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Case Study LifeStone Lobby Transformation Client LifeStone Ministries Summary Designing an inviting space where visitors can connect with our ministry's rich history and mission. Introduction LifeStone Ministries, a discipleship organization with a 125-year legacy, has impacted countless Christians over the decades. Our lobby serves as the central hub for transactions and customer interactions. However, it lacked warmth, appeal, and a reflection of our storied history. My task was to redesign the lobby into a space that celebrates our heritage while creating a welcoming environment full of charm and character. Research and Insights The project began with an in-depth exploration of our history. I meticulously reviewed archival materials, including photos and writings, to trace our journey and identify key milestones. A timeline was crafted to highlight defining moments and achievements that shaped our ministry. One critical discovery was the significance of the 1907-1950 period and our historic campus at West 7th Street and Jefferson Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1907, LifeStone acquired an old college building, transforming it into a central hub with divisions for publishing, missionary work, and housing for gospel workers. The striking red-brick structure, adorned with hand-cut stone accents, remains a symbol of our ministry's early successes. Drawing inspiration from these formative years, I envisioned a lobby design that honored this pivotal time. The centerpiece would be a large-scale representation of the historic building, complete with 3-D windows offering glimpses into the lives and efforts of the gospel workers who once thrived there. Design Concept and Process To bring this vision to life, several custom-built elements were created to mirror details from historical photographs: Ceiling Tiles: Modern tiles were replaced with antique-style metal tiles resembling the original shop ceiling. Lighting: Hanging lights were chosen to replicate the fixtures seen in archival photos. Shadow Box: A closet area was transformed into a shadow box displaying a recreated room from the historic campus. Period Dress: A custom-made dress, modeled after the attire of early gospel workers, added a personal touch. Period Details: using antique furniture that was refurbished for authenticity. Additional features included a large screen displaying a video documenting the ministry's history. The transformation culminated in a full-size print of the original building, enhanced with 3-D elements such as a front gate and protruding windows, creating an immersive and realistic effect. In the opposite corner, we installed a curio cabinet showcasing antique equipment and materials from our past. A Personal Touch One of the most unique additions was a life-sized cutout of our founder standing beside our current president, symbolizing the continuity of our mission. To achieve this, I restored a damaged, low-quality photo of the founder, added a smile for a more approachable appearance, and combined it with an image of the president. This striking visual representation highlights the enduring legacy of our work over the last 125 years. Results The lobby transformation was a collaborative effort, requiring significant time and dedication. The outcome exceeded expectations, capturing the essence of our history and mission. Visitors have praised the design, expressing appreciation for the inviting atmosphere and the opportunity to explore LifeStone’s inspiring story. |
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