Neue Synagogue, Bochum, Germany

Next to Stadtpark stands a 17-meter-high synagogue cube on a platform, surrounded by walls made of multilayer concrete. This creates a striking interaction with the metallic shimmering dome of the neighboring planetarium. The ensemble of the synagogue and community center buildings, consisting of three parts, forms a unified whole. The facade of the structure is clad in natural stone from Israel, thus evoking the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The Star of David is used as a decoration on the facade, clearly indicating the religious function of the building. A series of overlapping stars creates a kind of tele-effect, while the relief of protruding and recessed rows of stones resembles the local typical brickwork.

Next to Stadtpark stands a 17-meter-high synagogue cube on a platform, surrounded by walls made of multilayer concrete. This creates a striking interaction with the metallic shimmering dome of the neighboring planetarium.

The ensemble of the synagogue and community center buildings, consisting of three parts, is unified. The facade of the structure is clad with natural stone from Israel, thus evoking the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

The Star of David is used as a decorative element on the facade, clearly indicating the religious function of the building. A series of overlapping stars creates a kind of tele-effect, while the relief of protruding and recessed rows of stones resembles the local typical brickwork.

Inside, the hall measuring 17 by 17 meters and 16 meters high is covered by a suspended dome. The curved golden canopy has a diameter of 15 meters. It gives the space a festive and transcendent atmosphere. At the crest of the dome, directly above the bema—the most important place in the synagogue—there is an opening that lets zenith light into the room.

The prayer room faces east through large windows. Triangular openings cut through the solid exterior walls on the north, east, and south sides. They correspond to the facade’s relief and can be interpreted as a frieze composed of Stars of David. The interior is mainly characterized by the Torah ark and the bema.

The ark is located on the eastern wall, facing Jerusalem. The bema is literally in the center of the hall. Circular rows of seating promote good concentration. However, the synagogue is not only a religious building but also a meeting place and community center. Thus, the community center and synagogue form a spatial triad that can be used in various ways and allows for different usage models.

Sources:

https://www.baukunst-nrw.de/en/projects/Neue-Synagoge-Bochum--1060.htm