Transparency in religious, retail, and recreation buildings

To any organization which invites strangers to come inside, transparency is important. Retail establishments and churches are perhaps the two building types in which this is most important, but it has also been important to some YMCA clients.

The Crystal Cathedral--and its predecessor, the original Garden Grove Community Church by Richard Neutra--offer terrific examples of transparency. Aside from the aesthetic appeal of looking outside, transparency allows a visitor to see what is going on inside, whether in the worship service or in a christian education classroom. It is much less intimidating to step inside when you get a sneak peek from outside.

The ultimate welcome mat at Crystal Cathedral - a view inside.

This classroom, in the original Neutra Building, allows the passerby to see the whiteboard and teacher from outside. For those inside...it looks out on a garden and fountains.