seARCH: synagogue LJG

'synagogue LJG' by seARCH, amsterdam, the netherlands
image © iwan baan


dutch practice seARCH has created 'synagogue LJG', a synagogue for the progressive jewish congregation in amsterdam.
riddled with symbolism of the jewish faith, the neutral rectilinear volume generates a simplistic outwards aesthetic which
conceals the building's complex narrative and inverted sense of spatiality. drawing from both traditional and modern concepts,
the building seeks to create an environment that abstractly emulates the ideals and beliefs at the center of judaism.



matzo-like tiles create an abstract pattern using the star of david motif
image © iwan baan


small tiles on the exterior surface emboss the building with a pattern of the star of david, its subtle matzo-like effect made visible
by light and shadow. heavy and solid on the landscape, the structure is defined by two opposing menorah-shaped openings
that link east and west, marking the direction towards jerusalem. drawing natural light inwards, the large, symbolically-charged
forms impact the arrangement of space within the ceremonial hall, whose central axis and seating runs between the vast windows.
four balconies extend from the negative surfaces between each of the seven branches, further defining and highlighting the
importance of the object.



window detail
image © iwan baan


a mixed program of worship, community, classroom and office spaces consume the four-storey structure, which utilizes both new
materials and ones salvaged from the synagogue that previously housed the liberal congregation.



ceremonial space
image © iwan baan



all seating runs parallel to a central east-west axis
image © iwan baan



four cantilevered benches run the length between each window
image © iwan baan



entrance to balcony seating
image © iwan baan



bricks salvaged from the previous synagogue surround a pair of gold-leaf doors
image © iwan baan



community center
image © iwan baan



stairway leading to community center
image © iwan baan



floor plan/ level 0
image courtesy of seARCH



floor plan/ level 1
image courtesy of seARCH



floor plan/ level 2
image courtesy of seARCH



section
image courtesy of seARCH



section
image courtesy of seARCH



elevation
image courtesy of seARCH



elevation
image courtesy of seARCH



concept sketch of east-west axis
image courtesy of seARCH



concept sketch of window
image courtesy of seARCH



concept sketch
image courtesy of seARCH