I know those in my profession that do not like visiting past projects. Their reasons vary, but there is something about seeing a building they have designed being lived in that does not bring them joy.
I have never had that feeling. I enjoy seeing a building that has been lived in, or lived with. I appreciate the experience of how it has been maintained. There is affirmation in spaces planned well and a lesson in those not. It is interesting to me to see how a building or space evolved over time as the ownership has changed and the needs have morphed or grown.
Recently I flew into Nashville to serve with a ministry near Knoxville. On the return voyage, I had the opportunity to stop by the first building I ever worked on. While serving as an intern at TECH in 2003 I had the opportunity to work on Whitworth Memorial Baptist Church. On this first project, I truly experienced how Architecture can both meet a need and be a ministry.
The last time I saw the building was in 2004 at the dedication. There was no one on campus when I was there this year so I was unable to venture indoors, but from the outside it was well maintained and well loved. Though my time there was short, this visit reminded me that as TECH celebrates 50 years of ministry there are TECH buildings just like Whitworth tucked into the corners of the globe. Day after day they quietly go about facilitating ministry in various ways. Only God knows the impact that TECH has had. We look foward to what He will continue to do in the days ahead.
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