Temple Emanu-El
Dallas, Texas
Recognized by the Texas Society of Architects as "one of the 7 most distinguished works of contemporary architecture" built during the 1950s, the challenge was established early on to provide a classic campus with a new chapel respecting the past but with all the conveniences of modern technology. Although the complex campus wide-project consisted of new and renovated construction, the chapel was the featured space. A 23' to 28' sloping wood ceiling took a year of design time to integrate the specified light fixtures but also to work around suspended acoustical panels and A/V and mechanical devices to make it the seamless feature everyone expected. Monthly coordination with temple leadership occurred to get an understanding of Jewish traditions needed to fully understand the project. Lighting adjustments and additions were made due to this and, even with a month to go, accent lighting was added to illuminate the suspended Ner Tamid (eternal light) and the centrally-featured Ark where the Torah scrolls are stored.
Team Members: Cunningham Architects / Hocker