: Ruzin-Sadagora Trust Synagogue, Golders Green Road, NW11
The proposal involves the demolition of the existing building + the comprehensive redevelopment of the site to provide for a new Synagogue on 2 levels with a basement + a purpose built flat incorporated at the top with independent entrance + staircase for the Rabbi + his family.
The current state of the Synagogue no longer meets the operational requirements or the modern standards of a community building. There is an increasing need for more space to accommodate the ever growing demand for reading, study + prayer. Redeveloping the entire site + a new purpose-built Synagogue, which incorporates all the needs of the community with a fresh approach to design, seems a more suitable proposal - a design appropriate for the 21st century.
The proposal contains D1 use accommodation, 250sq.m. Gross Internal Area (G.I.A). at the basement, 240sq.m on the ground floor, 190sq.m. at the first floor. At the top floor there is 125sq.m. for a 4 bedroom unit with terrace + independent entry at the ground floor.
The Design of a Synagogue must follow restrictions of the brief:
- There should be two separate entrances for male + female.
- Different genders should not mix during studying or praying.
- The seats in the Synagogue must face Southeast- towards Jerusalem.
- There is no need for a lift as they cannot use any form of electricity on specific occasions + days + disabled women would be accommodated on the ground floor.
- There should be plenty of space for cloaks.
- The Mikvah should be relocated towards the male entrances.
The form is getting inspired by the merits of modernistic architecture, it’s simple and for a reason. The lines are hard and solid for them to make a statement: it’s a Synagogue and it’s a place to be noticed, it’s different but it also part of this Community. Meanwhile, it keeps the internal activity to its self by the lack of glass surfaces. The only windows are for giving light to the reading galleries while glass panellings are found at the entrances to give light and air to the lobbies.
Even though the area off Golders Green Road is largely residential, the new build, due to its use, should not fall within this aesthetic constraint. Having considered the changes which are already appearing nearby + in keeping with the emerging scale of developments around it i.e. 292-294 Golders Green Road, the form of the proposal can be bold + ambitious without being unsympathetic neither to the existing buildings nor to the new proposals.
The proposed scheme has to address the importance of a place of worship, whilst also articulating the scale, form + materials evident on Golders Green Road.