L'SHANA TOVA! TEMPLE RODEF SHALOM COMPLETES EXPANSION AND RENOVATION IN TIME FOR HIGH HOLY DAYS |
|
|
Temple Rodef Shalom, the largest Reform congregation in Virginia, engaged Brawer & Hauptman, Architects in 2016 to conduct a Planning Study that led to the expansion of their facility that would include a new chapel, more classrooms and a new clergy suite along with major renovations to its administrative and school offices and its multi-purpose room. The project also included new social gathering spaces and a cafe. Following a congregation-wide charrette*, a successful fundraising campaign, and a pandemic, the project opened in time to celebrate the start of 5782. |
|
|
| | A New Mishkan At the top of the list of congregational needs was a secondary worship space for more intimate gatherings. As the membership grew, alternative and smaller services were held in the social hall and multi-purpose rooms. A more uplifting, dedicated worship space was needed. The new Mishkan, connected to the existing building by a light-filled gallery, takes its design cues from the current building's design palette. A folding glass wall opens the room to an outdoor terrace that can be used for services in good weather. | | |
|
| | New But Familiar The new Mishkan is accessible through its own drop-off entrance and spacious, welcoming lobby in addition to its connection to the main temple entrance. It can be used when the rest of the facility is closed. Adjacent to the lobby is a small prep kitchen and a quiet, private space that can serve as a bride's room for small weddings or a family gathering space for funerals. The new lobby was designed with receptions, study groups and onegs in mind. | | |
|
|
The second of the two major additions houses several new classrooms and a clergy suite of offices, conference and music rooms, and lounge areas. This large classroom can be divided into three rooms using moveable whiteboard partitions. |
|
|
Brawer & Hauptman designed the new portable Ark and Reader's Table. Both pieces are moveable to accommodate any seating configuration in the new worship space. The Reader's Table has a motorized top that can be raised and lowered for full accessibility. The wood and glass crown on the Ark doubles as the Ner Tamid. |
|
|
| | The temple's new reception desk serves both the administrative offices and the clergy suite. It occupies a central location and has unobstructed views of the front doors and main lobby providing added security and a welcoming presence. | | |
|
| | The exterior of the new addition matches the Jerusalem stone found on the older building, and the roof of the new Mishkan reinterprets the form of the roof over the original sanctuary. | | |
|
|
|
|
