2023 Church Design Forecast : Trendspotting
4 audio / video / lighting / architecture trends to pay attention to
If the goal is to really reach people ( and it is ), there ’ s a shift underway towards things like integrated architecture , spatial audio and more .
So , what do I mean by all that ?
Well , through my work with our firm , I ’ m finding that some of the newest trends are decidedly old school-meets-new school .
McCauley Principal CSD Group , Inc .
# 1 : Having a “ platform look ” — one that doesn ’ t change — as part of your church ’ s branding . A platform look helps people to connect and builds trust . As an example , think of Joel Osteen ’ s stage with the everpresent giant , spinning globe . You can picture it , right ? That ’ s the point . This represents what we call “ studio church platforms ,” something we ’ re implementing a lot of lately . The idea , here , is to have a flexible space as a part of the platform , but then have it anchored by “ sets ,” or a look that never changes . This way , when people see the space on video or in person , they can tell exactly where they are . A platform look relies less on the people on stage and more on the statement made by the “ look ” of the platform . In coming years , this method will change the way we think about church audio / video / lighting and architecture . Think about some of your most trusted shows — Johnny Carson or Jimmy Fallon , for instance . The sets don ’ t change , yet there ’ s a space for everything . You see a shot of the set , and you know and trust . We ’ re observing this in a lot of new churches , and I believe the ones that adopt it first will reap the biggest benefits .
# 2 : LED-wall integration into church architecture . LED walls are a huge trend right now . Gone are the days of a black stage with screens and lights , or just windows ; we ’ re seeing that , with architecture , you can change the dynamics of a worship space while having a set that doesn ’ t need to change every month . LED walls let you mimic stained glass windows on the walls , or a view of the outdoors . You can use them in backdrop effects and incorporate logos . We ’ re seeing LED walls act as digital skylights instead of installing real ones . We ’ re even seeing churches use fully immersive LED wall stages and ceilings that enable a space to serve dual purposes : for worship on the weekends and as a movie / commercial set , which can be rented out , during the week . This configuration has the added benefit of helping pay for the facility and the technology .
# 3 : Cinematic cameras and robotics . Movement and focus — the tools that master filmmakers use to tell stories — are being used more and more to create a way of storytelling in the Church . Movement can be achieved with the focus of lenses , as well as from movement of the camera using jibs ( the projecting arms of cranes ) and track .
Static images in which everything is in focus are boring and won ’ t keep people ’ s attention with all the other content floating around . You need your video to look great and have that “ focusing ” movement to keep viewers locked in . Pushing cameras on tracks involves manpower , whereas using jibs requires the use of robotic cameras on tracks that can move side to side and up and down , creating sweeping moves . Both help capture and keep the audience ’ s attention .
# 4 : Spatial audio is on the rise ! You hear a lot about spatial audio on iTunes , and now you ’ ll start experiencing it in more and more churches . I ’ m an early adopter of this 360-degree sound format and have been designing these systems for more than 25 years . I learned most of what I know about it during my time working at Sight & Sound Theaters in Lancaster , Pa ., where Bible stories come to life on the stage . It was very effective , as the sides of the stage in this space surround the audience . In using spatial audio at Sight & Sound , we had to think differently about how sound affects people . Through the years , people have started to see the benefit of this type of connection . Effectively , it gives every person a unique experience — one might say that it harkens back to “ old school ” sound , before big mono audio systems became the norm . With spatial audio , viewers can actually hear where people are on stage . It locates congregants to the reality of what they ’ re seeing and really starts to make them forget about the sound system , and that they ’ re not hearing them directly . Very powerful . When a “ surround ” aspect is incorporated into the space , the room becomes multifunctional : good for speech , but also great for worship and congregational connection .
When we think of worship technology , the “ flash ” of some modern churches might immediately come to mind ; but actually , those churches represent a very small subset of the nation . In my experience , a church can benefit much by exploring new ( if , in some ways , old-school ) ways of thinking and reaching people with its audio , video , lighting and acoustics . churchexecutive . com CHURCH EXECUTIVE 5