Who Owns What?
A must read Article for ALL CHURCH BOARDS!!!!!
Recently a new problem has shown up that
can cost churches hundreds of millions of
dollars. Some time ago, Architecture was
deemed art in Canada and the USA. Art work
also carries a copyright to protect the Architect
from others using their blueprints, which
is a reasonable level of protection. It
is also reasonable for Architects to have
protection when they come up with a new design
or concept that has a distinctive name.
However, recent news events raises an issue
we have been warning churches about for over
10 years.
In Canada, a unique church was built in 1966.
It was so unique that people from all over
the world have visited it. Recently, the
church decided to add a parish hall and some
much needed offices. The church contacted
the original Architect. The Architect refused
to change the structure - declaring that
- "the church is a work of Art. To
add anything to the building would destroy
his work."
The church then hired another Architect to
design and add a parish hall and offices.
Shortly after that, the work began. It was
about a month into the construction that
the church was slapped with a "Stop
Work Order" from the first Architect.
The project was held up for some time. Finally,
the Judge ruled in the church's favor. The
project was completed recently (Summer of
1995). However, this story is far from over.
The first Architect has files an appeal and
that court battle will be made sometime this
year. Rumor has it that if the Architect
wins, not only will he receive punitive damages,
but he also is demanding that the addition
of the church be torn down.
What makes this story interesting is that
thousands of churches can be on the hook
for building additions without the previous
Architects permission. Furthermore, it can
also mean that if an Architect wanted to,
he could force churches that have fixed their
acoustics to take the acoustical treatment
off. It can also mean that if a church want
to paint or repair a church, they may have
to call in the original Architect or their
estate if the Architect's estate is still
in the Architectural business. This cycle
could also mean that lighting systems, wall
banners, window changes, elevators and so
on could all be removed if the Original Architect
claims their church as "a Work Of Art".
Details of church name and persons involved
are being with held pending the court decision
and will be published in the future. Details
to protect yourselves are already in the
current issue of our book.
If you have any comment about this article
or any other artile on this site from public
discussion,
please send your e-mail to Joe the Soundman
S
Some statements and Specs have been blanked
out under the understanding that it is part
of the "intellectual Knowledge"
guidelines and were not part of the original
article. Such knowledge has value and can
be purchased through investing in the book
"
"Why Are Church Sound Systems and Church
Acoustics So Confusing?"Info on a book on Church Sound System &
Church Acoustics
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Church Sound Network
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is - jdb@jdbsound.com
Copyright (c) 1996 JdB Sound, Acoustic Lab.
Most recent revision Monday, April 29, 1996