College of Architecture students work on the Temple Freda project. (College of Architecture)
By Sarah Wilson, Texas A&M University College of Architecture
- The only temple in the country to be named after a woman, Temple Freda was built mostly with materials donated by local citizens
- Faculty and students generated a detailed digital model to show the building’s deterioration
- Texas A&M’s Center for Heritage Conservation trains students and professionals in the use and application of imaging processes
Using tools like terrestrial laser scanners and drones, a team of Texas A&M architecture students, working with the College of Architecture’s Center for Heritage Conservation developed detailed images and 3-D models of Temple Freda, the oldest religious building in Bryan, Texas.
The images and models will aid city efforts to restore the 106-year-old Greek Revival-style synagogue.
“Community service projects like this have always been an important part of the mission of the CHC and the College of Architecture, and we are happy to contribute when we can, especially when we can combine service with teaching and research,” said Kevin Glowacki, interim CHC director and associate professor of architecture.
Temple Freda is architecturally and culturally unique. The only temple in the country to be named after a woman, it was built mostly with materials donated by local citizens.
The tan brick façade has as distinct masonry pattern fronted by a portico with two wooden Corinthian columns and a pressed metal ceiling with classical details. Inside, the temple’s original ark, pews, light fixtures, and fans remain. Its bimah furnishings, menorahs, and majestic stained-glass windows have been stored for protection.
As part of the CHC project, faculty and students used a laser scanner to document one wall, generating a detailed and realistic digital model to illuminate the building’s deterioration and measure the effectiveness of potential restoration treatments, said Glowacki.
This portion of the CHC effort was funded by a grant from the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, which supports projects modeling deteriorating historic masonry structures.