Final hbt renewal program document by Holy Blossom Temple

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

384 Adelaide St. W, Suite 300 Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R7

Tel: 416-862-8800 Fax: 416-862-5508

Project No.: 1314 February, 2014

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLY BLOSSOM TEMPLE RENEWAL PROJECT ......................................... 3 DEVELOPING THE PROGRAM .......................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 1 – WORSHIP, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY................................................................ 6 WORSHIP .................................................................................................................................................................6 SANCTUARY...........................................................................................................................................................6 FAMILY CHAPEL .....................................................................................................................................................7 OTHER WORSHIP SPACES ......................................................................................................................................8 CLERGY ..................................................................................................................................................................9 MUSIC .................................................................................................................................................................10

EDUCATION ...........................................................................................................................................................11 NURSERY SCHOOL ...............................................................................................................................................11 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL .............................................................................................................................................12 ADULT EDUCATION .............................................................................................................................................13

COMMUNITY .........................................................................................................................................................14 ATRIUM ...............................................................................................................................................................14 LOWER LEVEL ......................................................................................................................................................15 SOCIAL HALL ........................................................................................................................................................17 KITCHEN ..............................................................................................................................................................18 LIBRARY ...............................................................................................................................................................19

SPECIFIC DESIGN ASPECTS & GOALS..................................................................................................................20 ACCESSIBILITY .....................................................................................................................................................20 SUSTAINABILITY ..................................................................................................................................................20 SECURITY .............................................................................................................................................................21

SUMMARY OF BUILDING COMMITTEE DECISIONS..........................................................................................22

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLY BLOSSOM TEMPLE RENEWAL PROJECT CONSTRUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDING– 1938

HISTORY OF THE RENEWAL PROJECT DSAI became involved in the Holy Blossom Temple Renewal project through a design competition in 2003 and has since remained engaged as the architect throughout several design stages. The renewal project was originally a joint enterprise between the Holy Blossom Temple and the Leo Baeck Day School with improved facilities for both. The scheme comprised of renovations to the existing 1938 building by Chapman & Oxley and the 1960’s school wing addition by John B. Parkin Associates, a central atrium and new construction required to accommodate the increased program for both the temple and the school. Since that time Leo Baeck Day School relocated and the renewal project was redefined as an improved facility for the sole use of Holy Blossom Temple. In 2011 the Holy Blossom Renewal project was ready to move into Schematic Design based on a complete series of programming meetings and concept drawings. When the project began again in 2013, a renewed congregant engagement revealed programming questions and new requirements. Unique spaces, such as the atrium, presented new programming opportunities, and existing spaces, like the Philip Smith Hall, were being considered for non-traditional uses. These questions had large implications on the overall program and drove the need for a new programming document. This document both summarizes the program as it has been understood through Diamond Schmitt Architect’s many years of involvement, and presents conflicting proposals for new spaces and uses. The Building Committee and the Board can use the new document to confirm known program and to resolve conflicting concepts so the project can continue on to the next design phase. THE QUANTITATIVE The mandate of the study is to create a summary of the broad programming spaces and concepts in the Renewal Project. More specific and technical information on the confirmed elements will develop throughout the Schematic Design phase. In some ways the Renewal programming is farther along than it would typically be at this stage. Concept sketches have begun testing room locations, size and adjacencies, and a continuity of meetings with members and user groups have built a thorough catalogue of requirements. The building envelope has been confirmed, so the final gross area is finite. At the same time, the services and activities planned for some spaces are diversely understand throughout the congregation. Each programmatic variance carries a series of unique support spaces and adjacencies that significantly alter the plan. Resolving the broad programming issues raised in this document will allow for a more detailed understanding of required spaces; an understanding that is required to continue into Schematic Design. THE QUALITATIVE Some of the presented information is more narrative than a typical programming document due to the expressed passion and deeply felt connection between the members and their building. Throughout discussions the

