Eternal Light / Jewish Taiwan Community Center

Eternal Light

Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association is the first synagogue in Taiwan. The concept of lighting design is originated from Jewish holiday song, Banu choshech legaresh (Song of Hanukkah).

The scope of lighting design covers architecture and interior, and the core concept is extended from the song, defined as eternal light. We transformed the façade shape into the emblematic candle flame, like a guide in the dark. The subconcept is the tears of the Wailing Wall. This is a renovation case, and the ornamental windows of cement are retained. They coincide with the impression of the Wailing Wall. Custom-made crystal lamps are embedded randomly onto the shaped windows, like tears in eyes, symbolizing the strong Jewish people scattered everywhere.

The spirit of eternal light runs through the entire interior parts. The promenade presents a retro light feeling by indirect light strips, water-like finish glazed lamps and the stained glass light box of Holy Grail in the end view. Lights in the mikveh suggest the path of natural water flowing to the pond. On 2F, uniform and low-contrast lighting is emerged in the high-ceilinged auditorium to mimic the flooding skylight, showing the pure of faith. The gold foil ceiling, a metaphor for sunlight, is the axis of the 4F sanctuary. The skylight falling to the seats is created artificially, connecting nature with the light of reverence.