North Shore Community Mikvah

The mission of this unique institution is to provide a place where people may come together for prayer, religious education, spiritual guidance and growth.  To that end, the Chabad of the North Shore project transforms an existing 1950s structure into a flexible facility that promises to provide a new framework for the growing community.

An analysis of current and anticipated use patterns leads to the strategic re-adaptation of existing spaces and tO designing a new addition.  Taken together, important symbolic relationships emerge.

The new lobby, a glass reveal between the original building and new addition, unifies the plan and allows for transitions among different religious services, educational activities and community events.  Furthermore, a ramp to this level provides accessibility to the community hall that welcomes people of all abilities.

The building addition is conceived as an undulating wave.  Programmatic elements cause architectonic shifts in plan and elevation to facilitate spatial awareness.  The metal roof’s silhouette and the building’s powerful new iconic profile effectively speak of the institution’s communal presence and connection to its seaside roots.