Architectural Record on Temple Israel of Hollywood
Architectural record published a particularly thoughtful piece today on the Temple Israel of Hollywood design by KoningEizenberg. What is especially unique about the article is it’s in depth look not only at the history of the building, which is impressive having hosted such speakers as Martin Luther King, Jr., but also takes a look at the process leading up to the design of the new space itself. It describes how the original temple space has a sort of dark, theatrical feel to it and how the new building needed to both compliment the old structure but also look to the future to serve modern needs of the congregation. After a great deal of thought and an indepth study of cultural symbolism, KoningEizenberg came up with the current design, one that the article touts as “Light-filled, the chapel plays against the original building’s darkness, contrasting an open and casual spirit with the main sanctuary’s more introverted and heavy formality. “Its’s a constant dialogue,” says Eizenberg. “The old solidity speaks of the past, whereas this sense of the ephemeral brings one into the moment.”
Oculus is proud to have a mention in the credits of the article, as we served as lighting designers for the new space (see our project page HERE). Congratulations to KoningEizenberg, and to Architectural Record for publishing a piece that doesn’t only praise the final product of the structure itself, but also offers a nuanced look into the process of design and contemplation that goes into the creation of a building that will have a meaningful role in the community for years to come.