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document qualitative experience emerged as equally important as the quantitative elements, so this document will attempt to capture both. To create the new Holy Blossom Renewal program, members, committee leaders, clergy and staff came together through a series of meetings to answer what Holy Blossom means to them and how a new temple could better host the multitude of programs, services and events that unite its community. They spoke of a place welcoming for celebration, comfortable for learning and inviting for worship. In the spirit of these discussions, we have organized the program document in the three tenets of HBT life: Worship, Education and Community. Holy Blossom’s multi-generational population described a building that would appeal to all age groups, both individually and together. They described their building as a reflection of the congregation’s history in Reform Judaism, and in the spirit of that movement, they described a new building that is forward thinking and modern; an active participant in current culture and technologies. When one considers that the original 1930’s poured concrete building was an early adopter of new construction technologies, it is clear that the new building should continue the tradition of innovative design. Community was a consistent theme throughout all meetings. How can a building facilitate the deeply-rooted Holy Blossom community, the expanding ‘not yet’ members of the next generation, as well as the compassionate needs of the community at-large? The answer was not always clear, and in some cases the responses were in direct opposition. This document outlines the areas of consensus, as well as the majority and minority concerns where compromise is needed. It is noted where a decision is required by the Building Committee to more clearly define the program. The process of meeting with all interested members, staff and clergy did reveal some unanimous views of Holy Blossom; it is a centre to promote Jewish celebration and education for all ages, a place that facilitates social justice and ethical living, and a spiritual place for Jews to contemplate Judaism. These views are noted as qualitative requirements in the program; views that will help inform the design and shape the architecture. The goal of this document is to define both the qualitative and quantitative program requirements that define the Holy Blossom Temple Renewal project. A program that can be accommodated in the physical constrains of the building envelope, and at the same time will resonate deeply with its members.

DEVELOPING THE PROGRAM The Programming Document is based on an analysis of the existing building, information gathered from congregational tours, engagement and stakeholder meetings, and input from HBT Building Committee. The breakdown of consulted individuals is as follows: · The congregation was divided into six age groups: teens, young adults, families with young children, boomers and seniors. User meetings were arranged with each age group, and also included members from the engagement committee and the architectural team. · Several Congregation and board tours were arranged to review in-situ the main spaces of the new building and to gather thoughts on specific areas such as the lower level and the atrium. The age group of the tours mainly included boomers and seniors, but did include some families with Bar-Mitzvah aged children. · Stakeholder meetings were held with every major and minor group that operates in HBT. These meetings included: All Hands, Archives, Stage Craft, Out of the Cold, Arts Committee, Sisterhood, Religious School, ECC, Kitchen, Clergy, Worship, Administration and Maintenance.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document · The HBT Building Committee held meetings which included the Architectural team to review the process and findings. The complete series of meeting minutes from the age group and stakeholder meetings are included in an Appendix at the end of this document. In addition to meetings, several congregants sent e-mails with programmatic comments and requests. These e-mails are also included in this document’s Appendices. All meeting minutes and e-mails were reviewed and analyzed for confirmed program requirements, new ideas, commonalities and conflicts, and areas where a direct decision is required from the Building Committee. After the Building Committee reviewed the draft Program Document, several meetings were held to resolve many of the required decisions. These decisions are noted in a summary page at the end of Section 1. Section 1 – Summary of Program Needs This section breaks down the Renewal program into three main categories; Worship, Education and Community. Under each section, the major program spaces that were discussed qualitatively and quantitatively at meetings are further divided into three categories: ·

Description of Space and confirmed requirements Items in this category are confirmed as necessary requirements at Holy Blossom Temple. The details of where these spaces are located, how they will be fit out, and in some cases their size may need further resolution in the schematic design stage. New Ideas/Compromise Needed This category includes new program ideas generated from meetings, tours and e-mails that are not yet confirmed in the program. Some of these ideas would be considered ‘nice to haves’ should space and budget allow. Some ideas were consistently divisive amongst the consulted groups and in these cases require further direction from the Building Committee for resolution. Majority and minority views on the divisive program elements are summarized here. Building Committee Decision Required There are certain elements or directions proposed that will impact the program and cost more significantly. Clearly stated in this category are items the Building Committee needs to resolve in order to complete the programming stage.

Section 1 also includes specific aspects and goals that apply to all program areas such as Accessibility, Security, and Sustainability.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

SECTION 1 – WORSHIP, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY WORSHIP SANCTUARY RABBI PLAUT’S INSTALLATION – 1961

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · The current choir section requires re-configuration to properly accommodate the maximum choir size, a full sized piano and several musicians, stands for the choir’s sheet music and sidurs and the choir’s sightlines to the cantor (see Music section for further information). The sanctuary’s first several rows of pews will be re-configured or made flexible to address these concerns. · Accessibility to the bimah has been raised as an issue by the senior’s age group. A ramp to facilitate barrier free access to the bimah should be considered. · Proper sound and light locks will be created for the entrance to the Sanctuary from inside the Temple. The doors into the Sanctuary from Bathurst will remain as they are. · Interest has been expressed to create a light screen or curtain between the Herman Chapel and the Sanctuary to increase privacy and intimacy in the Chapel. · The Bridal room and washrooms associated with the Sanctuary require renovation · A concern has been raised that there needs to be a clear passage between the life cycle room, the bridal room and the back of the sanctuary where the bride enters. This could be achieved by using the underground corridor or possibly screening within the Sanctuary. · A need for acoustic improvement in the sanctuary has been expressed by several congregational tours and most strongly by the senior age group meeting. Working with our acoustical consultant we will improve both the natural acoustics of the room as well as the amplified acoustics. · Electrical work on the sanctuary includes lighting and amplified acoustics. Our lighting goal is to brighten the room to proper lighting levels while highlighting decorative features of the ceiling and walls that are currently unlit. Amplified acoustics will allow all seats to clearly hear a single speaker as well as music. Microphones and speakers will also tie into AV requirements as defined below. · HVAC to the sanctuary will be completely replaced with a new, dedicated AHU, and new supply and return air diffusers and grilles. The existing underground air tunnels will be re-used for supply through the floor.

