Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Synagogue in Evanston, Illinois, United States wish Reconstructionist Congregation Synagogue in Evanston, Illinois, United States

April 17, 2011 Category: Cultural, Public Buildings

Designed by Ross Barney Architects, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Synagogue is located in Evanston, Illinois, United States. Following the clear mandate by the Board of the synagogue to be as “green” as possible, several ideas were formulated to make a sustainable transition from old to new: the new building is built on the foundations of the old; local demolition rubble is placed in wire cages to create “gabion” walls to retain the edges of gardens and children’s playgrounds and the memorial trees that shade the existing building were cut down and reconstituted as paneling on the Ceremonial door.

The JRC spreads over three floors containing the Congregation’s offices, early childhood program, and chapel on the first floor; their education offices, classrooms and library on the second floor; and the sanctuary, social hall and kitchen on the third floor. This layout strategy allowed cost effective construction of high volume space for the sanctuary.

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Synagogue design by Ross Barney Architects