Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects

Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - WindowsWestchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Image 3 of 15Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Facade, Windows, GlassWestchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Image 5 of 15Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - More Images+ 10

Scarsdale, United States

Text description provided by the architects. Our master plan design for Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, NY includes a new sanctuary complex, with a new Religious School and Study Center within renovated existing structures on a suburban site. The plan includes extensive re-organization of the site to create a cohesive campus.

Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Arch
© Paul Warchol Photography

The client’s objectives included providing new classroom space for their Religious School program, reorganizing spaces to improve functionality, and improving security, safety and accessibility.

Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Windows, Bench, Beam
© Paul Warchol Photography

The design for the new sanctuary employs economic building materials and natural light to create a worship space that is both grand and intimate. A visual connection to an exterior garden to the East, behind the Bimah, is a thematic component of the plan. We worked closely with the Temple Clergy to design the sanctuary seating and Bimah to compliment their liturgical style and accommodate different services and life cycle events. Landscape and the development of pedestrian connections are used to enhance the spirit of Place and unify the diverse buildings on the campus.

Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Image 3 of 15
© Paul Warchol Photography

The East Wall is a window to the Spiritual Garden comprised of glass louvers with mirrored undersides. The wall compiles three views: a subtle view directly to the Garden, revealing the world around us; a reflected, idealized view of the Garden reminding us that we are part of a larger world with many views; and a quiet reflection of the Congregation, helping us see the community in which we worship. All of these views collectively hold the Ark: our people, in this place, hold the Ark and the Torahs.

Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Facade, Windows, Glass
© Paul Warchol Photography

The Sanctuary is comprised of Seven lateral “bands”, acknowledging that every day is for prayer and learning, yet remembering that the Seventh Day is special, Shabbat. The Seventh “band” is special as well. It is the most nearly complete band, it frames the Bimah, and holds the Ark. When the Sanctuary and Social Hall are combined into one worship space, there are Twelve Bands, to remember the original Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Facade
© Paul Warchol Photography

The Ark is a cabinet made of Olive Ash to reference the original Ark carried in the Egyptian desert. The panels are aligned in Sephardic scale, acknowledging that music is part of our worship. A bronze collar lines the Ark opening: it is continuous and mysterious, like Torah, and suggesting study and interpretation. The solar powered Ner Tamid illuminates the top of the bronze collar.

Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects - Table, Beam
© Paul Warchol Photography

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Project location

Address:Scarsdale, NY, USA

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Westchester Reform Temple / Rogers Marvel Architects" 25 Nov 2010. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/91001/westchester-reform-temple-rogers-marvel-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Paul Warchol Photography

韦斯特切斯特改革寺庙 / Rogers Marvel Architects

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