6:36 PM
Ashley
The Crossing, Costa Mesa California
By Jaytee Salas & Lacey Gonce
Photo Credit- John Ellis
The Crossing is a non-denominational Christian church that is anything but traditional. Although the church has been around for over 24 years, their new location on Newport Blvd. & Victoria Street was completed in spring of 2011. Our first impression of the exterior is that it is very modern with steel & aluminum finishes, bright complimentary colors of blue & orange, and roll up garage doors along one side. It is very different from a “typical” church with high cathedral ceilings & stained glass windows. Once you are inside the courtyard you get a much more serene feeling. The courtyard has the brightest green grass I’ve ever seen, steps cascading to the second floor, inviting you to sit down & stay awhile. A beautiful, crystal clear, reflecting pool, which you hear before you see, adds visual appeal and is also used for baptisms. With all the new additions & beautiful features surrounding us, we decided to focus our attention on their new auditorium which covers 22,000 square feet & has three levels.
Photo Credit- John Ellis
The Crossing sought to create an auditorium that captured their unique style of devotion, a space that could relate to their audience in a way that was familiar, relevant, and modern. The staff at the church worked with church member, Scott Laidlaw of Laidlaw Schultz Architects to design the new auditorium & surrounding courtyard area. We were very fortunate & extremely grateful to sit down with Scott’s partner Craig Shultz at their firm in Corona Del Mar. There we were able to learn more about the design process. We took a closer look at the specifications & materials chosen for the interior & exterior. Also, we got a hands-on look at all of the plans that were used throughout the design process. We learned that the church got its inspiration from the way Hard Rock Café is designed. They wanted an intimate yet rockin’ venue that could integrate a high tech production, but still allow everyone to feel close and connected to the people on stage.
Photo Credit John Ellis
To accomplish that modern look they incorporated features such as glass & aluminum roll up garage doors, amphitheater seating, clusters of pendant lights with a heart of metal trumpets incased in a body of glass & chic smooth concrete flooring, to name a few. The design team seemed to keep every member of the church in mind with special features such as, a Cry Room, where moms could nurse their infants behind a one way glass window in comfortable rockers while still being able to participate in worship. The entire auditorium is set up with ample ramps & handrails throughout creating barrier-free passages. Built in bookcases were also incorporated to provide members extra bibles just in case you forgot yours.
Floor Finishes
1. Entry way and Mezzanine Level: A Concrete Waxed (CCWX) with natural stain
2. Lower Level: Vinyl Tile (VT HP) manufactured by Kamdean International, Renoir Plank Flooring, Hickory Pine (REN112), (http://www.karndean.com/)
3. Cry Room: Carpet Grey Broadloom (CPT GRY) manufactured by Constantine Commercial Carpets, style- trace, fiber- 100% Antron Legacy Nylon, color- Appalachian Trail (C226L27), (http://www.millikencarpet.com/en-US/company/Pages/default.aspx)
4. Courtyard: Ceramic Tile (CTMX) manufactured by Daltile, Keystones unglazed mosaic, 1 x 1 in varied neutral colors [D014 Accent; D026 (40%); D140 (20%); D311 (20%)], (http://www.daltileproducts.com/)
Wall Finishes:
5. Interior Paint Typical on all Plastered Walls: Paint Dark Blue (PT-DB [E]) manufactured by Dunn Edwards, Interior Latex Enamel Eggshell, color-Deepest Sea (DE5825) (http://www.dunnedwards.com/)
6. Interior Wall Paneling: Duct Liner was strategically used on some of the building’s interior walls to create the acoustical effect the designers hoped for. To achieve aesthetic appeal Douglas Fir wood slats and a few built in display cases were placed over the lining.
7. Exterior Wall with Metal Paneling: Corrugated Steel (MTL-CO), manufactured by Corrugated Metals Inc., Kynar 500, 4in. Box Rib (http://www.corrugated-metals.com/)
Lighting Fixture:
8. Mood Lighting on Mezzanine: Miles Double Suspension Pendant lights by MODISS, carved transparent crystal shade, satin gold metal, and red textile wire detailing (http://www.modiss.com/)
Seating:
9. The seating in the mezzanine area is designed like a stadium or movie theater with cushioned folding chairs. The lower level of the auditorium was designed to be multipurpose area with removable seating. The chairs used in this area were reused from the church’s previous building and a modern, black, linking chair.
