Promoting Spiritual Architecture with a Combination of Mystical Judaism and Architecture – Susana Merenfeld Weisleder

Spiritual architecture is a type of architecture intended to evoke spiritual and emotional emotions in its users. The architectural style is prominent and common in places of worship or religious community centers, like temples, churches, and mosques. However, it is also visible in hospitals and schools. Spiritual architecture is frequently characterized by natural elements like light and air and materials like stone, wood, and glass. Spiritual architects create an environment conducive to spiritual contemplation and faith-based reflection. Spiritual architecture frequently aims to develop a sense of serenity and tranquility, enabling occupants to communicate with their interior selves and discover a sense of calm and relaxation. This is frequently achieved through curved walls, lofty ceilings, and open areas that create a sense of space. Water features, flora, and natural light create an environment conducive to spiritual reflection and meditation. The design of spiritual architecture also considers the building’s layout and surroundings.
Spiritual architecture is designed to harmonize with its surroundings so that the environment promotes reflection rather than a distraction. The building designs typically emphasize the spiritual aspect of the structure, for example, by employing symbolic patterns or incorporating spiritual art and symbols. Spiritual architecture aims to create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual contemplation and meditation. It uses natural elements, materials, and design elements to create a tranquil atmosphere. Architects integrate various aspects of spirituality into their designs to represent spiritual architecture. Susana Merenfeld Weisleder is a spiritual architect who incorporates elements of Jewish mysticism into her designs and projects. Jewish mysticism comprises teachings, principles, and beliefs focusing on the relationship between God and his creations. The spiritual concepts in Judaic mysticism explain the nature and workings of the universe and people’s role. Susana Merenfeld Weisleder highlights and integrates such aspects of spirituality into her residential, commercial, and institutional project
Susana Merenfeld Weisleder is a spiritual architect with over forty years of experience in architecture, interior design, and urban planning. She was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 10, 1956, and possesses the nationalities of Venezuela, Costa Rica, and the United States. Merenfeld Weisleder was interested in spirituality from early childhood and delved into various aspects of Jewish mysticism to understand life’s purpose and meaning. Merenfeld Weisleder has an extensive educational history, having attended some of the world’s most renowned universities. From 1973 to 1974, she took introductory mathematics and physics courses at the Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Town Planning, Suma Cum Laude, from the institute between 1974 and 1979. Merenfeld Weisleder attended Stanford University in California, United States, from 1980 to 1982, earning a Master of Science in Infrastructure Planning and Management.
Susana Weisleder has over four decades of professional experience, beginning in 1982. She is the Principal and Director of the private practice firm Merenfeld Weisleder LLC. The firm specializes in architecture, interior design, and urban design while incorporating Jewish mystic elements. The company has participated in numerous initiatives and competitions in various nations, including Venezuela, Panama, Poland, and the United States. Before establishing her private practice in the USA, Susana Merenfeld Weisleder served from 1982 to 2008 as the Director of Susana Merenfeld Weisleder , Architect, in Caracas, Venezuela. The company worked in multiple fields, including interior design, architecture, and urban design. The firm completed several projects in Venezuela, Costa Rica. From 1982 to 2007, Weisleder was the Director of Constructora Irazu, CA, a Caracas, Venezuela-based construction corporation. She supervised the design and execution of several medium and large-scale initiatives.
Susana Merenfeld Weisleder’s extensive architectural experience gave her an advantage when designing aesthetically appealing and structurally sound structures. Her approach to combining Jewish mysticism and architecture created a unique aesthetic while increasing people’s interest in spirituality. Merenfeld Weisleder has been recognized and awarded for her architecture, interior design, and urban planning expertise.