369 Avenue U Synagogue

369 Avenue U Synagogue

This new 45,000 sq. ft. structure for a Syrian Jewish congregation seeks to embody its leader's vision for a successful inspirational space. His directives to pursue a space suffused with light but without a focus on the mundane streetscape outside led to a design where light enters from five of the six sides of the cubic sanctuary: light floods in from tall mahogany-framed windows on the south and west, mediated by movable glass sunshades that follow the sun's path to ensure comfortable light levels while maintaining the sense of abundant light. Skylights perforate the main sanctuary to the north and east, placing a special focus on the Ark at the front of the space and the Table at its center. The building will place a special emphasis on environmental responsibility, and will apply for LEED certification.