A multi-campus church, originating in the culturally rich communities of southern Louisiana, needed a permanent place of worship for its members in Opelousas, Louisiana. The new campus is sited so that it is visible from the interstate, and becomes a beacon of servitude to the under-served, culturally rich, and racially diverse community which it serves. The new campus was designed to be a place of worship as well as a community center for faith based gatherings and events. The layout of the building is based on two essential separated areas, the Main Sanctuary and Youth Center, both connecting to a large, centrally located lobby. The Lobby is equipped with moveable seating and a full service coffee bar which facilitates social interaction and provides space to serve the community beyond typical Sunday services. The Youth center consists of two cordoned sides, one for infants to 4 year olds, and the other for kindergarten and elementary kids. Both sides are funneled through a secure check-in area adjacent to the lobby where parents can check-in their children before attending worship services. In order to maximize space and budget, the main sanctuary utilizes tiered seating with support spaces strategically located below the tiers. The minimal budget was not a deterrent, but rather, the grounds for insightful design resolutions. A locally sourced, natural material pallet with a priority on craftsmanship was employed to create a memorable, warm, and rustic atmosphere.
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