In may 2011, Synagogue LJG designed by SeARCH won the ‘Gouden A.A.P. 2011’. Out of 25 nominees, the jury chose the synagogue as the best project of 2010. The jury expressed its appreciation for the building as follows: () Entering the building is not really a shock but moreover a recognizable transition to what can be seen as a journey towards the light. A journey through a sober hall and a wide staircase which leads up to a reception room, and from there to the pinnacle of the building: the synagogue, a high and compact space, light due to the large windows, intimate by prominent steep balconies, where the wood predominates the concrete and the area is ‘breathing’ symbolism. The following text is from the architects: The widespread existence of the Jewish community and the unstable relationship between Judaism and other religions have hindered the evolution of a recognized architectural style. This contrasts with the development of a very confident Jewish identity. Ceremonial traditions and rituals present few recognizable reference points in a synagogue’s physical expression. And while the identity of a church or a mosque is carved in stone, it is usually conspicuous in its absence with regard to synagogues. 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. Moreover, the emptiness, visualization of the enigmatic Jewish identity (nesjomme) with its subtle and complex character, plays a significant role. In this project, a neutral rectilinear ‘volume’ is formed through the optimally efficient use of both site and budget. The hollowing out of this mass, to form the ‘emptiness’ of the great Sjoel, lends the building its identity. The Sjoel consists of a large central space with low extensions on either side under two-tiered balconies. The arrangement of these side spaces, the four balconies above them and the central void above the Bimah suggest the Menora, the seven-armed chandelier. The Menora (the light) symbolizes the burning bush discovered by Moses on Mount Sinai and is the oldest and most important symbol of Judaism. In the beginning God created light. Without light there is no life. Photos by Iwan Baan.Similar Posts:
