The Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston is a brand-new, platinum-level L.E.E.D.S. building which is home to a wonderful early childhood center. The challenge was to create a design which could stand up to all the brightly colored chaos of the large motor room and still feel calm and welcoming.
The design is loosely based on a Jerusalem skyline. I incorporated a variety of antique architectural elements to bring a historic resonance into this new, modern building. I added dried botanical pieces to give us some organic colors and textures to look at during the long, grey Chicago winters. Glass-tile mosaic sun, moon and stars (which surround the entire room) add reflective sparkle. Interactive elements include magnetic/wipe-off boards, a chalk board, cubbies, benches and shelves, drawable curtains, mirrors, working doors which open to reveal an ark or a puppet stage, and a scrolling map of the world.