Book Signing 10-3-09

The book signing at Hampden-Sydney College on 10-3-09 was a most exhilarating and refreshing opportunity to meet many new friends and Thin Place patrons. Hampden-Sydney parents, students and staff continue to be some of the most interesting and friendly people on the planet. Since my retirement this year, I am reminded of how grateful I remain for the energizing opportunities I shared with others to provide architectural services for the College for nearly twenty years -- all of us working together to further her noble mission. This parents' weekend was also somewhat of a homecoming for me.

Two of the parents I met (and sold a book to) are husband and wife ministers. Both have keen interests in the spirituality of Thin Places and quickly acknowledged the benefits and advantages such could play in achieving ministry goals. Later an architect parent dropped by and purchased a book. We discussed the low budget small chapel example in the book noting that it was built in the USA in 1980 and each year since it has earned more funds from its modest tourists fees than its original cost. It is also an absolutely beautiful, inspiring and spirited Thin Place with four AIA design awards.

After studying highly engaging places for over ten years, seeking answers on how places like this all across the globe can draw such powerful responses from visitors, my book, Thin Places and Five Clues in Their Architecture, illustrates what I found. Now, my next questions, as further nudged by Thin Place patrons and those at the book signing, are similar to that noted in my blog header text above: Why aren't all new places/ buildings designed this way? Why isn't connection with the human heart and spirit made a serious first priority goal of all facilities/places in programming and design -- just as it is in music, art and literature? For that connection benefit does not necessarily cost more. Often it costs less. Consider again the economics of the small chapel.

Back at home the next day, reviewing the book signing experiences and those unanswered questions with friends, one of them asked, "While churches today face serious challenges with many continuing to lose connections with people and communities, might they seriously look at the level of heart and spirit connections their places and programs actually provide their members and visitors? Are young ministers in seminaries being taught the power of Thin Places? And while some churches are reportedly close to losing their way....might they see these Thin Place examples and the drawing power evidenced over the years as an exciting possibility to help turn things around?" Good questions, I noted. Let's see what some of them think. What do you think?

In the meantime, I definitely recommend book signings for authors and readers. They offer not only the opportunity to buy/sell and sign books, but more importantly, they offer the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of people about diverse interests and views -- including place engagement for the human heart and spirit. Yes, I surely feel the pull.