Representing a Torah Scroll, and the five books of the Torah, undulating ribbons of glass form the east façade of the Sanctuary, Beit Midrash, and classrooms on the four floors of this New York City Synagogue. The stone ends of the façade suggest the protective covering for the Torah and the Tabernacle within. The glass ribbons are formed from facets of double-laminated insulating glass panels with bronze-colored, pleated, sheer woven Trevira fabric encapsulated between the glass panels. A white ceramic silk-screen dot pattern on the interior lite increases privacy for worshippers inside, while allowing a slightly obscured view to the interior.

Linear LEDs’ are integrated into the top and bottom interior extrusion of each facet. The top extrusion is designed so that all sightlines to the LEDs are blocked for the congregation, and at the bottom, an acrylic diffuser protects the LEDs’ and prevents dirt from entering the light cavity. For the interior, the light on the translucent ceramic frit creates a glowing wall in the evening that forms a backdrop for the Sanctuary’s Arc. The “in the round” seating is enclosed by the angled facets of the acoustical wall panels, which symbolize a nomadic tent structure. 613 small diameter LED downlights, in the gentle convex ceiling make reference to the 613 mitzvahs, and create a star-like atmosphere, which alludes to a nomadic tabernacle set under the desert sky. The lowest of the exterior glass ribbons extends inside to form the north wall in the Main Lobby, and the Sculptural Stair at the Entrance. The wood planes of the lobby wall are highlighted by LED coves, and the ceiling height is emphasized by a fluorescent uplight slot in the opposite stone wall.

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