Temple Solel

On a 5-acre site in North San Diego County, a village of buildings and courtyards nestles at the base of a slope much as revered hill towns with their central plazas and sanctuaries. In this warm Mediterranean climate, we drew inspiration from historic haciendas with their courtyards and vine-covered arbors, while adding Jerusalem stone and biblical landscape. Play areas, trellises and gardens weave through classroom, sanctuary, and administrative buildings. The seven gates into the village reflect the seven gates into the Old City of Jerusalem.

 

The entry lobby of the building is its outdoor circular courtyard with school offices, temple administration, library, gift shop, and adult and youth lounges all clustered around. As the town square, it will be used for outdoor dancing and festivals. Passageways radiate from the central court and connect to the school and playground on one side and the sanctuary, social hall and future chapel on the other. In the richness of all the spaces, there is a simplicity of circulation and directness which is very visitor friendly.

 

Curved shapes carry into the sanctuary and, with the natural light from smaller and larger openings, create a sacred space that is as emotional as it is functional. The concentric, circular seating provides a sense of family and intimacy whether 50 or 250 people.