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EAGLE NOTE 102 DESIGNING FROM A VISITOR'S VIEWPOINT So, you have made the decision to build a new facility. The first step in the pre-design process is to "take stock" of what elements your new facility will include. By doing a complete requirements analysis, you will not only end up with a facility custom designed for your ministry, but also eliminate many of the costly change requests typical during most construction projects. The most important thing to keep in mind during this phase is to design from a visitor's perspective. Beginning from the street ask yourself questions such as, "What would make someone driving by want to attend our church? Is the landscaping attractive? Do we provide spacious parking lots? Once a visitor is here, is it easy to access the various parts of our facility?" The key is to make the trip from the street into the sanctuary as inviting as possible. Once someone has come into your church building, the foyer is typically the first place they see. The foyer should be tastefully decorated and spacious. Hallways also should be large enough so visitors do not feel crowded. If your visitors have young children, then the nursery area will be of particular interest. Nurseries should be close to the foyer, allowing easy drop-offs and pick-ups. Cleanliness, sufficient equipment and plenty of square footage are other important qualities of a nursery. Many people indicate a major factor in determining where they attend church is the nursery. Restrooms should be large and provide plenty of privacy. The restrooms should be easily noticed and accessible to avoid embarrassing visitors by having to ask for directions. The sanctuary should allow visitors the ability to enter and exit without drawing attention to themselves. Seating should allow the visitors to see without being on display. Remember, visitors are there to see you, not necessarily for you to see them. Designing your facility with a visitor in mind will help ensure the needs of those visiting, as well as your members, are met before construction begins. Be sure to receive input from those in your church, both staff and lay people, who serve the ministry on a regular basis. All too often, the people who know what is needed are left out of the design process. Who better to discuss the needs of the children's church than the children's church director? For a truly enlightening perspective on the needs of your church, all you need do is ask the custodian! Another great source is your visitors who never came back.

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