AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE : RENOVATION
Ahavath Achim Synagogue Atlanta , GA Siegman Associates , Inc .
David Kresses Photography
Ahavath Achim Synagogue cherishes its long history of deep ties to the Jewish community of Atlanta . The current facility is a mid-20th-century landmark , erected in 1957 . The cavernous sanctuary , almost unchanged since it was first built , had become dated and no longer served the smaller membership or the way ritual services have evolved over the decades .
The design strategy is to craft a new , inclusive , and more centrally oriented space within the existing sanctuary — a room within a room . A new , slatted-timber ceiling carries the vocabulary of the iconic and beloved ark wall overhead to create a warmer , more sheltering envelope . The ceiling was also outfitted with new acoustical treatments , mechanicals , LED lighting , and A / V systems . The lofty dome is opened to reveal its intricate steel structure and maximize available daylight . A new light sculpture ringing the oculus will further enhance the play of natural light .
They leveled the old , sloped floor and added a new , centrally oriented , and accessible bimah . The new reading table can be lowered or raised for differently abled users , rotated , or removed entirely for events such as musical performances and weddings . All clad in wood , these elements will complete the more enveloping , intimate sense of space . In its new form , the sanctuary allows the sense of kehillah ( community ) to be felt at the center of the service .
JURY COMMENTS : This project takes an existing sacred space , examines its underlying strengths , and then accentuates these features to update and improve the overall experience . It sensitively makes a mid-century design feel whole . The drama of natural light in the oculus is well done .
AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE : RENOVATION
Robert Benson Photography |
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Northfield , MA Harrison Design
When Thomas Aquinas College acquired the historic Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies in Northfield , Massachusetts , in 2019 , they were blessed with an incredible richness of architectural heritage and
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simultaneously faced with the enormous task of updating , renovating , and restoring the campus buildings and grounds .
The project at hand is the interior renovation of the campus chapel . The essence of the renovation focused on the elements necessary for the Roman Catholic liturgy . The new Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel needed a redesigned sanctuary ,
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sacristy spaces , and pew layout .
The renovation of the sanctuary and surrounding areas took cues from the existing neo-Gothic structure . The resulting design , with pointed arches , floral and vegetal ornamentation , and a large hexagonal hood , brings together historic French and English Gothic design seen through a neo-Gothic lens . The ornamental details are inspired by drawings of A . W . N . Pugin and by documents that showed the original ornamental details adorning the organ case and other millwork . The composition of the hood facets are adaptations of organ millwork that formerly existed within the chapel . The restored and gilded tabernacle was originally made in France in the 19th century . The final design was further embellished by a liturgical painting scheme , including gilding of several elements of the new hood and reredos .
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JURY COMMENTS : This is a beautiful renovation . The use of gilding throughout adds power to the decoration of this sacred space , providing a visual hierarchy and focal point . The overall effect is amazing . |
SACRED PLACES • SUMMER 2024 25