Palmieri Molecule Seating
Whether church clients like it or not, technology and being connected is expected by today’s worshippers. Therefore, IoT (Internet of Things) design for interiors will not be a “trend” but a responsibility to meet user expectations.
IoT (Internet of Things) design for interiors will not be a “trend” but a responsibility to meet user expectations.
“The trend will be for manufacturers and designers to catch up and have furnishings and interiors that offer tech amenity,” says Sharon Exley, co-founder of Chicago-based Architecture is Fun. “I expect the trend will be to see lots of makers introducing smart seating.”
For example, well-designed public spaces will feature flowing lines, gathering places with group or individual seating--all in an environment that offers connectivity power: charging stations, power plugs and ports. That means there will a lot of flexible furnishings and tables that have USB ports and power plugs, not just wall mounts.
... well-designed public spaces will feature flowing lines, gathering places with group or individual seating--all in an environment that offers connectivity power: charging stations, power plugs and ports.
Mobile movement
Dan Wood, president of CIAv, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., has seen a trend rise out of the higher-education segment where churches are putting charger ports directly on their theater seats to appease the mobile-loving crowd.
Charging stations are also becoming regular things in a worship space’s lobby, coffee bar or gathering area.
Unsplash.com; Pascal Brandle
“We’re also seeing more electrical outlets that have the new USB right on them and those are pretty slick,” he says. “Devices have become a huge part of people’s lives and more accepted in a church environment.”
“We’re also seeing more electrical outlets that have the new USB right on them.... " Dan Wood, President, CIAv, Winston-Salem, NC
Although not a direct impact on design, Wood says one of the cool things he’s seeing pop up in churches are hearing-impaired parishioners using apps on their phones to better hear the service, which is why he always makes sure to install a dedicated wireless network for digital devices at any worship facility, so they’re not interfered with or clogged up by everything connected.
Mobile mindset
Exley says that all designers need to shift to smart design thinking as connectivity, desired or not, is expected.
“Users are more comfortable, feel safer and feel more welcome when the ability to charge up is provided,” she says. “As designers, architects and public space consultants, our team at Architecture Is Fun knows turning ‘connectivity’ from being construed as an amenity can make it a well-considered asset. We often speak about Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (a theoretical study of how humans move through states of motivation) as a design tool.”
“Users are more comfortable, feel safer and feel more welcome when the ability to charge up is provided." Sharon Exley, Co-Founder, Architecture is Fun, Chicago, IL
For example, when you feel safe, welcomed and connected in an environment, you would be more motivated to try new things. Public space that allows you to take care of your common needs will be successful and appreciated.
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“By installing a plethora of charge-up and power-up channels in furnishings and artworks, you say to users, this is here for you. Feel at home. Connect. Check on what you need to. Relax,” she says. “Then you can engage.”
“By installing a plethora of charge-up and power-up channels in furnishings and artworks, you say to users, this is here for you. Feel at home. Connect. Check on what you need to. Relax." Sharon Exley, Co-Founder, Architecture is Fun, Chicago, IL
Architecture is Fun loves to engage users and often specify an interactive bench that does triple duty: provides wide and engaging seating (individual or parent/child), generates touch-sensitive sensory play and provides a charge-up platform.
“It’s a win-win, plus, it’s beautiful,” Exley says. “Additionally, as makers, we produce our own play and place furnishings. For example, our Pyramid Bench embraces socialization and play to express active engagement. It can be designed with (or without) chargers and plugs. It is an elegantly crafted bench that blurs boundaries between furniture and interactive object, play and learning, individual space or connectivity. We see these benches as invitations to be social and connected.”
The church of the 2020s will needs to consider IoT design everywhere. Just as within a museum, a religious setting will have to offer this throughout the entire facility.
“While many of our clients would rather have everyone’s attention, it’s important to understand that being connected allows this sense of comfort and belonging,” Exley says. “Being sure its prevalent and accessible says to users we care about you.”
