Eisenshtat said that his concept of synagogue design was based on his perception that, unlike in some religions, "in Judaism there is no intermediary. Therefore, I see the structure for synagogues not as pyramidal but as horizontal."[6] Influenced by other modernist architects, notably Erich Mendelsohn, Eisenshat was noted for a use of expressive forms in thin shell concrete, white walls, simple materials, and natural light. Two of his most representative and distinguished buildings are set in arid desert environments.[4]
At Temple Mount Sinai in El Paso, Texas (1962) the Ark is a giant open tripod inside a soaring, tent-like concrete sanctuary;[4] one writer has commented that this building "with its soaring arched shell seems to spring out of the rocky Texas soil" and gives the congregants a view of the mountains "through the high glazed arch behind the Ark."[7] This building is also featured in the book American Synagogues by noted architecture critic Samuel D. Gruber, where it is described as "a dramatically sculptural building perfect for its austere setting." [8]
Eisenshtat's design for the Hillel House at the University of Southern California was described as one of his best buildings by USC architecture professor James Steele, who said it was representative of "his personality and his attitude toward Judaism," with a building that is "very open, free, full of light," but surrounded by a "bunker"-like "defensive wall."[2]
His notable secular buildings include the Friars Club and Union Bank buildings in Beverly Hills[3] and the Sven Lokrantz School for disabled children in Reseda.[12][13]
For many years during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Eisenshtat's lead designer was Maxwell Rex Raymer (June 4, 1922 – February 27, 2010).[citation needed]
His papers are collected at USC's architecture library.[14] In 2012, USC's Architectural Guild Press published a monograph about Eisenshtat's work, edited by USC professor James Steele.[15][16][17][18]
^"Who We Are", Knox Presbyterian Church, "Who We Are". Archived from the original on June 16, 2006. Retrieved 2008-10-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)