So Cal Churches Designed by domusstudio Hoping to Celebrate Easter in New Worship Facilities

March 10, 2010 - PRLog -- The liturgical architectural firm of domusstudio architecture in San Diego anticipates three of its new worship facilities currently under construction in Southern California will be completed in time for Easter celebrations. Domusstudio-designed worship spaces are nearing completion in Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Bernardo and La Canada.

“It will be a very special day for all three congregations in many ways,” said Lew Dominy, principal of domusstudio architecture, whose firm has specialized in designing religious facilities since 1986.

“All three of these new worship spaces incorporate key design aspects that build a greater sense of each church’s community,” Dominy continued. “Each has informal environments, like patios, lounges and courtyards, that encourage members to hang out socializing and connecting with others. A courtyard or lobby becomes the heart of a church campus, where the paths of all members and visitors intersect. At domusstudio we consider the whole church campus as a part of the worship and fellowship experience, not just the church building itself. The exterior spaces are equally important to Christian fellowship and a church’s growth and ministry.”

Highlighted by Spanish Revival style architecture, the remodeled Village Community Church in Rancho Santa Fe features a two-story, 25,420-square-foot main sanctuary and administration building. With seating for 592, the new main worship space offers improved community worship, visibility and audibility from all areas of the sanctuary. The existing sanctuary has been converted to a 120-seat chapel, which also is expected to be ready for prayer and worship as soon as April 4.

According to David Keitel, an Associate with domusstudio, “The entire Rancho Santa Fe Village Church community is extremely excited as they are about to take over the facility. This building will allow the church to reach more individuals and families in the Village and the surrounding area.”

Severely damaged by the wildfires that ravaged Rancho Bernardo in 2007, the Life Bridge Church remodel by domusstudio architecture also is expected to be completed in time for Easter services. The project includes a newly rebuilt sanctuary, patio area and new lobby reception area with coffee service and lounge seating for increased social interaction among church members.  Formerly known as Rancho Bernardo Baptist Church, the new name reflects a more contemporary worship style and has been adopted by the church to embrace the new facilities in the newly rebuilt community.

“We’ve designed a whole new entrance sequence that allows for greater interaction, casual seating and social time among church members and guests,” said Dominy, who donated much of his firm’s fees to the church’s post-fire rebuilding effort. “The friendly way in which church members and visitors interact before and after church is key to the bonding and growth of the church community.”

Featuring contemporary style architecture, domusstudio’s LifeBridge Church project is highlighted by a new slate-clad tower, glass entry and stainless steel cross that is visible from Interstate 15.

Thirdly, the final building in the total redesign by domusstudio architecture of the La Canada Presbyterian Church campus is nearly complete. The Prayer Chapel, the last of six buildings on the campus, will be dedicated on Palm Sunday. The chapel will seat 100 people and face a quiet contemplative garden at the very back of the four-acre campus.  The church is located on Foothill Boulevard, below the San Gabriel Mountains foothills, where wildfires threatened homes in 2009, and recent rains have created much publicized mudslides as a result of last year’s fires.

domusstudio architecture is a 23-year-old award-winning architectural design firm specializing in religious facilities, fire stations, educational buildings, senior housing and custom residential projects. Founded in 1986 as Dominy + Associates Architects, the firm strives to enhance the lives of people through architecture, interiors, planning and service.  For more information about its projects and services, call 619-692-9393 or visit http://www.domusstudio.com.

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