New Ideas / Compromise Needed · The boomer and senior age groups both thought the sanctuary pews were very uncomfortable for the length of time congregants are seated. They wondered if chairs would be considered, or if a seat cushion or back support could be added to the pew to increase comfort. · The boomers age group and worship stakeholder meeting asked if we would be addressing the trend of ‘smaller’ by considering ways of reducing the scale of the sanctuary. This would accommodate smaller

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document groups when the other worship spaces are occupied. Much like a large concert venue will hide vacant seats to become a more intimate venue if needed. · AV should be considered in the Sanctuary to assist in sermon (lecture) capture and possibly video conferencing with necessary projectors, screens, cameras and microphones.

Building Committee Decision Required · Besides changes to pews to address the choir configuration, should we consider upgrading the pews? · To what extent should AV be considered for the Sanctuary?

FAMILY CHAPEL RABBI FEINBERG READS TO MARRUS TWINS AT THEIR CONSECRATION – 1956

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · The family chapel will be a dedicated worship space for 250-300 people. · The seating will be movable chairs or pews for flexible seating configurations needed for a more participatory service. Each seat should hold a sidur and chumash for the row behind them. · The typical layout for family services should be pews on three sides of the bimah, to attempt to reduce the distance between seat and bimah as much as possible. The bimah should be at the same level as the pews. · Space should be allowed at the front for wheelchairs and space at the back for strollers. There should be space allowed for much flow around the bimah since the service is highly participatory. · The finishes will reflect the spirituality of a worship space. This room is not considered a multi-purpose room for use as a nursery school activity space or a place for other recreational activities. · A luncheon is served after family chapel services – a room for the luncheon is needed near or adjoining to the Family Chapel (see below for issues regarding the luncheon location). · Family Service members would like to face east while praying. · Families need a space to hang jackets and for boot storage. · The scale of the Family Chapel should feel intimate, not cavernous. · A need for better acoustics in the current Eisendrath hall has been expressed. This will be achieved by both natural and amplified acoustic improvements. · The family chapel could be used as a reception hall as well as a worship space.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

New Ideas / Compromise Needed · Some family service attendees feel the luncheon space should be very close to the service so those who prepare the food do not have to miss much of the service. Others feel the sanctity of the service is compromised if the luncheon area is too close. · Some people from the family service and young family age group feel that the space should be kid friendly and less precious so parents to feel comfortable allowing their children to move around. An open space like the Philip Smith foyer allows them more freedom with their young children during a service. Others believe the worship experience will be disturbed if children are encouraged to move freely, and feel strongly that the Family Service deserves a dedicated worship space.

Building Committee Decision Required · Will the family service remain as planned in the Family Chapel, or will it move to the Philip Smith Foyer?

OTHER WORSHIP SPACES Description of Space and confirmed requirements · The Philip Smith, the Social Hall and the Boardroom can function as worship spaces on the High Holydays, and for additional Shabbat services such as Tot Shabbat. Proper storage for chairs should be considered. New Ideas / Compromise Needed · The boomer age group meeting and the worship stakeholder meeting requested a smaller, contemplative worship space for 20-30 people. · This could be a dedicated space, or shared with another function that accommodates 20-30 people and is finished as a spiritual space (possibly Rabbinical Library or the library).

