SeARCH won a limited competition to design the new synagogue for the progressive Jewish congregation in Amsterdam. With 800 seats, it is the largest in the Netherlands. The building would ask for its own architectural identity where typically, ceremonial traditions and rituals present few recognizable reference points in a synagogue’s physical expression. The positioning of the benches opposite each other and parallel to the axis between the Bimah (preaching seat) and the Ark (depository for the Torah rolls), and the use of bright daylight are the most important starting points for the design process.
Highly symbolic gestures integrated within and on the building facade reflect the beliefs central to Judaism. To provide an intimate sense of place for the new synagogue, SeARCH created a small island on which to situate the new building. Located in a park in Amsterdam South, the four-story building can be flexibly adapted for smaller weekly services as well as high holy services. The building’s shape is a reference to the orthogonal layout of the first temple, the Temple of Salomon. The hollowing out of this mass, to form the ‘emptiness’ of the great ceremonial hall, or Shul, also lends the building its identity.
A symbol of the burning bush discovered by Moses on Mount Sinai, the Menorah is the oldest and most revered symbol of Judaism. Two openings cut in the shape of the menorah at either end of the building further strengthen the synagogue's identity while marking the direction toward Jerusalem. Drawing natural light indoors and emanating light from within, these large forms impact the arrangement of space within the Shul. Four balconies extend between each of the seven branches, further defining and highlighting the Menorah’s importance.
A mikveh has been created within the prayer house; the small, tiled room, women and men participate in a ritual purification bath "living water", a mixture of tap water and rainwater. As a reminder to the Jews coming to server God, a mezuzah is placed at every doorway with a piece of parchment on which a portion from the Torah is written.
A mixed program of worship, community, classroom, library and office spaces make up the new synagogue, which uses both new materials and ones salvaged from the synagogue that previously housed the liberal congregation. see more: https://search.nl/#!content/synagogue-ljg
