Expected to be one of the first synagogues to obtain a LEED Platinum certification, this project located in the city of Evanston, Illinois, has just been inaugurated in February.

The new synagogue for the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation replaces the old building at the edge of a residential area, across from a city park and the tracks of the Skokie Swift commuter train. The design balances the limitations of a small site with an ambitious program that uniformly promotes its worship, educational, and community objectives.

All material are courtesy of the Architect

Can we create ‘faith-neutral’ spaces with a design aesthetic that is universally embraced as a sanctuary and retreat for all; while also creating innovative elements that allow all faith groups to adapt spaces quickly to suit their particular needs?

As a publicly funded institution of higher education, the University of Toronto has an obligation to respond to the broad range of aspirations and needs of its students, staff and faculty. Today's students reflect the growing diversity of the Greater Toronto Region, and bring with them not only the cultural traditions and expectations with which they were raised but also a set of spiritual beliefs that act as an important part of their identity and development.

All photographs are courtesy of Tom Arban.