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

CLERGY 125TH HOLY BLOSSOM TEMPLE ANNIVERSARY – 1981

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · The new clergy offices have been located on the second floor in a suite of offices and administration space. · The clergy agreed in their stakeholder meeting that the senior rabbi’s office should be distinguished from the other offices, but that it would be best to have all the offices close together to increase clergy interaction and to share administration facilities. · The clergy do need a certain amount of separateness from public to protect their own privacy and the confidentiality of those meeting them. · To maintain confidentiality and privacy members often need a closed room in which to wait to see a Rabbi. A small, separate room close to the Rabbi’s offices should be dedicated for this purpose. · The Clergy administration area requires a separate, ventilated copy room. An archive file room for infrequently accessed files could be remote in the building. · Clergy administration members often have confidential conversations and require some privacy from one another and the public. · The Rabbinic library should be an intimate spiritual space - in the past it was used for small ceremonies. It could also be used as a meeting room and for very small receptions. The clergy felt having two doors is very useful. · Rabbi Helfman works closely with the school staff – their offices should be located close to each other’s. · The clergy all felt a washroom in the clergy office suite would be very helpful. · Each clergy office needs an area for up to 4 people to meet, a desk, book shelving, and a translucent panel on the door. · The cantor and assistant cantor need to be close to one another. Their rooms require sound isolation from neighbouring rooms and corridor. · The cantor’s office could be sized to accommodate choir rehearsal space and a music archive library, or these could be separate rooms (see Music Section in this document). New Ideas / Compromise Needed · If the nursery / day care is expected to expand to the entire second floor of the 1960’s building, the clergy rd could move to the 3 floor. · Response from the congregational survey showed that clergy / congregant interaction increases congregant satisfaction. Architecturally this could mean the clergy suite should be on the ground floor, on the second floor in a suite that can be clearly seen from the main atrium, or that the suite can be farther away as long as the clergy make an effort to circulate several times a day. Building Committee Decision Required · Should the clergy suite, or a part of it, consider moving to the ground or third floor?

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

MUSIC MUSICAL HERITAGE CONCERT SERIES – THE THREE M’S – 2011

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · An archive library is required for Holy Blossom’s extensive collection of music. This library should consider proper archival conditions and storage capacity. This library could be located in the cantor’s study or in a separate location, close to the cantor’s study. · A room is required for 8-16 singers to rehearse. The rehearsal space could be located in the cantor’s office or in a separate room. · The temple singers (approx. 40 people) will rehearse in the Sanctuary every day but Saturday, where they will rehearse in either the Social Hall or the Family Chapel. · A place is needed to store music for the choir that is accessible to the singers before the service. · In the Sanctuary the choir would ideally face the congregation, the piano and the cantor. Configurations should be studied to find the best layout. Movable pews or seats should be considered to flexibly accommodate different ensemble sizes and arrangements. · The row to row distance for the choir pews should accommodate stands for sheet music and sidurs, or adjustable music stands could be incorporated into the back of the pews.

New Ideas / Compromise Needed · The cantor and choir both feel the choir should be integrated yet elevated from the congregation. Elevated risers would help the choir member’s sightlines to the cantor as well. The use of temporary choir risers to the east of the bimah could be considered so as not to block the view of the bimah from the Herman Chapel.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

EDUCATION NURSERY SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN SABBATH CANDLES – 1960

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · Classrooms should be child friendly with appropriate sized furniture, storage, carpeted floor space and a sink if necessary. · There should be a cubby for each child, sized for a winter coat and boots · The classroom design should be innovative and technologically current to attract parents and to compete with comparable nursery programs in the neighbourhood. Every class should have a smart board, projector and projection screen. · An indoor play area is required. If it is located in the Social Hall, the hall should have finishes robust enough for child’s play equipment and sufficient storage. The current Activity Room size is acceptable. · Existing storage cupboards lining the corridor should remain, with additional storage required in the office to accommodate what is currently stored under the north stairway · There should be good visibility into each classroom from the corridor by means of a sidelight and doors with a glass panel. · Staff offices are required as per programming chart. New Ideas / Compromise Needed · ECC has requested 5 classrooms to accommodate their proposed nursery / daycare program. · If there were a quick and easy way to convert the classroom from nursery rm to religious school without removing fixed classroom material from the walls (sliding panels) extra shared classrooms could be added to each program. · An additional room is needed for music and drama programs for the Pre-school age students and Little Blossoms. An existing room (e.g. the Social Hall, Philip Smith) could be used. Building Committee Decision Required · What number of nursery and daycare classrooms are to be included in the program? · Are we to consider the future expansion of the program, and if so, to what extent?

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CONFIRMATION CLASS – UNKNOWN YEAR

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · 7 Classes are needed on Sundays (JK- grade 5, 13-22 students), 6 classrooms on Mondays (grade 6-10, 1222 students - two Monday night classrooms can be held in adult education or meeting rooms), and 5 classrooms on Wednesdays (grade 1-5, 9-17 students). · Classrooms should be child friendly with adjustable height furniture for different age groups, a carpeted floor space and storage. · A prayer room is required for 60+ students. The Family Chapel can be used. · Each classroom requires a teacher’s desk and wardrobe. · Each classroom should have appropriate technology and AV including a smart board, projector, projection screen, computers and wifi. · Each child requires a cubby sized for a winter coat and boots. · A Music Room is needed with a projector and screen. An existing room could be used (eg. Social Hall, Philip Smith) · There should be good visibility into each classroom from the corridor by means of a sidelight and doors with a glass panel. New Ideas / Compromise Needed · · · ·

If space allows the music room could have storage for instruments. A staff room for 12-15 people was requested by the religious school teachers. The religious school staff was excited about the teaching possibilities of a demonstration kitchen. One religious school class could be located on the other side of the atrium if required, but it would not be ideal.

