Project Description
We were commissioned to intervene the Maguen David Temple located in Polanco, Mexico City; one of the most important Jewish Temples in the country.
The intervention consisted in remodeling the Midrash, a Torah Study Center, and the creation of a new temple terrace. The proposal had to integrate with the original project not mimicking it but respecting it; the community sought to create a modern space that attracted young people to congregate and study their religion.
The interior space in the Midrash is a very sober and elegant proposal but dynamic full of symbolism. Taking advantage and reusing the original structure of the temple we were able to create an space representing each of the twelve tribes thru stained glass covered columns carrying Moses blessings. In between these columns, we decided to create bookshelves that combine with the ceiling.
Next to this space, we designed a terrace covered in black granite floors and walls, with reflecting water mirrors and green walls as architectural accents.
The structure covering this terrace, and probably one of the most striking parts of the project, is formed from a very important symbol for the Jewish community, the Star of David. Through this star a self-supporting structure was created that generates a diverse game of shadows down to the terrace.
An 80m2 automatic retractable glass dome covers the entire structure that allows the community to have events and ceremonies outdoors or indoors, depending on what they need or the religion mandates.