Third Church of Christ Scientist

262 South Highland Street, Memphis, TN 38111 United States

Building Area (sf): 4,600 SF

Completion: August 2022

Third Church Of Christ, Scientist has relocated to a new 4,600 square foot building featuring a new sanctuary, reading room/library, Sunday school, and public garden. The church’s open door policy applies to all and is evident in their deep desire to welcome the public into their space. The primary volumes, connected by the lower supporting space, hug the exterior courtyard and provide a shaded and inviting exterior room.

Third Church of Christ Scientist in Memphis, Tennessee embarked on a project to realign their space with their core principles. Their goal was to construct a new sanctuary that would not only cater to their future growth but also position them in a familiar and thriving area of Memphis. The church's strategic location, just a few blocks away from the vibrant Highland Row district and the University of Memphis, contributes to the ongoing revitalization efforts in the East Buntyn area. This location change marks a significant step for the church, as it now serves as a catalyst for growth along the Highland Strip and reinforces the desired density in the surrounding area.

By undertaking the redevelopment of their former property, Third Church of Christ Scientist has successfully positioned itself as a beacon of progress and a testament to their commitment to the community. As a long-standing member of the area, the church aspires to be a valuable public resource and a welcoming space for years to come. Even something as simple as offering a seat in their public garden area contributes to their mission of creating a hospitable environment. With this project, the church seeks to honor their legacy while actively engaging with the neighborhood and contributing to the ongoing transformation of the surrounding area. This approach underscores their dedication to the community's betterment without referring to the demolition process itself.

1. Site context influence on programmatic adjacencies
2. Programmatic prioritization effect on building massing and plan
3. The church's strategic location, just a few blocks away from the vibrant Highland Row district and the University of Memphis, contributes to the ongoing revitalization efforts in the East Buntyn area. Photography by Dero Sanford / ThinkDero Architectural Photography
4. A strong axial alignment gives the sanctuary a powerful street presence despite its setback position on site which allows for an extended entry sequence through the public courtyard. Photography by Dero Sanford / ThinkDero Architectural Photography
5. A challenge to downsizing was the desire for a smaller sanctuary to better match the size of the congregation, but the need for the space to retain a sense of spiritual reverence. Lofty ceilings supported by exposed structure wrapped in select grade cypress create a warm, light-filled volume that encourages eyes to move upwards. Photography by Dero Sanford / ThinkDero Architectural Photography
6. The reading room, a staple of this Christian denomination, is a library and public resource open to the public. The volume echoes architectural moves of the sanctuary and creates a campus atmosphere surrounding the entry courtyard while holding the urban edge along Highland Street. Photography by Dero Sanford / ThinkDero Architectural Photography
7. The reading room’s window adorned exterior beckons to the curious and announces the church’s presence as a public resource waiting to be tapped. Photography by Dero Sanford / ThinkDero Architectural Photography
8. Downsizing to 35% of their previous space was an exercise in restraint and intentionality. The decision to use the building volumes to create an intimate entry courtyard was at little cost and great benefit; allowing for a more grand entry sequence, overflow space for larger gatherings, Sunday school extension to nature, and a public seating area (for lunch or a break for your dog to get a sip of water). Photography by Dero Sanford / ThinkDero Architectural Photography
9. The large street facing windows piques interest and strengthens the church’s position as a community asset.
10. Soaring eaves depart crisp white walls of the exterior separated by expanses of glass that allow light to spill from the space at night becoming a beacon bookending a quiet residential street and a threshold to the bustling highland row district.