Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach was designs and lit by Percival Goodman in 1953, a remarkable thin-shell concrete building with an inspired lighting design.  In consultation with PKSB and Beilinson Gomez Archtiects, the original lighting was reviewed and found to be based on an excellent original concept – the stars above Abraham’s tent represented in a cloud of pendants.

The technology was severely outdated, however, the concept remained strong.  As a result, the lighting was upgraded to modern light sources (including halogen and metal halide) in addition to indirect dimmable fluorescent lighting providing a highly efficient operating light level by day and night.  The existing pendant refurbishment involved researching the original colors for refinishing, a search of some archaeological character, and the original pale blue of the pendants was restored.

The sanctuary space connects through with a multi-function event space that allows the two to combine for high holidays, and to divide for mixed and more intimate uses.  Carrying through the character and the eye was essential to the design.