Exterior Element:
10. Garage Doors: Roll up garage doors installed by Certified Door and Dock Equipment, glass aluminum roll up sectional doors (http://www.certifiedohd.com/projects/products/details/?p=23)
The opportunity we had to work with an experienced architect and view first-hand the design process was extremely exciting and educational. We highly recommend that design students take the time to visit The Crossing to see a marvelous architectural and interior design project done well. Overall they achieved exactly what they were looking for, a modern, stunning & most importantly inviting place of worship.
Cited Information:
Laidlaw Schultz Architects- 3111 Second Ave, Corona Del Mar, California
The Crossing Church- 2115 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa, California
Posts
20 comments:
The history of the importance of the design of churches traces back to the first churches constructed such as Cathedrals in Europe. It's promising to see that an architectural focus on design is still important today.
Of course it is. I never seen a church built like this one before. I actually attend this church, and its really interesting inside. It is extremely modern, and unique. I think the design concept is really neat.
Wow...I didn't know The Crossings had so many interesting things that are very important for the Design world. Its interesting how now many firms are becoming more involved in the sustainability ideas which is pretty cool. Good job in your research girls.keep it up!!
I was surprise to find out this was a church. Very interesting concept. Good explanation of the concept and materials.
When you actual get to experience the space, it enhances your appreciation of all the details. Very progressive style and nice detail on the materials used.
What a wonder place to attend church. The materials used are sustainable and provide a beautiful environment for everyone who attends the services.
This is really stylish church, mixing tradition and modern.
Now Antron and Daltile are everywhere, aren't they!?
It is such a cool modern look. It reminds me of the church I go to in LA. It seems like its not only commercial buildings getting more modern and sustainable but also churches.
This space is very interesting i never have seen such a modern church space before. The inside is so open and large it reminds me of the house of blues in anaheim with the upper seating area. I liked how detailed your research was and it was cool to see how daltile was used in the project and how we can relate to that material.
One of my favorite color schemes is the direct complimentary ones. I think the use of blue and orange is so powerful in contrast with the deep blue sky, as if merging heaven and earth. This building is immense, but it has such a cozy atmosphere. The lighting makes it so, they are so beautiful! Well done!!
What a beautiful place to worship! You did a really nice job with your photos and your finishes. The reflecting pool sounds heavenly.
I am surprised to find out this is a church!It's the most modern and contemporary church I have ever seen so far. It doesn't use any elements of traditional church.Instead, it uses very different materials,colors and furnishings. Such a great concept and design!
I always drive by this on my way to rowing practice, this building always has caught my eye, unfortunately have never been to the site or been inside. By the way you have depicted the building is very well executed and derscriptive and gives us useful information. I love the modern industrial look this church goes for, not the ordinary traditonal church. I love the seating because my old church had those long row seats with cushions and wood backs, which I must say were quite uncomfortable to sit in for an entire service.
I love the concept of this church. The atmosphere feels very energetic and appealing to a younger crowd. It has an amazing modern feel without feeling cold and uninviting. I think an atmosphere such as this will create a new environment for younger adults and teenagers to be open to spiritual learning. I found it great that they go their inspiration from the Hard Rock Cafe!
ah-mazing! never would have thought about using sustainable products, finishes, materials in a church. amazed that this building incorporated a a Concrete Waxed (CCWX) with natural stain. Great location and demonstration of sustainability.
You described a great visual picture of what the church looks like. The design looks like it would keep the members visually entertained throughout the church service.
That is so cool that you two were able to talk to one of the design partners. I'm sure it was very educational. I still can't believe that this building is a church! So modern and sustainable at the same time.
The church looks amazing and it us even more amazing that its sustainable and you did a great job capturing the feeling of energy with your pictures and words.
I have not seen beautiful church like this.. And good information for sustainable material..good job.
Post a Comment