Story First

By Michael Melilli, Director of Environmental Design, PlainJoe Studios

Whenever we begin a new project, be it a children’s space or a church lobby renovation, the first thing we do is sit down with the project’s decision makers, the architects of the organization’s DNA, and nail down the Big Idea, the space’s Story.  (Yes, that’s Story with a capital “S”.)  This, above all else, is the key to an impactful project and has to happen first; before a single concept sketch is doodled, color palette examined or technology considered. 

“But why?” we’re so frequently asked.  “Does a place really need a story?”  The answer is a resounding yes.

Photo provided by PlainJoe StudiosStory has always been the basis of human communication.  When your significant other tells you that they had a terrible day, you expect them to give you a narrative account of what happened.  It’s how we come to understand their current emotional state.  It’s the Story that connects us and allows us to empathize with what they’ve experienced.  The vast majority of our leisure time is spent centered around Story.  We read, go to movies, and gather with friends to share the Stories of our lives while we enjoy a meal together.  Children are taught life lessons through fables; the Story allows them to internalize the message being delivered.  Christ himself taught with parables; allegorical Stories meant to convey a larger truth. 

Story offers people a deeper understanding of their lives and each other and ultimately ties them together.  At the center of every community, no matter how big or small, is a shared story.

Photo provided by PlainJoe StudiosThere’s a reason Disneyland has had such a powerful effect on countless generations.  On one level the rides and attractions are all Story based.  You’re invited into the Temple of the Forbidden Eye to search for Indiana Jones; to, in essence, become a part of a Story that you’ve likely thrilled to in the past.  You’re given the chance to fly to Never Never Land with Peter Pan or take on the Death Star with the Rebel Alliance.  However, beyond the Stories we all know and love, you’re invited to create Stories of your own; lasting memories and shared experiences for you and your loved ones to share for years to come. 

Photo provided by PlainJoe StudiosA space without a Story is just an empty building.  Your space needs to tell your Story; otherwise it’s just four walls and a roof, no matter how cool it looks.  Dig deep, ask who you are and what your mission is and decide what you want your space to say about you to those who visit it.

On a practical level, a space’s Story serves as a guide against which all design decisions need to be measured.  This can be very literal; in a futuristic space themed children’s area the Story tells us that a ‘57 Chevy doesn’t work as a thematic element.  The principle stays true even if the Story isn’t as thematically specific.  A church coffee shop’s Story may be that it’s a place of calm and refuge for the busy community around it, a place to gather, reconnect, and rest.  As you make design decisions you’ll now know that busy fabric patterns aren’t the right choice for the booth seats and cacophonous colors should probably be saved for a future project.  There’s literally not a single design decision that won’t benefit from Story.

Set your Story, follow the Big Idea and design with intention.  In the end you’ll have more than just a hip new space; instead, you and your guests will discover a place that is a powerful reflection of your church and your mission.Photo provided by PlainJoe Studios

Join Michael Melilli and Johnny Davis at ALIGNMENT4 to learn how you can capture your "Story" in the design of your ministry space.

If you would like more information about the upcoming ALIGNMENT4 conference or to register, simply visitwww.cornerstoneconferences.com or call 888-595-7360.

Your Church is Not a Mr. Potato Head

Written By Derek DeGroot, Aspen Group Architect

Mr. Potato Head - that classic American toy consisting of a plastic model of a potato which can be decorated with a few attachable plastic parts to make a face. You know it…its been revitalized countless times in popular culture.  And it always seems to work.  An eye here, an ear there, no matter the combination it seems like Mr. Potato Head looks good to its creator.

In the church building world however, a Mr. Potato Head ideal can make your building a real mess.

We all have toured the latest building and said to ourselves, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we had that at our church?” Or...”We need to make our church look like this Starbucks!” How about... “This Apple Store would be an awesome church building!”

The reasons those designs worked well for their owners probably will be far different than what might work for your church. Your church is not a Mr. Potato Head.  It has an extremely unique DNA, your congregation holds very unique gifts, and no two buildings - or even building sites for that matter - are the same, unlike the mass produced toy.

The reason a building works is buried in layers well beyond the surface aesthetic.  It’s a partnership of why and how, and of choosing the right parts from endless options, not from a few choices that come with the famous Hasbro toy.

Next time you tour a building that works, ask why it was designed that way, not just how it was built.

Aspen Frankfort Office Open House

I hope you can join us this Thursday (6/4) in Frankfort as we celebrate the grand opening of our new office space!

The office was designed very intentionally to facilitate collaboration, teamwork and creativity; core values here at Aspen. I know you’ll benefit from simply touring the facility and gaining ideas about the design concepts employed. And we deliberately used a wide variety of finish materials to showcase how these elements work together to enhance the usefulness and enjoyment of the space.

As an added bonus, many from our great team of church architects, project managers and project developers will be on hand to meet and greet you. Come take advantage of this opportunity to pick their brains!

You can find a copy of the invitation in the Downloads section of this blog – don’t worry about the date shown, we’ll still accept your RSVP or even walk-ins!

The Table Debuts at Aspen Dinner

This past Friday evening saw the Aspen team gathered for our annual Employee Appreciation Dinner. And yes, this is an easy group to appreciate! Among the highlights of a wonderful evening of fellowship and sharing in our purpose and mission together, we were delighted to get a copy of the new Aspen magazine!

Entitled “The Table”, this beautifully-designed full-color piece has the mission to: Communicate the mission, vision, and culture of Aspen Group. This first issue nailed its mission in a big way!

While this is primarily a communication piece for the Aspen family, we will make it available to anyone who is interested in receiving a copy. It's loaded with great content including articles on intentional design, Aspen's heritage, what's happening in culture and more.

Special thanks to Abbie Mantor and Josh Gregoire who did the heavy lifting on this project—it’s truly something we’re all proud of and captures the essence of what it’s like to work at Aspen!