Dear Members,

As 2008 chair, I thank you for your continued membership in IFRAA. I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to speed on IFRAA’s accomplishments for 2007 and to inform you of our plans for this year.

We will continue to build upon the past success of IFRAA Journal, and encourage everyone to take the time to open and read this most recent issue for Spring 2008. We also encourage you to submit articles, case studies or other information. Look for a "Call for Information" in each issue. We hope that you will enjoy reading.

Read the full letter

Mega-Churches: Worship + Technology
by Paul Harding, FAIA, with contributions by Acoustic Dimensions

Technology has historically been integral to worship building design. "Mega-churches" are no exception. Paul Harding, FAIA, discusses how technology can enhance the religious experience and influence the design of this evolving building type. Case studies of three projects highlight innovative design strategies that incorporate technology. Read the full article.

Worship + Technology Case Studies 
New Faith Baptist Church International, Matteson, Illinois
Riverbend Church, Austin, Texas
St. Bernard's Catholic Community, Tracy, California





Patrick Russell Receives the Conover Memorial Award
Rev. Dr. D. Patrick Russell III receives the Elbert M. Conover Memorial Award in recognition of his contribution to religious art and architecture.  Read the full article. 

IFRAA at Convention

IFRAA Study Tour: Context, History, Place and Form (Session WE41)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 9:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Tour Trinity Church, MIT Chapel, “Class of 59” Chapel, and Glavin Family Chapel

IFRAA/Faith & Form Awards Program and Dinner
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join IFRAA and Faith & Form leaders to honor the 2007 Awards Winners and their projects.


Masters of Light
A Conference of the AIA Interfaith Forum of Religion, Art, and Architecture
Rome, Italy
October 10–18, 2008

Join AIA IFRAA for a study tour of the world’s most significant religious capital. Attendees will experience first hand the masterworks of Bernini and Borromini, as well as those of such contemporary masters as Renzo Piano and Richard Meier. Guided by Dr. Donald J. Bruggink, Hon. MAIA, Hon. IFRAA, this conference presents a truly unique opportunity to explore Rome with other architects, clergy, artists, and designers.

Among the many sites, tours will include:

- St. Peter’s
- San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
- The Pantheon
- The Church of Sant Ivo
- Parco della Musica
- S. Maria della Vittoria
- Dio Padre Misericordioso

Visit the IFRAA website for more information and to register for the conference.



Calls for Volunteers and Articles
To continue IFRAA’s growth as a strong and vibrant knowledge community, we seek volunteers to serve on our subcommittees. AIA members as well as artists, artisans, clergy, and liturgical members are welcome.

Communications Subcommittee.
Keep members informed about IFRAA activities, events, and resources through development of high-quality content for our Web site and quarterly journal. IFRAA also helps to develop content for Faith & Form magazine's annual education issue. If you have ideas about significant events, useful resources, or exemplary projects our members should know about, please contact ifraa@aia.org. IFRAA is also accepting articles and topics for our Web site and future issues of IFRAA Journal.

Membership Subcommittee.
Represent each region of the country and serve as a liaison to members in other regions. Help us stay in touch with the membership, ensuring that we address their needs. Help recruit non-architect members to enrich the IFRAA knowledge base. If you are interested in representing your region or are already involved in a local or state group and would like to help us stay in touch, contact ifraa@aia.org.

Sponsorship Subcommittee.
In addition to our conferences and study tours, IFRAA is responsible for supporting sponsorships for the annual Faith & Form magazine educational issue. Members of the Sponsorship Subcommittee will help us expand the financial resources available to IFRAA by identifying contacts for potential sponsorships and in-kind contributions. If you know of individuals or organizations that would be a good fit for supporting this work, contact ifraa@aia.org.