City Mikvah

A Mikvah holds profound spiritual significance in Judaism, symbolizing purification through ritual immersion in water. Its name, ‘mikveh’, originates from the Old Testament book of Genesis and translates to when G-d gathered waters during the creation. While early Mikvahs were simple earthen constructions dating back thousands of years, the modern ones resemble serene spa-like facilities, primarily serving observant Jewish women. The Mikvah pool must be constructed of concrete and in accordance with strict Rabbinical laws. It needs to be integrated into the ground or become an integral part of a building structure. Typically consisting of two pools: a lower section for rainwater collection and an upper immersion pool replenished with tap water.

In our Mikvah project, we designed this immersive spiritual space in the lower level of an existing four-story religious facility. Challenged with the existing infrastructure of low ceiling, columns, beams, and footings, we transformed these obstacles into design opportunities for unexpected spatial results. Our approach involved choreographing ceiling changes, meandering walls, and built-ins, incorporating the existing architectural conditions into a holistically unified space.

Our aim was to transcend the physical realm and provide a backdrop for a spiritual experience. Guiding the user through each step of the ritual sequence from reception, preparation, immersion, and washing. We drew inspiration from imagery of originally built Mikvahs, utilizing a harmonious earthen tone material palette to evoke a mystical ambiance enriched by the interplay of light, shadow, and reflectivity.

Recognizing the intimate significance of Mikvah use in Jewish tradition, particularly for women, we created a space filled with intimacy and a sense of sacred.