  In the end the cost per square foot was no different than any other “box” that we could have built, even with the specific values considered.  The return on investment, however, has been immeasurable.

 

Without question, it is possible to “say” something to your community, your visitors, and your congregation about the church you are and hope to be with your choices in architectural and interior design.  It may even start the conversation.  After all, “what’s up with those rockers?”