Building Committee Decision Required · Are we to consider a future expansion of the religious school program, and if so, to what extent?

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

ADULT EDUCATION HON. LARRY GROSSMAN, MINISTER OF HEALTH - 1983

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · Adult Education rooms should be fully accessible. · Approximately 2 to 3 rooms dedicated for adult education programs are needed concurrently with religious school. · The Adult Education classrooms should not be shared with nursery or religious school classrooms. These rooms should be finished to a level appropriate for adults – chairs should be comfortable, full sized lecture seats with tablets or tables. The seating could be raked for better sightlines. · Identified adult education rooms should have AV accommodation for smart boards, lecture capture and video conferencing with the required projectors, projection screen, lectern, microphones, cameras and speakers · A room for 20-30 that can be subdivided into 2 rooms for 10-12 is better than two smaller rooms. · Groups of 50-100 people can be accommodated in either a new adult education room, and/or existing larger rooms (Philip Smith, Family Chapel, Social Hall). AV facilities should be available in one or more of these larger rooms. · Adult education rooms need appropriate acoustic consideration to accommodate lectures, films, and discussions. New Ideas / Compromise Needed · Currently several rooms are planned on level 3 for dedicated Adult Education space, however programming meetings have shown that typically only 2 Adult Education rooms are required per evening. If additional adult education rooms are required, existing spaces (the Philip Smith, Family Chapel, Social Hall) with proper AV facilities can be used. Building Committee Decision Required · Should the number of classrooms on the third floor designated for Adult Education be reduced to allow for more religious school classrooms appropriate for small children?

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

COMMUNITY ATRIUM COURTYARD CONSTRUCTION - 1986

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · All groups agreed that the Atrium or ‘Gathering Space’ should have comfortable seating to encourage social interaction and lengthier stays at the Temple. The space should be inviting for people of all age groups to sit and meet other members and their guests. Wifi was requested by every group and is assumed throughout the building. · The Atrium was proposed by Archives, Sisterhood and the Arts Committee as an ideal gallery and exhibition space. This could include permanent display cases for rotating exhibits, or art display with an art hanging system integrated into the architecture. Temporary displays could be arranged in the atrium for special events. Proper lighting for all exhibition and art display should be considered. · The Atrium works well as a large crush space for the Sanctuary, perfect for an Oneg Shabbat or a kiddish that is open to the congregation. · The Atrium could also be used for public recreational activities such as Israeli dancing. · The acoustics will be studied to ensure the noise is not overwhelming and that individuals can be heard. · The centrality and visibility of the Atrium would be ideal for donor recognition. New Ideas / Compromise Needed · A majority of groups consulted suggested a Café with coffee and food available. It could be a privately owned franchise like the Aroma Café, or a Café run as an HBT community project. a Café was requested by parents who regularly wait for their children in school programs, young adults waiting between programs, boomers who would like a reason to meet with other members and non-members in the temple, and seniors who come with their grandchildren. It would encourage people ‘killing time’ to stay at Holy Blossom Temple and would instigate and lengthen social interactions in the atrium. It was suggested that a Café might attract members and not-yet members to enter and stay in the building longer and more frequently. · There was a minority of people in congregational tours and boomers meeting who oppose the Café program. They wondered whether a Café has a place in a synagogue, if there is enough demand to make a Café viable, and if it would pose a security risk if it attracted people beyond members and their guests. · A projection or TV screen(s) could digitally display recent and upcoming HBT events, archival photographs and information, and could be used for movie screenings. · The atrium could be used as a place for public performances. It could have amphitheater type seating, similar to the amphitheatre in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Natural and amplified acoustics would require consideration. · The atrium was proposed as a possible wedding or Bar Mitzvah location. Issues such as security, privacy for invited guests and catering would have to be resolved.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document · Public computers or plug-in stations were suggested by teens and families with young children as a feature that would attract a younger generation. Building Committee Decision Required · Is a Café to be included in the atrium? · Should the atrium be specifically programmed, or left as an open space with a variety of furnishings and IT/AV installed to accommodate different public activities? · Should the Atrium be open to the public or reserved for members and their guests?

