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There is a parasol lightness to the courtyard glass sails floating from tapered steel masts . They ’ re incredibly elegant . Ascending from the old foyer , the elevated new sanctuary is reached through the Kiddush Court . The courtyard is protected from rain by a diagrid steel structure roofed with Viridian ’ s 13.52mm Low-E laminated glass . The facade of the old synagogue , including exposed heritage fabric and the new sanctuary building talk to one another , as it were , across the courtyard under this transparent umbrella .
How significant are the decorative motifs ? The use of triangles isn ’ t arbitrary . The shape is derived from the Star of David which is inherent to Jewish iconography . The triangular columns and ceiling pattern continues through to the artwork on the glass . The artwork and architecture are intentionally integrated . It might be subliminal but the shape of the beams and columns , the detailing on the glass all combine to create a greater whole .
Your client clearly wanted a high-end architectural result . This is a very interesting client who had a very interesting brief , a great brief , catering not just to this community and congregation , but for the wider outside non-Jewish community . I don ’ t know of any other religious community which welcomes people of all faiths to be members of their congregation .