Adass Israel Melbourne Synagogue Rebuild
When the Adass Israel of Melbourne synagogue of Ripponlea, Australia was firebombed our team was inspired to redesign it.
ETERNITY
Because fire had been used to destroy the synagogue, the theme would be an eternal flame. The Torah is considered an eternal flame ("Ner Tamid"), as well.
The Ark containing the Torah is shaped like Mount Sinai suspended over the Jewish people at revelation, per Jewish tradition (Midrash)
The walls are white and blue, glass and laser-cut security and privacy screens, like the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) which was covered in white and green and blue marble (Bava Batra 4a).
ACCESIBILITY
All parts of the sanctuary are wheelchair accessible. The custom-designed furniture unlocks from the ground when needed for events and special accessibility needs. It also folds and stacks to conserve space.
TRADITION
Because it is an Orthodox synagogue, the women's section will have one-way privacy glass so the women can see the action, but the men cannot look into their section. Here it is shown transparent so folks can see the layout.
EVENTS
A rooftop allows for outdoor events without sacrificing footprint. Some exterior walls slide open when the weather permits and events call for it.
COLOUR
Synagogues were traditionally colorful, bright, artistic places, full of mosaics, tapestries, artisanry, craftsmanship, and metalwork. It's only due to persecution in Europe (and some think a push-back against the Reform movement) that designs began to trend colder and more austere. We should go back to making synagogues and schools colorful and joyful places that people want to visit and spend time together. I hope this design inspires that.
ORIGINAL SKETCHES
Adass Israel was created first in pencil-and-pen by Ari Teman. Here are a sample of sketches:
