The design for the sanctuary derives from the ritual of performing the monthly Jewish prayer of Kiddush Levana, the blessing of the full moon. The sequences of spaces are tailored through the architecture beginning at the approach. The pathway that connects the building with the synagogue to the south flaunts the awkward nature of the structure within the site of Freshkills. It appears floating like a birdhouse at the hill top, its inner space both transparent and solid through the repeating rafters of the secondary structure. It’s inner courtyard is concealed and only made apparent when the congregant is fully enveloped by the design. The ramp to the north descends into a spiraling staircase. The circulation maintains that the congregant is always turning clock wise-upon their approach. The rafters rotate along with the spiraling staircase and tilt away from the ground in order to direct the upper space towards the west where the nightly prayer of Arbit is performed. Congregants within the structure are protected and feel a sense of enclosure while maintaining a connection to the elements beyond the space. The following prayer is performed in the courtyard below where the moon is fully visible to the south.

Site plan