The character of a place is largely determined by the degree of "openness." Depending on whether its boundaries are solid or transparent, the space may appears isolated or on the other hand as part of a larger whole. The inside-outside relationship, to which we have returned, is the true essence of architecture. A place can be an isolated shelter whose significance lies in the presence of symbolic elements or it can communicate "with understanding" a particular environment or relate to an ideal world of ideas. CH. Norberg-Schulz
The synagogue in Svätý Jur is a bearer of significant historical, urbanistic, and architectural values and ranks among important national cultural monuments. This competition became particularly inspiring for us due to the history of the Jewish community. Many significant Jewish structures in Slovakia have been demolished, which prompted us to engage with this topic. We felt a need to preserve and enhance this monument to its fullest extent.
CLIENT
Bratislavský samosprávny kraj
ADDRESS
Svätý Jur
DEGREE OF PROJECT DOCUMENTATION
Architectural Competition
DEGREE OF ENGINEERING ACTIVITY
Idea
Over time, the synagogue has served various functions and undergone several reconstructions and additions. Initially, it served as a manor house, later as commercial spaces, and eventually as a synagogue. An important aspect of our design was incorporating significant architectural elements, customs, and traditions of the Jewish faith. One of the most essential aspects is the orientation of the synagogue towards Jerusalem. Along this primary compositional axis is the placement of the Torah, the sacred scripture of Judaism. This spatial concept can also be observed in the proposed presentation of Chatam Sofer, which aligns with this axis.
In September 2024, the Bratislava Self-Governing Region announced a public, single-stage architectural competition for the Synagogue in Svätý Jur. Its future mission lies in reflecting the architectural and heritage significance of the building, while simultaneously utilizing the space and its adjacent grounds to create a significant cultural center, spreading its historical importance and linking it to the legacy of Rabbi Chatam Sofer.
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