Okay, something fun for the holiday season. Some people are civil war reenactors on weekends; I get my kicks from
imagining and creating environmental design. We pastors are in the business of creating environments for life change, so I try to bring ideas like these to our services whenever I can. Here are my top 20 sources of creative inspiration from 2007:
1. U2's Elevation Tour in Boston DVD 
Feel like you're on stage with Bono; showmanship at its finest.
2. Two words: Snow Masters
Evaporates before it hits the ground; silent motor.
3. My library of worship environment photos
I've been snagging great photos off pastors' blogs and church websites
for the past five years. I believe it's the largest collection of
worship environments in the known universe. =)
4. Interactive Design World
My favorite is the Experimental Interaction Design book in the IDN store.
5. Floating Balls of Light
Their most functional use is lighting up construction sites, but these illuminated globes would look posh in your environment.
6. Hard Rock Hotels
They
don't sell a hotel experience; they sell culture. Everything from the
background music to the feel of silverware in your hands is
orchestrated.
7. Church Production Magazine
I
get a mind-blowing idea from one out of every 3 issues. Lots of
standard megachurch stock, but occasionally, they showcase something
truly revolutionary.
8. PiGi Projectors
No
church is using PiGi projection yet; but it's one of the final
frontiers in creative arts in the church ~ washing entire buildings and
interiors with design. ETC in London flaunts their skills all over the
historic buildings of the United Kingdom.
[Keep reading the other 12...]
Love the list.
I know this might sound strange, but you should check out the Super Mario Galaxy game on the Wii. [Just bear with the long animation introduction sequence.]
The designers have taken liberty with some fundamental concepts and turned them into some wild creativity. Definitely made me think of creativity and innovation among Christ following communities.
Posted by: tony sheng | December 30, 2007 at 06:20 PM
great post ben. and not just because you have a photo of me in it... :) seriously - thanks for continuing to stretch us in these areas.
Posted by: scott hodge | December 30, 2007 at 08:21 PM
Scott, the Orchard wins for best Christmas Eve set designs each year. I nab them each time you post them. Thanks...
Posted by: Ben Arment | December 30, 2007 at 09:53 PM
I have one addition to your list. Nobody captures an experience like Universal Studios theme park.
Posted by: Shaula | December 31, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Hey Ben - can you tell me where I can get your amazing, collossal collection of worship environment photos?
Posted by: Gary Hodges | February 29, 2008 at 09:36 AM
http://www.benarment.com/history_in_the_making/2008/02/worship-environ.html
Posted by: Ben Arment | February 29, 2008 at 09:50 AM