Modernism for an Ancient Pastime
One of Boston's newest additions is the Kollel of Greater Boston—a post-graduate Talmudic research institute that trains future Rabbis—built in the city's historic Brighton district.
Rabbi Naftali Bier, who heads the Kollel, aimed to create a relaxing atmosphere regardless if the person visiting the synagogue was a member of their community or a complete stranger.
The Kollel's entryway.
Using light and color, architects Miriam Tropp Spear and Sharon Jacobson, and Framingham-based builder L/R Construction achieved a very balanced, bright, and inviting atmosphere throughout the structure. "Everyone remarks on how the space feels so much larger than it actually is," says Rabbi Bier.
In the rear, triangular window bay juts from the building's main mass.
The trapezoidal site itself posed some challenges, as did the fact that it was located in a historic district. The Kollel worked closely with the Aberdeen Historical Society to ensure that the structure would weave into the neighborhood fabric rather than stick out like a sore thumb.
The Kollel was an adaptive-reuse project, the original structure shown here. Members of the Kollel and the Aberdeen Historical Socitety worked closely with the architect and builder to ensure that the new building would respect the neighborhood's Classical Revival history.
They settled on a minimalist golden brick facade, whose color and material were the same as the existing structure on the site. As a result, the new building is in sync with the surrounding 1920's Classical Revival structures without being a throwback to the style. The rear, though, takes more liberties, such as the triangular window bays that jut from the main mass.
The building's perimeter echoes the irregular trapezoidal site.
Time and again, we are confronted with the issue of what makes "good" architecture. Though not avant-garde, it is a respectful neighbor, provides for the needs of its users, keeps them happy, was completed under-budget, and--above all--is a completely functional space. How many buildings can say that?
The main interior space serves as an education center and is where worship services are held.
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Even though we are related to the architect, Sharon Jacobson, we can speak of her and Miriam's talent with the design of the Kollel and of other structures in the Boston, MA area! The Kollel itself is striking for accomplishing its very difficult objectives of providing a building of beauty and light on a difficult, tight, historical site in a residential area. In visiting the finished Kollel, I see that they accomplished all their goals and underbudget too! Quite remarkable. Sharon has also renovated our own large kitchen in an historic district Falmouth, MA being both respectful of the primary architecture of the Cape house, its surrounding, and its historic district requirements. Our builders loved working with her and I am sure that was also true of the Kollel's builders in working with Sharon Jacobson and with Miriam Spear. For people anticipating a renovation or new design, they may be only thinking about design, but it is equally essential that they consider the importance of an architect working amiably and effectively with a general contractor and the all the specialists who work on a project. That is key in hiring an architect.
Wow Sharon and Miriam. Excellent job. The place looks beautiful, peaceful and modern.
This is a beautiful project. As someone who has taught the history of Jewish Architecture starting with Solomon's Temple through the International Style in Israel, I think this is a work of art. While it not only weaves in the historic neighborhood is also manages to connect with the golden stone of Jerusalem and the modernism of Eric Mendelsohn's house for Chaim Weizmann
What a beautiful and impressive use of a tight space! It is gorgeous, dignified, light, creative, and inviting. The architects are clearly very talented and creative themselves--and sensitive to the needs and desires of their client and the people in the surrounding neighborhood. Congratulations on a beautiful job. I hope people use and enjoy the architects' thoughtful and admirable work at the Kollel for many years to come.
The ability to erect a structure like the Kollel on the space allowed is an architectural feat beyond description. I would like to take a bit of umbrage, however, at the description in the opening line in the article describing the building as "built on a once-defunct industrial lot ". My parents, of blessed memory, Schalom and Jenti Zuber, used the space as a warehouse for their business for many years. It was a place where business was conducted with forthrightness, honesty and integrity. My mother, who recently passed away, agreed to sell the property to the Kollel in order for them to have a home of their own in a place that was convenient to all of us in Brookline/Brighton who have benefited from the Kollel for the past 20 years. She was able to attend the dedication last year and marveled at the architects' ability to create what they did in the space available. I think, however, that the phrase "once defunct industrial lot" does not do justice to their legacy.
It looks really beautiful. Very impressive!
Izzy, apologies for misinterpreting the status of the original structure prior to the construction of the Kollel. I've gone ahead and taken out the phrase. My statement was intended to highlight the fact that the Kollel was able to re-utilize and re-purpose something within the neighborhood rather that build on a greenfield site or on open space, a decision I think was a very good one in terms of urban planning. I hope other institutions and organizations looking to build can look to the Kollel's project as an example of how adaptive reuse can benefit a community and make for interesting architecture. In trying to characterize the Kollel's positive contribution to the neighborhood and Boston as a whole, I did not intend to cause offense or overshadow the years of positive contributions your family's business made. The fact that your family agreed to sell their warehouse to the Kollel so that it could continue to be convenient for everyone in the Brookline/Brighton neighborhood is another great part of the story and just goes to show how all parties involved in the project were able to work together so well.
Beautiful Building. I visited the site and the interior of this building feels so large even though it's on a small footprint. Brilliant! I would recommend that students from the local architecture schools (Wentworth) visit this site.
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