Historic Churches 2018

BCD SPECIAL REPORT ON HISTORIC CHURCHES 25 TH ANNUAL EDITION 33 After some inspiring stories from the EDP team about successful case studies, the groups were introduced to a range of approaches for engaging people in design and demystifying the process. During the afternoon workshop the groups explored the implications of putting the principles outlined in the morning session into practice in their own contexts. The groups used memory mapping to visualise their church buildings, identifying the opportunities associated with the positive and negative perceptions of various spaces, exploring the different ambience created by lighter or more inviting areas and the darker or more intimidating ones. They also evaluated obstacles to the flexibility of the spaces; the effects of scale, colour and comfort; and the opportunities for intimate and corporate worship from each group’s perspective. The exercises were carried out using post-it notes, drawings and models as a means of capturing the moment. This approach promotes an audit of the full potential of the existing resources and engages different personalities in discussion to move from often widely varying perspectives to a consensus on the common goals. The groups could then proceed to the early stages of writing their own project briefs, a good brief being essential to a good solution. The brief-writing phase of the workshop involved brainstorming all the activities that could possibly be hosted in their place of worship. Participants were encouraged to explore which community groups could benefit from being invited to use an often strategically located community resource, and they were invited to consider changes and possible adaptation of existing church spaces which may trespass into sacred areas (and therefore other people’s sensitivities). By challenging preconceptions, new opportunities could be envisaged for releasing areas of the church to a wider audience and diversity of use, without necessarily infringing on the core function of worship. By exploring who will have the greatest influence and vested interest in the project, individuals and groups can be targeted for moral, practical or even financial support. It is a useful exercise towards understanding which groups and activities would attract the investment required to sustain the building for the next generation, not just for the current members but the wider community. This type of workshop held at the early stages of a project encourages creativity at a grassroots level, exploring inspiring precedents and gaining helpful information from people who have piloted previous projects. It also provides a context for examining design options at an early stage, which can be supported by the involvement of independent design professionals. At Glasgow, for example, a design-qualified buddy was assigned to each group. Where time allows, creating a physical model of the building can also be especially useful, particularly for those with less experience of working with two- dimensional drawings and plans. This kind of community engagement workshop should lead to a carefully documented action-plan to take the project forward to the next stage. Some will inevitably regard the exercise as unnecessary, but the outcome often proves them wrong. Many of the groups who have participated reported that the various tasks covered during the workshop unlocked a wealth of latent skills, benefitting both the group and the project. The most rewarding and beneficial outcomes recorded were the sense of unity achieved and the dynamic of the group working together as a team. They can then share their enthusiasm and their goals with others who must be involved on the wider scale. Having space to think promotes new ideas and perspectives and is an investment in the project, albeit in valuable time and effort. As with any process which brings together a diverse group of individuals, there are bound to be bumps along the way. Good leadership then becomes key in directing, recording and managing the process and the participants towards a successful outcome. There are also now design guides which provide tried and tested resources and methods that offer a clear format for seeing the process through to a positive conclusion. THE CHURCH BUILDINGS RENEWAL TRUST Established in 1994, CBRT is one of the principal bodies promoting the conservation of the nation’s ecclesiastical heritage, and it works throughout Scotland and with all denominations to prevent redundancy. It is a registered charity managed entirely by volunteers. The trust has four key aims: • to bring underused or redundant church buildings back into community life • to promote the conservation of churches which are of architectural and historic significance • to encourage congregations to engage in the process of renewal • and to inform and advise them by means of conferences and workshops. In the recent past, CBRT has held conferences combined with workshops in Glasgow, Stirling, Kirkcaldy, Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness, with the aim of demonstrating how the trust’s aims can be met. All these events have focused on the successful use of church buildings by the congregation and the community at large. A further event is to be held in Dumfries in autumn 2018. The following CBRT case studies show some of the successful outcomes that can be achieved through careful groundwork. A facilitated workshop delivered by Empowering Design Practice in partnership with the Church Buildings Renewal Trust to consider extending the use of Adelaide Place Baptist Church, Glasgow (Photos: Colin McNeish)

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