Congregation Beth Messiah

Messianic Synagogue

Houston, Texas

Project: A 18,000 sq. ft. Messianic Synagogue Facility.
Location: Houston, Texas
Vision: An old world synagogue image that speaks to the Israel and Jerusalem roots of our people and our faith as well as our end time Jerusalem purpose.
Program: To “face lift” a budget “design build” pre-engineered steel structure to house a Phase I 600-seat Sanctuary, with overflow seating for another 200, and support offices and education facilities.
Solution: The emphasis, (and the money) was put into the front entry, the Foyer and the Sanctuary. A rather mundane “strip mall” image was transformed to an old world synagogue by means of a large arched entry with a large Menorah rose window and caped by a small dome. The Foyer was left high and narrow, divided by a series of tall arches, descending in height as they proceed toward the administration and education wings, reminiscent of a Jerusalem “Old City” street. The effect is enhanced by tall windows and skylights, and by alternately narrowing and widening the “street” to accommodate foyer gathering nodes.

The Sanctuary “box auditorium” was brought closer to the feel of a traditional synagogue interior by bringing in natural light as much as possible and enhancing the stage to reflect a traditional synagogue Ark & Bimah. Phase II should carry this design intent even further.

Click on an image below to view a larger version

Congregation Beth Messiah bimah foyersection artist siteplanIA
Bimah [204KB] | Foyer Section [462KB] | Artist’s Concept [701KB] | Site Plan Sketch [164KB]

 

Other Files

Final Site Plan [PDF - 646KB] | Column Studies [PDF - 67.2KB] |

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