Northwood Church
Keller, Texas
Seat Count: 2,000
Project Type: New Construction
Opening: 2007
Architect: HH Architects
AD Scope: Audio, Video, IMAG, Acoustics,
Theatrical Lighting, Architectural Lighting,
Room Design
Northwood wanted a space focused on creating a participatory worship experience. Their pastor, Bob Roberts, is noted by Leonard Sweet as one of the more creative thinkers in the church today.
When AD met with Bob, we decided not to do the usual visiting of existing churches to look at their architectural design. Instead, we began exploring performing arts venues that are successful as environments for participatory experiences.
Out of that trip came the concept of a very extended thrust stage to break down the barriers between performer and audience and to create a sense of envelopment and participation.
The screens surrounding the auditorium allow the room to be animated—static or moving. The side screens can be front lit, front projected, shadowed or whatever the creative team dreams up. The ability to have multiple rigging locations within the ceiling further breaks down exactly where communication and performance occurs. In this room, communication is not confined to a single point in space.
The most important element of a design such as this is not technical, but philosophical. Everyone is intended to have a different experience depending on their location. Not only is this okay, but it’s encouraged. Conversely, every seat is expected to have an experience that is excellent. At NorthWood, even the most extreme wrap-around seats will have exceptional sightlines across the stage.
