Book Review: Design Intervention by Mel McGowan

October 26, 2009 Posted by Roger Overton

Looking around at many of the church buildings and facilities standing today, it seems that they either had not the money or interest in using architecture for more than building a roof. In fact, some church buildings are down right ugly, and one has to wonder what message these buildings communicate to the community around them. Is religion, or Christianity more specifically, just as old and irrelevant as these buildings?

Architect Mel McGowan has been advocating a different approach to church and ministry facilities, and he captures them in his book, Design Intervention: Revolutionizing Sacred Space. McGowan believes “Church environments can [use] concrete, paint, and landscaping to communicate the Gospel in new ways. This “architectural evangelism” still upholds excellence, but replaces intimidating experiences with inviting environments.” (7)

The book is in a sense a portfolio of McGowan’s work, though he uses his work as examples for how architecture can make a spiritual difference. It’s broken up into 5 chapters, each highlighting three of his projects with a number of pictures. I’ve included a couple here as samples. The first is of Heritage Christian Church in Georgia. “Today the Christ-centered community is re-centered near the water. The church worships in a simple pre-engineered structure detailed with elements inspired by Georgia State Park lodges, and a glass, stone, and wood gallery guides foot traffic along the water’s edge. God easily handles the wow factor, and the congregation enjoys closer connection to the Master Architect.” (57)

The second sample is from Rock Harbor in California. This is a church I’ve personally visited and can attest to the architectural brilliance and beauty it displays. Rock Harbor is located in an office park right next to Orange County airport. There’s little natural beauty around it. The building itself almost blends in as it looks like just another warehouse. But inside it’s a creative masterpiece. “Stewardship and creativity-values frequently held in a dichotomous relationship-are both communicated here throughout the environment. By clearly recycling and reusing materials and finishes normally considered unsuitable for sacred space, social and environmental values are linked to the spiritual one of vibrant, Christian community.” (23)

Design Intervention by Mel McGowan is a quick read with an important and substantive message. It’s of obvious use for those building or remodeling their church or ministry space, but I think it’s also helpful to anyone in leadership for reflecting on how they can best use the space God has given them for ministry. Design Intervention would make a great coffee table book that could even start a conversation about the gospel.

Design Intervention can be ordered through Amazon’s Marketplace for $19.99. It can also be ordered through the book’s website, but buyers should be warned that they may receive the slightly-less-sacred alternate title, Design Like God Gives a Damn.