New Synagogue
project: architecture, renovation
design / construction: 2011-2018
place: Žilina (SK)
size: 1800 m2
client: Truc sphérique
team: PLURAL / Martin Jančok, Michal Janák, Eva Štrocholcová
role: architect
photo: Dalibor Adamus (1), Daniela Dostálková (2-10), Ján Kekeli (11)
video: CE ZA AR / Slovenská komora architektov
awards: BigMat National Prize 2021, CE ZA AR 2018 + nomination for Mies van der Rohe Award 2019
In 2011 a very unique public initiative was formed. Its aim was to gradually revitalize and transform the neglected neologic synagogue, designed by Peter Behrens, built in 1931, into a contemporary exhibition space. The main ambition was to achieve a dialectic relationship between the exceptional heritage and its new contents.
The generous central space of the building is simply divided horizontally into two chromatically different parts becoming a “half-white” gallery. The lower half will provide a neutral background for exhibitions while the upper half will present the synagogue itself. The exhibition architecture changes seasonally, each time radically altering the character of the exhibition space.