Situation
Mosaic Church in Winter Garden, Florida, embarked on a significant chapter in its history with the opening of a new campus on December 10th, after two years of diligent prayer, planning, preparation, and construction. With a vision deeply rooted in the story of creation and redemption, the church aimed to not only expand its physical footprint but to also weave its core narrative into the very fabric of its new 78,000-square-foot campus.
Solution
In collaboration with PlainJoe, Mosaic Church embarked on an ambitious project to turn a 78,000-square-foot retail space into a vivid representation of the church’s narrative, rooted in the biblical story of Eden. The partnership began with a comprehensive visioning workshop that helped to unearth and define the “big idea” that would guide the entire project: recreating the Edenic experience in a modern worship setting. This foundational concept set the stage for a transformative design process.
The design team, inspired by the themes of creation and re-creation, worked to “bring the outdoors in,” blending elements of natural chaos and order to mirror the beauty and unpredictability of creation. The strategy included the use of natural materials, organic patterns, and strategic lighting to simulate the light and life found in nature. Architectural elements like a contemporary Tree of Life and garden-like seating areas under abstract arbors and trellises were integrated to enhance the storytelling aspect, ensuring that every corner of the space invited reflection and engagement.
Transformation
The grand opening of the Winter Garden campus marks a pivotal moment for Mosaic Church, as articulated by Lead Pastor Renault van der Riet, who envisions the new space as a catalyst for fearless world change. “We told you 2 years ago that this building would become a catalyst for change,” said van der Riet. “And now, by God’s grace, that is exactly what it’s going to become.”
Executive Pastor Phil Taylor highlighted the profound impact of the building’s design on the church’s mission, commenting, “We’ve had the most amazing team working together on this project. I mean, everybody involved from the architects doing the designing, to the storytellers creating the look and feel, to the contractors and builders making it perfect.”
The church’s strategic location in the vicinity of Walt Disney World further underscores the importance of storytelling and space in shaping human experiences and perspectives. The new campus is poised to become an “irresistible magnet” for the city, drawing people into an authentic encounter with the narrative of divine re-creation, encouraging them to partake in and propagate this transformational story.
This project not only reflects Mosaic’s DNA but also propels the community towards a future where every individual is equipped to enact global change, inspired by the profound narrative embedded within their worship space.
