Following the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire, this monumental project involves GP Architecture’s comprehensive master planning and architectural design for the rebuilding of the entire campus for the Shalom Institute. Spanning 220 acres, our firm is designing all buildings, amenities and infrastructure destroyed in the fire. This multi-phased endeavor is resurrecting a premier Jewish camp, conference, and retreat center, meticulously designed to continue enriching Jewish life, promoting sustainability, and fostering inclusion. The rebuilt campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities, embodying the Institute’s deep Jewish values and “green” leadership for thousands of visitors year-round.

Client Needs

The Shalom Institute required a visionary partner to lead the master plan and architectural design for the complete rebuilding of over 95% of its campus following a catastrophic fire. Key needs included replacing and enhancing the entire campus infrastructure to restore capacity for thousands of year-round users; designing modern, resilient, sustainable, and inclusive facilities for diverse programming (camping, conferences, retreats, education); and creating inspiring environments that honor their rich history while ensuring a vibrant, accessible future for Jewish experiential education and community engagement.

Services

• Campus Master Planning: Comprehensive strategic planning for the 220-acre site.
• Full Architectural Design: Design services for all new buildings, amenities and support infrastructure.
• Sustainable & Resilient Design: Integration of advanced fire-resistant materials, ecological recovery strategies, and “green” building practices across the campus.
• Inclusion & Accessibility Design: Ensuring universal design principles for all facilities to welcome people of all ages and abilities.

Phased Development & Project Management Support: Strategic planning for a multi-year rebuild.

Understanding Client Vision

Our approach at GP Architecture began with a profound immersion into the Shalom Institute’s resilient spirit and core Jewish values of Community, Sustainability, Inclusion/Accessibility, and Resilience. We collaborated extensively with Shalom’s representatives, other consultants and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive master plan and individual building designs that would not only replace what was lost but also enhance the overall campus experience. This deep empathetic understanding formed the bedrock of our design strategy for the entire 220-acre campus.

Creative and Sustainable Design

GP Architecture is designing a campus that embodies both forward-looking sustainability and deep-rooted community values, a testament to resilience. Each new building is conceived with long-term durability and operational efficiency in mind. Our architectural solutions prioritize the integration of sustainable technologies, responsible material selection, and site-sensitive design, ensuring the entire campus contributes to a healthier planet while fostering an inspiring, inclusive, and natural environment for experiential learning and community connection.

Precision in Execution

Executing a campus rebuild of this magnitude demanded meticulous precision at every scale, from master planning to the detailed design of each new building. Our team at GP Architecture is managing the complexities of designing diverse facilities across the 220-acre site, ensuring seamless integration of infrastructure and programmatic elements. We are committed to delivering the structures and all other amenities to the highest standards of safety, durability, and inclusivity, ensuring the revitalized Campus will continue to provide transformative experiences and strengthen Jewish life for generations.