Johnson Chapel at Trinity School, Manhattan, Butler Rogers Baskett Architects, 2009

Inspirational control of light in this chapel found at archidose...

To prevent the intrusion of mechanical systems into the sleek minimalism of the chapel (no grills or vents are in evidence), the bed of rock in which the cross is placed covers the ventilation system where air is introduced into the room, and the lowered ceiling plane of the light well hides the returns as well as providing the beams that rake the light diagonally along the wall.

3-D Acoustic Wallpaper from Recycled Paper

Mio also offers an affordable and stylist acoustical solution:  a three-dimensional recycled paper wall-covering that can be installed temporarily simply with double-stick tape or permanently with wallpaper paste.  Modularity allows for custom configurations:  $34 per 13 inch by 12 inch panel.

Modular Cardboard Partitions

As more churches meet in temporary locations, reconfigure spaces designed for other functions, or simply choose designs with maximum flexibility, next-generation products for partitioning spaces are required...forget the clunky folding walls lately seen in the fellowship hall. 

"Made from recycled, double-wall cardboard, Nomad is a modular architectural system that can be assembled into free-standing, sculptural screens, temporary partitions, rooms or even displays without hardware, tools or damage to existing structures. Available in nine colors, Nomad can be arranged into open or closed configurations; creating private environments or light and airy dividers. The Nomad system can be configured to create entry-ways and corners, easily adjusting to any indoor space. "

Designed by Jaime Salm and Roger Allen and sold through Mio at $56 for one 24 module set, which creates a 4.5 ft x 4.5ft section with open configuration ir a 3 ft x 4.5 ft section with closed configuration.

Foldable Cardboard Furniture from Foldschool

Foldschool "is a collection of free cardboard furniture for kids, handmade by you. The downloadable patterns can be printed out with any printer." 

Follow the instructions (definitely try the sample first to learn the techniques); and the pieces are surprisingly stable and chic.  May not last forever forever but if recycled cardboard (4 mm single layer) is used the price is definitely right.  We've been renovating the nurseries at my own church and these are on my list for the next work day...

Sculptural Lighting by Josh Jakus

Well-designed lighting can be incredibly expensive...designer Josh Jakus simply provides a curly recycled plastic housing for a standard compact fluourescent bulb for a sculptural accent fixture.  Available for $35 (small) and $45 (large) at Fuz.  Very nice for a lobby or gathering space.