The design approach was to reflect the merging of a culture that survived for more than 2,000 years in Ethiopia with today’s modern lifestyle.
An exposed reinforced concrete box encloses freeform mud walls, to be constructed by Ethiopian builders. The first floor provides spaces for cultural and educational activities and administration; the second floor recreates a typical Ethiopian synagogue.
The internal spaces engage the exterior surroundings, a reminder of the synagogue of the village, where community activities typically occurred around the building itself.
