Design Suggestions from the Congregation

Following presentations to the congregation earlier this year, the BuildingCommittee received valuable suggestions from members of the congregation. Allquestions and suggestions have been reviewed by the committee and brought tothe architect as well. Although not all suggestions are feasible, because ofcity codes, costs, or other considerations, it is wonderful that the congregationis taking such an active role in the building program. Here below are the suggestions,followed by a feasibility assessment of each:

Use the storage space adjacent to left side of chancel as a bathroom.

Although this space is already plumbed, we are concerned that a bathroom directlyadjacent to the chancel would pose potential noise problems. We do provide thetwo bathrooms just inside the Arizona entrance. Perhaps most importantly, thischancel-adjacent location is critically needed for the audio and electricalequipment and wiring, and for storage.

A short wall or partial glass wall would create a more welcoming administrationoffice upstairs.

This will costs a little more, but can be done and would create an attractiveentry. Marie will be asked to assist in the layout of this area.

Keep foyer bathrooms on the east wall at the sanctuary entrance, as farremoved from sanctuary seating as possible.

Doors would have to open towards the sanctuary to afford wheelchair access.As drawn, there is a thick wall between sanctuary and bathrooms, and sound-proofingcan be added. Doors (with glass panels) could replace the curtains, furtherinsulating the sanctuary from foyer noise.

Is there enough storage space? A basement in the West Building would provideadditional storage space.

A task force is analyzing our storage needs now, and we know that inexpensiveoff-site storage is available for items used only infrequently. However, a basementor partial basement would be great if we can afford it. We would have to addan elevator stop, thus necessitating a more expensive three-stop elevator, andof course excavate and ventilate. As we look at possible construction companies,we are asking specifically for a cost estimate on a basement. With numbers inhand we can decide if the additional storage is worth the additional cost.

Remove the bit of wall that descends from the roof to separate the centralarea from the north seating area of the sanctuary.

This is a structural requirement to support the central clerestory. It willbe repeated on the south side when the wall is removed.

Video wiring would allow for remote viewing in the foyer and/or Forbes Hall.

Yes, we would like to provide some remote viewing options for services andother events, so this would be a practical and welcome addition. We have notyet reached the stage of mechanical details, but we need to find out what isin place now and make sure that additional wiring is included during renovation.Then the cameras and monitors can be added as funds become available.

Let's reconsider a ramp up to the chancel.

We are required to provide wheelchair access to the chancel. Our initial architecturaldrawings tried several possible ramp configurations, but a ramp uses up a greatdeal of space, no matter how it is placed. Although a lift can look awkward,we can work to make the lift look more attractive rather than sacrificing floorspace. To increase seating space in the sanctuary has always been a primaryconsiderations for the whole building program and we are working hard to maximizethat space.

Reconfigure the Forbes Hall hallway into table and chair storage to streamlineForbes Hall.

There are certain code restrictions regarding lengths of dead-end hallways,but this idea is a real possibility and may indeed be a better use for thislittle-used space. However, certain built-in areas on the south wall of ForbesHall must remain, as they contain a video monitor, wiring, the new phone system,and storage areas. Further study is needed here.

Relocate the choir, preferably to the back of the sanctuary.

Our first sanctuary task force suggested this placement, but when presentedin the early architectural drawings, many people objected. The primary considerationis space. To make room for the choir, conductor, piano and organ in the back,rows of seating would have to be removed. In order to retrieve that seatingspace, we would need to shrink the chancel, making it far less desirable forweddings, concerts, and other events. All input from the music program indicatedthat the piano should be on the chancel, that the piano and organ must be onthe same side, and that for reasons of acoustics the choir should face towardsthe congregation. Furthermore, by utilizing the recessed area, we actually gainchancel space without sacrificing sanctuary seating. In the current design,the choir sits behind and to the left of the minister and, of course, will beseated except when performing.

Reserve the library in the West Building as sacred space.

While there will be no sinks, and surfaces will be more formally finished thanin the other classrooms, the library may sometimes be needed as a classroomfor our young people. It will not be used in ways that could easily mar or stainwalls and flooring.

There could be a lot of disturbance from street activity and noise throughthe French doors to the Memory Garden.

Bamboo or other greenery will help screen street activity. The glass will bedual glazed for maximum sound insulation, and the doors will usually remainclosed during services.

We want to keep the plantings behind the chancel.

That wall of green is very popular. It will remain, but in a different form.With the choir seated in front of the lower portions, the planting area willnot be as deep as it is now. However, it will extend all the way to the currentsouth wall, thus almost doubling in length. Also, the memory garden greenerywill be visible through the new doors on the south side of the sanctuary.

Why isn't the West Building designed in Mission Style?

While we all love the styling of the sanctuary, the new West Building is notadjacent to it, but rather to Forbes Hall. Although less traditional than missionstyle, a clean-lined modern building can be equally beautiful and uplifting.It is clear that we do not all have the same architectural or aesthetic sense,since we are hearing a lot of differing ideas on design details. But there isbroad consensus that the design must serve to unify the campus. The architectand Building Committee are exploring a number of ways to accomplish this, suchas recreating some sanctuary design elements in the new building, selectingcoordinating colors and materials, and/or creating a stepping-stone pathwaylinking the buildings. We continue to welcome your ideas.