St. John’s Lutheran Church
Location: Geneva, Ohio
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Geneva, Ohio, features a unique triangular geometry, making it a distinct landmark. Though not strictly traditional or modern, the building has served the congregation well but began to show signs of strain due to growing needs.
Engaging studioTECHNE | Architects
To address these challenges, the church committee enlisted studioTECHNE | Architects, a Cleveland-based firm renowned for community-focused designs. Our process began with investigative conversations, listening to the congregation’s stories of weddings, christenings, funerals, and gatherings.
Workshops and Vision Development
We conducted workshops to identify the community's unique characteristics, mapping cherished moments and discussing the future needs of the congregation. Emerging themes included the need for intimate fellowship spaces, youth engagement areas, and a versatile worship area that supports both traditional and contemporary practices.
Design Process and Community-Centered Space
With these insights, we envisioned two new wings extending towards the street, symbolizing the open arms of the congregation. A new courtyard between the wings fosters unity and serves as a hub for various activities. Masonry piers and expansive glass openings create a “Transparency of Faith,” connecting the internal sacred space with the external community.
Rediscovering the Heart of St. John’s
The journey with studioTECHNE was more than an architectural endeavor; it was a pilgrimage into the community's heart. The church not only gained a revamped structure but also a deeper understanding of itself, paving the way for a reinvigorated community rooted in tradition and open to the future.
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