LOWER LEVEL PHILIP SMITH HALL– UNKNOWN YEAR

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · Better natural and amplified acoustics should be integrated into Philip Smith Hall and Lobby for use as a worship space, event space, lectures, and theatre and music performance. · Out of the Cold currently serves 116 guests for dinner and 40 overnight guests, plus 40 volunteers. They would like to expand their program to 140 dinner guests and 52 overnight guests if space will allow. In addition, a space that can be separated by walls or curtain should be planned for the visiting nurse. Easy access storage is required for the mattresses and the musician’s music stands. Additional storage, currently behind the stage, is used for clothing and other donated items. The total storage space currently used for Out of the Cold is sufficient but is poorly organised – a more efficient layout is required. Storage for food and serving supplies will be covered in the kitchen section of this document. · The current entrance for Out of the cold is the Dewbourne Ave. lower level doors, which will be removed and backfilled in Phase 1. The new entrance for Out of the Cold will be the south west stairwell doors. Security will need to be considered for the new entrance. · Restriction of access during Out of the Cold needs to be considered. Access to the kitchen and the rest of the building beyond the Philip Smith lobby is restricted, but open access to the washrooms is required. · Large storage requirements are required in the Lower Level for Out of the Cold, Stagecraft, the Festival Committee, Sisterhood and Art Acquisition. The storage needs to be easy to access, secure, and protected from flooding. · Participants in the teen and senior age group meetings wanted the lower level to have AV equipment for lectures and movie screenings, such as a projector and projection screen, speakers, microphones and a whiteboard or smartboard.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document New Ideas / Compromise Needed · A large majority of consulted congregants and stakeholders would like the Philip Smith Hall to be a flexible space. The room should stand up to a variety of activities for all ages such as the Purim Carnival, senior zumba and Out of the Cold. In the event of a wedding or Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the hall could adopt the current trend of decorating a more neutral space for specific events. With ornamentation, the hall could transform into a room that would attract young people for their simchas. The people in this majority group feel that reserving the hall for formal events will restrict HBT from hosting other large scale activities popular with members. · A minority of people consulted would like a formal, wedding-ready space that HBT members can be proud of, a space that will prevent members from booking their simchas at hotels and other formal event spaces. This room would not be used for sports or other active recreation. · Members in the teen and young family groups believe that if the Philip Smith Hall were used for sports such as basketball, floor hockey and sport ball it would attract the younger generation to HBT and would encourage these age groups to spend more time in the building. Partners, such as sport ball, could be brought in to co-host activities. Accommodating sports such as basketball may limit the ability to host formal events in the same space due to ceiling height requirements and specific sport finishes. · Stage craft also requested permanent but flexible lighting and sound equipment in the Philip Smith hall to increase rehearsal time and show runs without increasing lighting and sound rentals. · A movable wall to divide the lower level has been raised in several meetings including Stage craft, Out of the Cold and the Teens. If the room could be divided, stage craft could set up and operate shows concurrently with Out of the Cold and other HBT functions. A dividing wall would allow Out of the cold to expand further into the Philip Smith hall if finishes in the hall were appropriate for easy cleaning. The Teens imagined several recreational activities scheduled concurrently in a divided Philip Smith Hall. · A majority of those consulted on tours and age slice meetings do not find the stage an effective use of space. They support its demolition in favour of a larger room. Stage craft agreed that their productions could be staged on demountable platforms and stored when not in use. The removal of the stage would also allow for two larger rooms should a dividing wall be implemented, and would facilitate clerestory windows (see below). · A majority of those consulted on tours and age group meetings currently feel the lower level feels a lot like a basement and that natural light would vastly improve the space. They were delighted at the possibility of clerestory windows on the west wall of the hall. · If space will allow, Out of the cold has requested an interior anti-room in which guests can wait for the program to open. On extremely cold days guests typically begin to wait up to 2 hours before the doors open. · Washrooms could include showers for Out of the Cold and for other’s who need them. · Laundry facilities could be included in the program for Out of the Cold linens and linens from other HBT functions. Building Committee Decision Required · Will the hall be finished as a formal simcha space, a sports facility, or a space flexible for both events in the best capacity possible? · Should the stage be removed? · Should clerestory windows be considered on the west wall? · Will out of the Cold function at HBT during construction? · Are laundry and shower facilities to be included?

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

SOCIAL HALL ALUMNI HANUKAH– 1964

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · The Social Hall, located in the current youth chapel, will accommodate receptions for approx. 120 people. · The Social Hall should be considered flexible space. In addition to receptions, it could host adult education events and worship services, or possibly more recreational activities. · Storage will be required for tables and chairs. New Ideas / Compromise Needed · The Social Hall was considered as a possibility for the Nursery Program’s Activity Room. According to the Day Nurseries Act, no room used for the nursery school can be located above the second floor, so the Social Hall can no longer be considered for this purpose. Building Committee Decision Required · Should the Social Hall accommodate both formal receptions and recreational activities? Should the Torah Ark remain?

