Holland has more than 7000 places of worship. Much has changed in the religious experience of the Dutch in the last century. Fewer and fewer people are actively joining a religious ideology. As a result 1 out of 4 churches has found another function. The prediction is that more questions regarding the future of churches will follow.
Councils of churches experience difficulties to meet today’s demands of comfort and durability in a time of reduced members, attendees and volunteers. This means less money and hands to maintain and manage the buildings.
But churches do have an important roll in our environment. They tell a lot about our history of living, working and building. They shaped the landscape and are still positioned in central places. They catch our eye and are surrounded by emotions. they showed what we live and work for. There are not only threats, but also opportunities for these buildings.
Together with church communities and municipalities I work towards a vision on churches. In this moment i’m working on this topic in enschede, Haaksbergen, Wierden, Borne, hof van twente, Almelo, Meppel, Hoogeveen and Hardenberg.
