IMAGINATION IN CHURCH DESIGN

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29232, 16 June 1960, Page 19

IMAGINATION IN CHURCH DESIGN

New Research Group In Christchurch To have churches and church buildings designed imaginatively is the aim of the New Churches Research Group, recently formed in Christchurch. It aims at a deeper understanding of church building in terms of the church in the world, the liturgy, design inspiration and the use of materials and modem techniques. This is the first group of its kind in New Zealand and one of few in the world. A spokesman from the group said: “Imagination in our daily life is one of the most important aspects of life. We are trying to co-ordinate research that has been done on church buildings and think out the needs for the future. You can call it, if you like, the providing of meaningful physical space for worship. “Take Gothic architecture,” he said. “Stone was used in a way that really suited the material. Quite often today you find materials being used in a way that does not suit them —concrete or wood, for example, being used in a way that should only be used for stone.

“There are principles of good design and it is possible to assess the quality of good work.” he said. Design should satisfy people’s desire for dignity, honesty of workmanship, imagination and sincerity.

“Often the building is the only thing the outsider sees of the church. A lot of churches and church buildings do not make a clear statement of what they are trying to say.” The group is interdenominational. At a symposium to be held later this year representatives from all the major denominations. including the Roman Catholics, will be present. The group will be open to anyone—laymen, clergy and architects.