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

KITCHEN BIKUR CHOLIM – 2011

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · The kitchen serves many different groups; from professional caterers for large events, to volunteer cooks for Out of the Cold, to children learning to bake a Shabbat challah. It is one of the most heavily used areas at HBT. All the current kitchen equipment is considered end of life and will be replaced. · The professional kitchen needs include catering for functions (for up to 300 people) and Out of the Cold (22 volunteers max). The kitchen needs for catering functions include 2 convection ovens for warming, prep surface, space in the cold storage, coffee station, storage for HBT dishware and possibly dishwashing (to be confirmed). The kitchen equipment needs for Out of the Cold include 2 convection ovens (shared with catering), 4 burners for large pots, prep surface, cold storage, and 3 freezers. Out of the Cold also requires pantry storage, and storage for serving equipments and supplies. An additional freezer and some pantry storage is used for the seniors program and another freezer has been requested for the Bikur Cholim Program. · None of the existing broilers is used – caterers no longer cook their food at HBT. Out of the Cold does not currently use the dishwashing machine – there are volunteers to wash the dishes by hand. If caterers do not need dishwashing on site, a dishwashing machine is not needed. · The size of the existing cold storage is adequate. Cold storage should have secured areas for the food from different programs; locked dog cages are currently used. · Linear footage of existing prep surfaces is generous, Out of the Cold and catering services could function with less. New Ideas / Compromise Needed · The current kitchen is viewed as intimidating for a novice cook. A majority of stakeholders, congregation tours and age group meetings have expressed great interest in an additional, more residential style demonstration kitchen with familiar, easy to use equipment. The kitchen would facilitate cooking lessons, demonstrations, and Shabbat cooking and baking for small groups of all ages. · Since much of the equipment in the existing professional kitchen is no longer required, the size of this room will most likely be reduced. This could leave room for the demonstration kitchen. Building Committee Decision Required · Should a demonstration kitchen be added to the program?

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

LIBRARY LIBRARY – 2013

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · The library needs a prominent location with high visibility to encourage browsing and participation in library programs. · The library inventory includes adult books (654 linear feet), large print books, children’s books, periodicals, newspapers and CD’s · Required furniture includes a reading/meeting table, comfortable reading chairs for adults and a storey corner for children with child sized furniture and a carpeted floor space. · Proper lighting for comfortable reading is very important. · Computers play an increasing role in libraries – several age groups consulted including the teens, young families and seniors requested computers and plug in spaces available for members and perhaps nonmembers. Seniors suggested the library could be used for computer classes. · In the future Library material may be available digitally for e-readers. Equipment should be planned to facilitate digital distribution. · A small processing room is required with a photocopier and room for a book truck. · A circulation desk is required with a computer. · The library could also be used as a meeting room when not in operation. New Ideas / Compromise Needed · Extent of security for library material has yet to be determined. Will the borrowing of material continue to work on an honour system, or should a more formal tracking system be implemented? Some groups consulted do not think the permanent ‘borrowing’ of material is necessarily negative. · The Library catalogue should available on a computer in the library, and could be posted on the Holy Blossom website as well. · Library material could also be spread throughout the building in ‘suggested reading’ displays in the atrium, and on alcove shelving in waiting areas throughout the building. Building Committee Decision Required · Should the library include a computer hub for research, recreation and classes? · What security measures are required for the library material?

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

SPECIFIC DESIGN ASPECTS & GOALS ACCESSIBILITY MONDAYS AT THE TEMPLE – 2011

· Unanimous support was expressed from all consulted for a fully accessible building. The building should respect the dignity of people with mobility, hearing, visual and cognitive impairments. · Maximum effort will be made to ensure all spaces in the building are accessible with equal status for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility assisting devices. · Washrooms were mentioned in several stakeholder and age group meetings as an area in need of vast barrier free improvement. Special consideration will be given to provide appropriate facilities for different age and mobility groups in various parts of the building , for example child sizes toilets in the school wing and an increased number of barrier free and comfort toilets throughout. · A barrier-free consultant will be engaged to ensure compliance with standards such as AODA, City of Toronto Accessibility Design Guidelines and the Ontario Building code. · Easier access by elevator is required. The elevator should be sized to accommodate two walkers side by side.

