A Hebreic concept of form : a tabernacle for the Newton Center Shabbat Minyan

Abstract

I propose to design a place of study and worship for the Newton Minyan, a Jewish community fellowship based in Newton, Massachusetts. While the project's programmatic design considerations and adopted iconography will certainly reflect an inherited tradition, the specific needs, worship styles, and continued interpretation of a tradition make necessary a development of a new archetype. This archetype will be developed by interpreting the needs of the community, and by rediscovering applications of a Hebreic concept of building. Thesis research focuses on a Hebreic concept of form as an architecture acknowledging time. One that composes and retains cultural meaning by integrating space and time; one that recognizes the cycles of nature and generations. Biblical models are interpreted to rediscover a tradition of Jewish place making and the discoveries are interpreted into a client generated program of use. The thesis uses the design process to develop the relationship between architect and builder by employing an adaptive foundation system and modular structural and enclosure systems that encourage on- site and post- occupancy design changes. It aims for a building that speaks about how it is made, following the Hebrew view that materials are hallowed by their use and must be employed with honesty and integrity -- according to their nature. It aims for a building that tells the story of its creation, a product that avoids the master plan and extends the process. It looks to expand, and improve, the architect- builder relationship by inviting the user into the place-making process. These aspects are brought together to examine how the built environment -- and the process of building it -- can sponsor cultural growth and ground our shared meanings in the past-future. The thesis looks to improve the process of building, and to explore the meaning found in it.