location:

New York, NY

firm role:

Architecture and Interior Design

scale:

5 Stories

52,000 SF

awards:

2017 Shortlisted, PLAN Architecture Award 

2016 AIA Long Island Archi Award

2016 Honorable Mention, Architects Newspaper Best of Design Award

2016 SARA National Design Award

2016 SARA New York Design Award 

2016 International Lighting Design Award for Radiance 

2016 Lumen Design Award 

2016 Tucker Stone Award

2015 Architectural Lighting Award and Outstanding Achievement 

2014 Faith & Form Award for Religious Art & Architecture

2014 World Architecture News Glass in Architecture

2014 American School & University, Educational Interiors

2013 Greater New York Construction User Council, Cultural Project Award

synopsis:

The design approach for Lincoln Square Synagogue (LSS) began with the understanding of its congregation’s identity and its desire to create a new building to accommodate its expanding community.   Jewish symbolic references and inspirational imagery played a powerful role in the design dialogue.  In Judaism, the Torah is the “core” structure to the spiritual, educational and social values.  The symbolic significance of its spiral form is the infinite and continual study of its messages.  Thus, the exterior and interior expression of the building centers on the symbolic perception that the five books of the Torah provide the essence for the architectural form. The east façade with its innovative five glass undulating “scrolls” tie together the Sanctuary, the Beit Midrash and the classroom spaces. The expression of the scrolls are not only manifested on the exterior but are perceived on the interior as well through the main lobby’s glass wall and the main curved stair.

photo credits:

Photography © David Sundberg/Esto