Bethlehem Lutheran Church
St. Cloud, MinnesotaThe parishioners of Bethlehem Lutheran church outgrew their existing facility and purchased a 20-acre site on the edge of town for a new facility. A master plan of 100,000 S.F. was completed for the new facility to allow for future growth. Phase I included worship, gathering and educational spaces. Future additions will include more educational space, a gymnasium, youth space, a parish hall, administrative offices and adult meeting rooms. The worship space is the central focal point of the master plan and terminates the entrance sequence from parking and drop-off, to gathering space into worship. The educational program is organized into three building components and flanks the gathering space. The liturgical space is organized in plan around the chancel area in a community seating arrangement, beneath the clerestory roof form which draws in daylight and forms a beacon at night. Large glazed openings surround the seating plan to reflect the congregation's desire for "openness" and accessibility to their community. The building is located with a south facing orientation to capture winter's sunlight and protect the entrance from winter winds.