The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined daily life. From working environments to required face coverings to food delivery to entertainment, the effects and aftermath of social distancing may be here for a very long time. These are uncharted waters that, architecturally speaking, will no doubt have an impact on the design of future gathering spaces. Therefore, it is incumbent on the architecture community to look for ways to not only mitigate virus transmission, but to design safer gathering spaces.
As the current stay-in-place culture wears on (and wears thin), people are understandably looking for different ways to cope. Heading outside is becoming a popular way to reduce cabin fever. From outdoor community concerts to musicians performing in courtyards at restaurants and bars to the emergence of drive-in theaters, and even pop-up concerts on front lawns, there is a growing trends of socially responsible activities happening outside.
It is incumbent on the architecture community to look for ways to not only mitigate virus transmission, but to design safer gathering spaces.
As churches begin to reopen, health and safety guidelines are in place to help prevent new cases of COVID-19. But beyond best-practices of hand sanitizer stations, deep cleaning, and seating people six feet apart, the act of taking worship outside is worth considering.
Research suggests ...
Fortunately, early medical studies support this and suggest that contracting COVID-19 while at a socially distanced outdoor event is much less likely than attending that same event inside.
Studies conducted through the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory conclude:
“...the odds that a primary case transmitted Covid-19 in a closed environment was 18.7 times greater compared to an open-air environment.” Further: “All identified outbreaks of three or more cases occurred in an indoor environment, which confirms that sharing indoor space is a major SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.”
Obviously, outdoor worship settings are weather-dependent and can reaconably occur only six or seven months of the year in many U.S. states. But with thoughtful design, these spaces can contribute aesthetically--and, by extension, spiritually--all year round (sculpture, landscaping, etc.).
AV technology is an ally
Whether a true sloped amphitheater made of concrete, wood, and steel, or just a nicely landscaped open grassy hillside, clear communication of the spoken word, recorded media, and live music is still paramount. Fortunately, the AV world is ready for outside ministry. From weather-proof speakers, to wireless/remote PA systems requiring very little in the way of a mixing console, high quality audio/visuals are very attainable. If the exterior space has a permanent platform, portable shells and flat screens can also be utilized – all with mobility in mind. Indoor and outdoor worship space designs could be mirrored about an exterior wall and the tech booth could service both venues via an operable window or rolling overhead door. The sound technician would face which ever space is being used.
Whether a true sloped amphitheater made of concrete, wood, and steel, or just a nicely landscaped open grassy hillside, clear communication of the spoken word, recorded media, and live music is still paramount.
Sadly, even with current exterior performance trends, full-blown live theater has still not returned. However, the exterior church space can offer a wonderful (and necessary) place for all sorts of performers to maintain their craft beyond Sunday morning, thereby becoming an excellent means of creative community outreach.
Exterior space for children
Another reason to consider church outside is to give the kids a break from self-isolated life. Understandably however, a traditional playground may not be the best bet for concerned parents. Exterior church space can play a role in the social and spiritual life of children as well. Instead of climbing castles and slides, exterior spaces can incorporate more individual activities.
Ongoing curbside assistance can also be incorporated. For example, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Orlando, FL – residing between Disneyworld and Universal Studios theme park - has developed ways to provide weekly food assistance to out of work performers effected by the pandemic. Future exterior church designs could easily allow for similar outreach via dedicated drive lanes, canopies, and large open parking lots.
Hybrid settings
If the property simply cannot accommodate an exterior gathering space, another option is to utilize glass rolling doors. Such openings are becoming common in restaurants and offer wonderful open-air environments.
Outdoor worship settings are nothing new, but the idea of developing them to mitigate transmission of a disease, such as COVID-19, is. It’s time to look past the current crisis and start thinking about ways to help ensure the public safety knowing that not only are people safer attending open air events, but that they want to.
