# Menorah-Like Jewish Centers Drexel University's Center for Jewish Life Features a Columned Facade By Joey Haar | Published 2017-05-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/center-for-jewish-life References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/871609/center-for-jewish-life-at-drexel-university-stanley-saitowitz-natoma-architects) Drexel University recently commissioned a new building for its [Center for Jewish Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gilder-center), and the design takes inspiration from an important icon of Judaism. The Center for Jewish Life's facade looks like an abstracted version of a menorah, the candelabra used as a part of many different Jewish rituals. Since menorahs are used to [hold candles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qub-candlestick) and thus stand as a symbol for life, the iconography is well-chosen for the Center for Jewish Life. Further, the building design literally exudes light, as the windows between its brick columns shine stronger by contrast. Though many non-Jews associate the menorah with Hanukkah, that's technically a misnomer. On Hanukkah, Jews light candles on a special, eight-armed menorah called a hanukkiah, whereas menorahs are used to light candles each day of the week throughout the remainder of the year. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Menorah-inspired Architecture:** This trend explores the use of menorah symbolism in architectural design, creating unique and meaningful spaces. - **Symbolic Iconography in Design:** Designers are incorporating symbolic iconography into buildings to create deeper connections and meanings for spaces. - **Cultural Representation in Architecture:** Architects are embracing cultural representations in their designs to celebrate diversity and create inclusive spaces. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects have the opportunity to apply cultural symbolism and create meaningful spaces that resonate with the community. - **Religious Institutions:** Religious institutions can explore using symbolic iconography in their buildings to enhance the spiritual experience for their members. - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can draw inspiration from cultural symbols and use them as a source of creativity and expression in their work. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Architectural Candle Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/core-candle-holder.md) - [Ritual Sculptural Candle Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alma-mater.md) - [Middle Eastern Jewelry-Inspired Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/median-collection.md) - [Festive Brick Centerpieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-christmas-table.md) - [Arched Concrete Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centro-de-colaboracin-arquitectnica.md) - [Interfaith Family House Complexes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abrahamic-family-house.md) - [Artisanal Hanukkah Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanukkah-chocolate.md) - [Tear Canister Candle Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/majdulin-nasrallah.md) - [New York Structural Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quarters.md)