Images: GFF Church Works Studio
A patio expansion at First United Methodist Church in Dallas features interior design elements conducive to people congregating and passing through, but not germs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many have worshipped in 2020. And while there’s hope for a vaccine and a return to something close to normalcy next year, it has made many churches think about their design and space a lot more seriously.
Many of the fabrics and materials used inside a church are being replaced with those that can be more easily cleaned and disinfected, as a greater emphasis is now on creating a healthier environment.
After all, choosing the right materials can play an important role in overall health and wellness in a church, impacting the indoor air quality, limiting the spread of germs, and it can even effect occupants' mood and productivity.
Emily Mendez is an interior design leader in Good Fulton & Farrell’s (GFF) Church Works Studio and notes that even before the pandemic hit, discussions about “material health” were in the works. And once COVID concerns came about, those conversations intensified and accelerated the need for creating healthier environments through design.
... even before the pandemic hit, discussions about “material health” were in the works.
“Architects and interior designers have been advocating for healthier interior environments for many years, through thoughtful sustainable design guided by initiatives such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and The WELL Building Standard,” she says. “Post-pandemic, we anticipate terms such as ‘healthy interiors’ and ‘wellness’ will shift from being considered a trend to an expectation.”
Administrative offices at FUMC Dallas
“Post-pandemic, we anticipate terms such as ‘healthy interiors’ and ‘wellness’ will shift from being considered a trend to an expectation.” Emily Mendez, Interior Design Leader, Good Fulton & Farrell (GFF) Church Works Studio, Dallas, TX
While GFF hasn’t yet experienced a complete overhaul related to material requests for churches as 2020 came to a close, Mendez does anticipate a greater focus on sensitivity and attention to materials in the year ahead.
That means materials that are less absorbent and easier to clean. Examples include countertop surfaces like quartz because of its resistance to spills, and fabrics that are bleach-cleanable.
“In children’s spaces, wainscots on the lower portion of the wall provide a more cleanable surface while minimizing impact to walls from buggies and strollers,” Mendez says. “In addition, although not a request related to ‘cleanability,’ we anticipate more consideration toward materials, colors, and lighting needed to support broadcasting of services. Many churches are returning to some form of in-person worship, but also understand that virtual worship will be a vital, long-term part of their ministry.”
Chad M. Davis, AIA
Children's ministry spaces at GFF's client, Christ Fellowship
“In children’s spaces, wainscots on the lower portion of the wall provide a more cleanable surface while minimizing impact to walls from buggies and strollers.” Emily Mendez, Interior Design Leader, Good Fulton & Farrell (GFF) Church Works Studio, Dallas, TX
She reports that many churches have had to shift their focus to other needs during this unprecedented time, so GFF has served more as a planning and information resource for now until their church clients are ready to revisit their design projects.
“We’ve led virtual seminars on re-opening strategies and consulted on projects like food pantries,” Mendez says. “For churches that have not yet reopened, this is a great time to implement cosmetic remodels or deferred building maintenance that are often difficult to do under normal circumstances when the church campus is fully operational. We’ve seen lower construction costs and interest rates available in some cases, so it’s worth exploring.”
She also believes this is a great time for churches to develop “campus master plans” for projects that can be implemented in phases over a number of years to accommodate congregation growth.
Public spaces and gathering spaces
When considering how the interior design of gathering spaces and public spaces inside a church will evolve in a post-COVID world, Mendez notes it will involve both material selection and how space is being utilized overall.
[Mendez] expects more emphasis on natural ventilation and sunlight, and surfaces with less seams and joints.
She sees more durable, easy-to-clean finishes with longevity in materials becoming more in demand, with a selective use of textural materials—such as wood—in locations that provide warmth but are simpler to maintain.
“Where appropriate, consider the use of laminates or other materials that can recreate the look of wood but with enhanced cleanability,” Mendez says.
Additionally, she expects more emphasis on natural ventilation and sunlight, and surfaces with less seams and joints.
As for space configurations, Mendez sees more flexibility to allow for smaller group gatherings, and a change in materials for playscapes for children, utilizing fabrics and products easier to clean and maintain.
Alleviating concerns
Designers are turning to a host of materials and products that can meet the needs of a church client who want to provide a safer and healthier environment.
“If choosing products with antimicrobials, consider the use of materials that have inherently antimicrobial properties, such as copper-based products, vs. materials that have received topically applied antimicrobials, due to research raising concerns about long-term health impacts." Emily Mendez, Interior Design Leader, Good Fulton & Farrell (GFF) Church Works Studio, Dallas, TX
“Antimicrobial products have certainly been promoted the most, so we can’t ignore them,” Mendez says. “If choosing products with antimicrobials, consider the use of materials that have inherently antimicrobial properties, such as copper-based products, vs. materials that have received topically applied antimicrobials, due to research raising concerns about long-term health impacts. When using these products, focus on limited high-touch areas, such as door handles and faucets.”
She suggests installing hands-free products, which are becoming more widely used—something else that pre-dated COVID. This has long been available for faucets, flush valves, and hand dryers in restrooms, but now there are many more options for door hardware, elevator controls, and lighting too.
There are a plethora of options available to churches, and Mendez expects more to focus on materials in the year ahead.
“[I advise church clients,] ask your architect or designer about materials that can not only be easily cleaned—such as a diluted bleach treatment—but also materials designed to repel dirt or spills in the first place,” Mendez says. “Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for the highest level of success.”
Lastly, she advises to learn about how the selected material will impact the air quality of the space.
“We often hear this referred to as ‘off-gassing,’” Mendez says. “Indoor air quality has a significant impact to human health; paints, carpets, sealants, etc. play a major role in this discussion.”
