The mustard seed is such an appropriate parable that it was told three times in the Bible. As the story goes, the small, oblong seed grew into a large tree that attracted and housed a plethora of birds.
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) drew inspiration from that story to design a new church in Glenview, Ill. The 72,000-sf Willow Creek North Shore is an ellipse-shaped building with a 1,200-seat auditorium, cafe, administrative offices, adult ministry spaces, educational classrooms, and other gathering points. Two spacious main entrances are connected to lobbies and circulation paths.
“What was most important in the conceptual design of this building was to create a welcoming feeling and a diagram that was clear and understandable for both the first-time visitor as well as those who attend on a regular basis,” AS+GG Design Partner Adrian Smith said in a statement. “The gentle curve of the circulation paths allow occupants to flow through the space, while enjoying views of the outside.”
The building is elevated 5-8 feet from its original grade, which creates a plateau with sights of the retention pond and the surrounding community.
Floor-to-ceiling windows will be installed to draw in natural light and face toward two landscaped courtyards, which can hold weddings, funerals, and other events.
Construction began in June 2015, and the church is expected to open in the fall of this year.
Along with AS+GG, Architecture, the project team was comprised of Glenn H. Johnson Construction Co. (contractor), Forefront Structural Engineers (structural engineering), and Heager Engineering (civil engineering).
Photo: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Click photo to enlarge.
Photo: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Click photo to enlarge.
Related Stories
Religious Facilities | Oct 28, 2015
After 133 years of construction, Sagrada Familia enters final phase of construction
Six new towers to be added will make the cathedral Europe's tallest religious building.
Sponsored | Religious Facilities | Sep 25, 2015
Where Construction Meets Religion
The beliefs of the congregation required specific compass-orientations for certain rooms
Religious Facilities | Aug 25, 2015
A fully restored St. Patrick’s Cathedral awaits the pope’s arrival
The three-year reconstruction project included more than 30,000 preservations and repairs.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2015
Condo developers covet churches for conversions
Former churches, many of which are sitting on prime urban real estate, are being converted into libraries, restaurants, and with greater frequency condominiums.
Religious Facilities | Mar 23, 2015
Is nothing sacred? Seattle church to become a restaurant and ballroom
A Seattle-based real estate developer plans to convert a historic downtown building, which for more than a century has served as a church sanctuary, into a restaurant with ballroom space.
Retail Centers | Mar 10, 2015
Retrofit projects give dying malls new purpose
Approximately one-third of the country’s 1,200 enclosed malls are dead or dying. The good news is that a sizable portion of that building stock is being repurposed.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Mar 5, 2015
Chicago's 7 most endangered properties
Preservation Chicago released its annual list of historic buildings that are at risk of being demolished or falling into decay.
Religious Facilities | Mar 3, 2015
Gaudi's Sagrada Familia to be completed in 2026
Architect Jordi Fauli has taken over responsibilities for finishing Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece. Fauli is confident his team will be able to finish the mega project within the next 12 years.
Sponsored | Metals | Feb 25, 2015
Why churches are being built of metal
Affordability and speed of building are important factors.
Architects | Feb 11, 2015
Shortlist for 2015 Mies van der Rohe Award announced
Copenhagen, Berlin, and Rotterdam are the cities where most of the shortlisted works have been built.
