Lincoln Square Synagogue

New York City, NY, United States

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Lincoln Square Synagogue

New York City, NY, United States

Firm

CetraRuddy

Type

Cultural › Religious

YEAR

2013

SIZE

25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

The design approach for Lincoln Square Synagogue (LSS) began with the understanding of its congregation’s identity and its desire to create a new building to accommodate its expanding community. Jewish symbolic references and inspirational imagery played a powerful role in the design dialogue. In Judaism, the Torah is the “core” structure to the spiritual, educational and social values. The symbolic significance of its spiral form is the infinite and continual study of its messages. Thus, the exterior and interior expression of the building centers on the symbolic perception that the five books of the Torah provide the essence for the architectural form. The east façade with its innovative five glass undulating “scrolls” tie together the Sanctuary, the Beit Midrash and the classroom spaces. The expression of the scrolls are not only manifested on the exterior but are perceived on the interior as well thru the main lobby’s glass wall and the main curved stair.