The concept design: External massing A stone clad podium with a canopy announces the entrance. A green roof acts as a buffer zone around the central double height auditorium. A delicate patterning of overlapping triangles refers to Jewish geometries in a symbolic manner with a light touch. By day the metallic finish may shine and by night the apertures allow the building to glow from within. Plan Entering into a lobby we see a reception desk with information available. A set of doors on either side of the desk lead into the concourse which is lined with comfortable armchairs and cafe seating and lit by daylight pouring in from a round roof light overhead. On one side is the bistro entrance. On the other side is the nursery entrance. A curved corridor forms a library wall celebrating the “people of the book” and may host a permanent display telling the story of the community in Edinburgh. One arm of the corridor leads towards a dedicated community sanctuary and the other towards meeting rooms and offices. The central auditorium is a versatile space which may be adapted to host a range of cultural events. Dedicated sanctuary A dedicated sanctuary for worship is located adjacent to the central auditorium. Fixed seating for 60 people is shown grouped around a central podium or bimah. Loose seating may be added to achieve maximum capacity of approximately 140 shown with dashed lines. Clerestory glazing in the perimeter wall gives a glimpse of the outside whilst focusing the attention of the congregation towards community worship. Apertures overhead bring in natural light, the geometry of the daylight patterning the walls. Bistro The bistro is located on one side of the front facade with floor to ceiling glazing facing the cityscape. Modular tables for a total of 45 covers are shown grouped for two people or combined into trestle tables for larger groups. A central reception provides for staff located to welcome diners. The ambition allows for a glazed wall to fold open to external seating area. Nursery The nursery is conceived of as a space for children from all walks of life. It is located on the other side of the front facade for ease of access and the ambition seeks for a sheltered area of external play. Meeting rooms and offices A row of four smaller rooms may be hired out for classes or meetings. The overall space is subdivided by 3 folding walls allowing spaces to be combined if necessary.