20 Inspirations for Environment Designers

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...]

Comments

[tony sheng]

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.

[scott hodge]

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.

[Ben Arment]

Scott, the Orchard wins for best Christmas Eve set designs each year. I nab them each time you post them. Thanks...

[Shaula]

I have one addition to your list. Nobody captures an experience like Universal Studios theme park.

[Gary Hodges]

Hey Ben - can you tell me where I can get your amazing, collossal collection of worship environment photos?

[Ben Arment]

http://www.benarment.com/history_in_the_making/2008/02/worship-environ.html