Temple Beth Hillel
PROJECT TYPE Sacred Space
LOCATION Valley Village, CA
PHOTOGRAPHER Eric Staudenmeier
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Temple Beth Hillel engaged Lewis/Schoeplein to look at an expansion of their programs on their existing 2.5 acre site. The master plan has four major components: a rehabilitation and expansion of the Sanctuary Building, originally constructed in the 1950’s; the remodel of an existing 3-story school building, built in the early 1960’s; the construction of a new three-story school building, containing nursery through 6th grade classrooms and library; and the upgrading of the site, including the incorporation of recently acquired parcels adjoining the property. The project is scheduled to be built in several phases. As a Phase I, the Temple’s 4,000sf Activities Building was remodeled to accommodate displaced functions during Phase 2 construction. Phase 2 remodeled the main sanctuary, lobbies, social hall and restrooms, and added a new three-stop elevator to improve access for all.
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an inclusive design process, from initial sketches through move-in
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The planning for the site was conceived as a long-term vision, to be implemented as funds become available. Designed in conjunction with StudioMLA, landscape architects.
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Hand drawn sketches, physical models, and computer images were presented to members of the congregation as the design developed, looking to gather input from as many voices as possible.