# Desolate Church Concepts Artist Israel Lopez Balan Creates 'A Church Without God' By Jamie Danielle Munro | Published 2014-05-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-church-without-god References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/israel-lopez-balan-visualizes-church-god-new-york-city-05-05-2014/) & [architizer](http://architizer.com/users/israel-lopez-balan/) Artist Israel Lopez Balan is from Mexico, and has come up with 'A [Church Without God](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nyth).' The concept imagines what it would be like to have a structure without a divine entity ruling from above, and also explores the human existence over time. The structure itself is a stark concrete sphere located at the center of Manhattan. Balan imagines what this space would look like over time, starting in 2001 with the World Trade Centers in the background, followed by fast-forwarding thousands of years later when the New York area is surrounded by water, except for this church stuck in the middle of the ocean. Considering the effects of global warming, this prediction might not be far off. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/israel-lopez-balan-visualizes-church-god-new-york-city-05-05-2014/), [architizer](http://architizer.com/users/israel-lopez-balan/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Disruptive Architectural Concepts:** Exploring alternative concepts for traditional religious structures, such as a church without a divine entity, presents opportunities for innovative and unconventional architectural designs. - **Climate Change Adaptation:** Considering the effects of global warming and rising sea levels, there is a growing need for designs and structures that can withstand environmental challenges. - **Future Urban Landscapes:** Visualizing what cities might look like thousands of years in the future, with elements like water engulfing urban areas, inspires creative thinking for urban planning and development. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** The field of architecture can push the boundaries of traditional religious buildings by creating concept designs that challenge conventional norms and beliefs. - **Environmental Engineering:** Addressing the impacts of climate change through innovative design solutions for buildings and infrastructure presents opportunities for environmental engineers. - **Urban Planning:** Imagining future scenarios for cities drives the need for urban planners to develop strategies that can adapt and respond to the challenges posed by rising sea levels and changing urban landscapes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reflection-Encouraging Cohesive Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hjvangen-church.md) - [Albanian Sleek Concrete Chuches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/narac-church.md) - [Denmark Suburban Modern Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treroner-church.md) - [Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-church.md) - [Temple-Inspired Sculptural Lighthouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/el-faro.md) - [Beautiful Forest-Enclosed Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-church-of-julong.md) - [Unique 3D Printing Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-church.md) - [Sacred Timber Chapels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-church-tolvkanten.md) - [Multi-Faith Spiritual Temples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nondenominational-temple.md)