Shape

Perception

There is always a risk that our historic churches become frozen in time – seen as material heritage rather than living places. Historically, churches were not only flexible spaces but served as a canvas for communities to shape according to their needs and potentials. How might we find potential, rather than problems, in the unique furnishings, spaces and objects of our churches?

Facilitation

This activity asks how we might shape church spaces to better serve a community’s needs. Working with only temporary objects, the Shape pack may help you uncover hidden strengths and workarounds to shape your church space for the activities you want to do. Your role as facilitator is to help people imagine new ways of working with the spaces you already have.

Step 1

Print as many Shape packs as you have people in your group. Gather your group together and spend time preparing your packs. Explore together which activities you might like to bring to the church as a test case for the activity. Stack all cards of the same type together for the whole group to use.

Step 2

With your chosen activities in mind, take time to walk through the church (indoors and outdoors) and ask yourself: Which space could bring this activity alive? How do I want people to interact? What atmosphere do I want to create?

Step 3

Using the Shape pack, select those cards that will help you create your space. Use the blank cards to add new ideas for items that will shape your space as you want it. Stack your chosen cards together at your chosen location and invite the group to join you. Tell them about your pack selection, inviting comments and feedback.

Tip: When exploring the affordances of different objects and spaces, be open to the idea that they may have many different possibilities.