Synagogue

Studio ST Architects’ renovation of the 94-year-old Ansche Chesed Synagogue revitalizes the space to encourage a greater sense of community and to accommodate twenty-first century needs. The main project challenge was redesigning the landmarked synagogue to make the spaces feel more contemporary yet reflective of the building’s past. Studio ST upgraded the functionality, aesthetics and security of the 1927 Romanesque-Byzantine synagogue while relating to its historic features. Bilyana Dimitrova The synagogue wished to increase the building’s security while maintaining a sense of an open and welcoming space. A new security office was created in the entry vestibule, and a lockdown system was installed in the main assem... More

The award-winning Skokie Valley Synagogue renovation transformed the sanctuary, built in 1963, from a dark and formal room to an ethereal, bright and ADA accessible space for a contemporary congregation. The renovation included the installation of new windows and HVAC system throughout the building, as well as converting the old, large stage into new, modern bathrooms and a coat room. Kendall McCaugherty In order to brighten the sanctuary, a large triangular skylight was installed in the center of the room, lighting the location of the prayer leader. The existing colored vertical windows were replaced with clear glass, and the outdated candelabra chandeliers were removed. New minimal LED linear cove uplights were installed, washing th... More

This award-winning multi-use synagogue and school auditorium is a stunning addition to the North Shore Hebrew Academy. The space of the Sanctuary is meant to evoke the Kabbalistic creation myth in which the original order of universe is shattered, the concept of "the breaking of the vessels.” A virtue is made of the need to bury most of the building below ground to satisfy zoning restrictions on the building’s height—light enters from above through clerestory windows on the periphery and a large cubic structure over the ark. Peter Aaron Peter Aaron Light and warmth fill the space making it conducive to prayer. A large door covered with brass panels rotates to close the ark when the room is used as an auditorium... More

Temple Beth El, in upstate New York, is one of a handful of architecturally significant synagogues in the United States. We were commissioned to renovate and design a new educational addition in a manner that respected and preserved the original design by renowned 20th century architect, Louis Kahn.   A spacious, light-filled lobby connects the synagogue with a newly added structure that houses six classrooms, a large library, a social hall, a pre-function room, and a kitchen. The project also included the addition of a nursery school and the accommodation of the synagogue’s administrative offices all while remaining sensitive to the scale and character of the existing structure. The religious school is housed in the renovated... More