The brief was to create a more attractive campus and improve security. My response was the Renovation of the Exterior Façade at two street fronts and Creation of New Communal Areas of varying sizes to promote discussion and bonding while also providing for quietude. Functionality of the site was improved with a key focus on Accessibility, Community, Security, and Sustainability. New street parking with accessible and safe paths of travel for mobility-challenged congregants, staff, or students. New school children’s Outdoor Storytelling Space, Biblical and holiday Plantings to use throughout the year and Materials Incorporated in Landscape Design to enhance outdoor classroom activities, and New Universal Entrance with Greater Accessibility for all Ages and Physical Abilities, handrails at all ramps and steps. A system for water storage was designed to water designated landscape areas. Improved security and privacy with the design of the architecture and landscape architecture to not only beautify the campus but to minimize risk to clergy, staff, school children, and congregants, and buildings from acts of crime or terrorism. New lighting and pathways for safe reflections and spaces for sharing. Visually recalling biblical stories and Israel, while connecting to the earth. Incorporating a simple palette of materials, but a mix, posing a juxtaposition of manmade and natural materials, organic in shape, to consider who the congregation and school is today as well as recall the past Ohlone who lived peacefully in this area many generations before. It is part of the Jewish tradition to care for adamah אדמה, the earth, to be rooted in tradition, and open to ideas with the opportunity for all to learn, question, participate, and flourish.

Architecture, landscape design and poetic narrative by Michelle Kusanovich Architect.

Planning Commission Approved

*Photos show 3D renderings of design and process. In Construction now.