SUSTAINABILITY DEDICATION OF THE BIBLICAL GARDEN, IN MEMORY OF RUTH KATSH FEINBERG – 1975

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · Those consulted in stakeholder and age group meetings as well as on tours unanimously expressed the importance of sustainable design and a need to include sustainable design ‘as much as the budget would allow’. · Many members said that a sustainable building would increase their pride in their new building and would represent a forward thinking congregation, a quality they wish to promote.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

New Ideas / Compromise Needed · Ideas to promote sustainable landscaping were suggested including a vegetable garden for members and students, and a roof-top garden. · Interest was expressed in several congregational tours for a green wall in the atrium. Congregants liked the public gesture of sustainable design, a feature that would improve the psychological quality of the space while also improving the quality of the air. · Other sustainable features suggested were: water bottle refilling stations, shower facilities for those who bike to Temple, dual flush toilets, re-use of grey water and roof top solar panels. Building Committee Decision Required · What are the sustainability priorities for the Renewal Project?

SECURITY LIBRARY – 2013

Description of Space and confirmed requirements · Risk assessment analysis is an important part of the design process for a Jewish institution in the city of Toronto. Diamond Schmitt Architects will work closely with Risk Assessment and Security consultants and in concert with the UJA Federation to create a safety plan to meet the needs of the Congregation. · The design will meet the security needs and safety protocols for this type of an institution while managing the feeling of openness and transparency the Congregation has described.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

SUMMARY OF BUILDING COMMITTEE DECISIONS PRIORITY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CLERGY Q Should the clergy suite, or a part of it, consider moving to the ground or third floor? A The clergy suite will be located on the second floor in an enclosed suite with a distinct entrance off of the atrium. NURSERY SCHOOL Q What number of nursery and daycare classrooms are to be included in the program? A There should be a minimum of 5 classrooms, with additional 1 or 2 classrooms if possible on the first or second level. Q A

Are we to consider the future expansion of the program, and if so, to what extent? The 5-7 classrooms account for future programming

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Q Are we to consider a future expansion of the religious school program, and if so, to what extent? nd A The religious school will use three of the nursery classrooms on the 2 level, three classrooms on the third floor fit out for children from grades 2-4. The rest of the classrooms will share seminar rooms with the adult education program. ADULT EDUCATION Q Should the number of classrooms on the third floor designated for Adult Education be reduced to allow for more religious school classrooms appropriate for small children? A The third level of the school wing will have three classrooms fit out for young children and the balance of the classrooms will be finished for adult education. ATRIUM Q Is a Café to be included in the atrium? A Yes, a café will be located in the atrium. The café should be planned so that when it is closed a small coffee counter is open to the atrium. LOWER LEVEL Q Will the hall be finished as a formal simcha space, a sports facility, or a space flexible for both events in the best capacity possible? A Congregation Hall will be finished as a flexible space. One that could be used for formal events as well as for other large events including light sporting activities. Q A

Should the stage be removed? Yes.

KITCHEN Q Should a demonstration kitchen be added to the program? A Yes.

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TO BE RESOLVED IN SCHEMATIC DESIGN SANCTUARY Q Besides changes to pews to address the choir configuration, should we consider upgrading the pews? A Changes to the pews have not been included in the costing up to this point. FAMILY CHAPEL Q Will the family service remain as planned in the Family Chapel, or will it move to the Philip Smith Foyer? A The Family Service will remain in the new Family Chapel. ATRIUM Q Should the Atrium be open to the public or reserved for members and their guests? A The Atrium will remain reserved for members and their guests, designed as open as welcoming as possible without compromising security. LOWER LEVEL Q Are laundry and shower facilities to be included? A One shower is to be included but no laundry facilities. Q A

Should clerestory windows be considered on the west wall? Yes.

SOCIAL HALL Q Should the Social Hall accommodate both formal receptions and more active, multi-purpose activities? A The Social Hall should be designed to accommodate events such formal receptions and lectures. LIBRARY Q What security measures are required for the library material? A To be determined in Design Development LIBRARY Q Should the library include a computer hub for research, recreation and classes? A To be determined in Design Development

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IT / AV SANCTUARY Q To what extent should AV be considered for the Sanctuary? A To be determined in Design Development ATRIUM Q Should the atrium be specifically programmed, or left as an open space with a variety of furniture and IT/AV installed to accommodate a variety of different public activities? A To be determined in Design Development CLASSROOMS Q To what extent should AV be planned for nursery, religious school and adult education classrooms? A To be determined in Design Development

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal Programming Document

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TRANSITION DURING CONSTRUCTION LOWER LEVEL Q Will the Philip Smith be available for events during construction? A Yes. Q A

Will out of the Cold function at HBT during construction? No.

NURSERY SCHOOL Q How many classrooms will be operational during construction? A Five.