Torah ark

Case study

Providing a beautiful and dignified setting for the congregation's Torahs was central to creating a Jewish house of worship in a former church's building. The congregation already owned the artistic centerpiece of the new ark - perforated metal doors and a stained glass window, previously installed in a much taller building. The divisions in the maple panels help the composition fit into its current just-tall-enough location. The new Torah ark is expressed as a distinct element - a treasure box standing in front of and separate from the existing rock wall. The ark's rectilinear geometry also set it apart from the curved elements on either side. Inside the ark the Torahs stand on maple shelves which match the outside panels. Individual spaces bounded by maple blocks and further demarcated by bands of light allow flexibility as to number and arrangement of Torahs.