Press Release :

The Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design is conducting an international architecture competition for the design of its new campus in the center of Jerusalem, and invited architects from around the world to participate.

Daniel Mintz of MM+L together with, Rosenfeld Arens Architects, and were invited, along with four other notable architectural studios, including Foreign Office Architects and Marazzi to the second phase of a design competition for the new campus of Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in the Russian Compound Jerusalem, replacing the previous campus on Mount Scoupus.

David Carry of tSUBO was contracted to assist with the competition entry, provide information architecture, branding, graphic design, multi-media and strategic consultancy.

Design Concept Summary:

“The development of a memorable urban space invites the citizens of Jerusalem to a place of cultural events. The proposal binds the relationship between the multiple human dimensions of the city and calls for a shared urban experience.

The design will generate urban intensity emphasizing the origins of the universal memory of Jerusalem and introduces the presence of the evolving Israeli society, represented by the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, through a continuous cultural event.

The architectural complex is governed by four qualities:

1. TRANSPARENCY – The conceptual and physical exactitude enables the proportioned urban space and its geometry to become transparent, thus accentuating human events.
2. TRANSLUCENCY – The crystalline structure permeated by the ambiance of the temporal changes, challenges gravitational presence, thus establishing the experience of lightness.
3. FLEXIBILITY – The frame format and the stereotomic approach offers possibilities for change within the program of the complex, without compromising the overall conception.
4. RESONANCE – The inner space refracts and reflects itself, the urban scape, the sky, and the students, all becoming a kaleidoscopic collage.These qualities transform the external physical reality into a total abstraction enabling each individual to rediscover a sense of being.”

by Daniel Mintz, Architect

Architects:
Daniel Mintz (MM+L) + Rosenfeld Arens Architects : daniel.mintz@artecoop.net

Communication Media:
David Carry (tSUBO) : david.carry@artecoop.net

Client Name:
Bezalel International Architecture Competition
Design Year:
2007
Function:
Academy . Cultural Engineering
Project Status:
Completed
Country:
Israel

The Sufi Order International (SOI) community desired to build an inter-spiritual temple called the ‘Universel’ at the Abode of the Message located in the Berkshire Mountains near New Lebanon, New York. The UniverCell project by GEOTECTURA was inspired by the existing structure and site.

The impact of enhancing the presence of the original quartz walls was achieved through the symbiotic relationship with the surroundings using the local stone - durable building materials that require low-maintenance. The spatial glass structure is open to the sky and to the surroundings allowing open air flow while having a constant shelter from rain and snow. Embracing the outside quartz circle with an inner wood terrace ring celebrates nature as a crucial part of the design.

Simplicity and clarity of the structure and form was due to the turned spatial cube that was added as an addition to the original foundation and stonework. The sacred geometrical proportions are based on the golden ratio. Pre-assembled steel meshes with cast-in-place ferro-cement embedded with quartz stones make the installation process quick and cost-effective.

The spiritual ritual of pilgrimage from the outer circle to the inner ring of meditation is enhanced by the cube and circle relationship. The three curtain glass faces are pointing towards the north, south-west and south-east.

• The south-west façade - Love - is respecting and reflecting the existing.
• The north façade - Harmony - representing the structural balance of the cube.
• The south-east façade - Beauty - gets its name from the sun that shines on this uncut diamond.

The unity of the structure is representing the unity of religious ideals. The optional transparent solar panels will provide eternal inner light emphasizing the energetic connection to the earth and to the sky through the unique spacious structure. Optional colored glass panels might evoke the sacred feeling from within the inner reflecting glasses. To my surprise energy of the old burned temple reappeared in the shadow of the new structure that was similar to the old temple’s contour.

–
Designer Name:
Joseph Cory
Link:
www.geotectura.com

The i-rise manifests an ecological approach that is far removed from the romantic attitude of the common single family house. The i-rise is an experiment of both practical and theoretical level transforming the single family house from its traditional horizontal land wasting state into a vertical state which is much more economical and ecological.

The footprint of the new residential structure is only 5 meters by 7.5 meters. The re-configuration of the house holds great potential in reducing existing social, economical and technological gaps. The construction of the i-rise is significantly cheaper and faster, due to industrial prefabrication of the structure, easy transportation options, and a quick building process. People will be able to inhabit the i-rise in several weeks.

The process of “planting” the building in the foundations is very similar to the process of planting a tree, and does not require extended infrastructure preparations. It is just as easy to uproot the construction in order to recycle it or to move it into a new location.

The Brain Unit functions as a heat isolated hanging roof and contain other systems such as a simple solar system, utilizing 3-D pyramidal panels that expand the active surface area of the unit, thus achieving maximum exposure to the sun. Energy utilization through simple and easily-sustainable technologies on the one hand, and energy saving through built-in recycling systems on the other hand are all basic necessities in the sustainable era and should not be luxuries and expensive elements.

By bringing the ecological awareness to the majority of the people we will be able to make a positive impact on our planet. Frederick Kiesler once said that:

“The answer is not in the comforts of technology… The answer lies beyond the idea of function. As we can see around us, the whole idea of function is in constant evolution, and I think it is the duty of the architect to foresee, to plan, to forefeel his way toward the future in order to be planning properly for today.”

Designer Name:
Joseph Cory + Eyal Malka . Geotectura
Links:
www.geotectura.com

Awards:

• 3rd prize in the International Shinkenchiku Residential Design Competition, Japan, 2005
• 1st prize in the Project of the Year Award (Conceptual projects category), Israel, 2006
• Runner-up in the Metropolis Next Generation Award, USA, 2007

Although Bamboo is usually associated with traditional building style the Bamboo Diamond prototype is a modern interpretation combining the traditional benefits of this ecological material together with the sustainable needs of today.

These are the leading principles of the design:

Structural Integrity:
Skeleton infrastructure of structural bamboo straps & lattice joists
Bamboo poles in a spatial arrangement for strength & stability
Optional reinforced brace panels
Simple girded layout

Material & Technology:
Cost effective materials
Prefabricated construction
CAD into CUT & numbered process effectiveness
Fast structural & cladding installation
Individual aesthetics adjustments on the site
Modulated system panels with different functions & colors
Double layer inner wallboard for fire protection
Insulation & acoustic layer + air gap layer
Dual glazed windows + sliding louvers

Function Flexibility:
One or two story building (120 sq.m. for up to 8 visitors)
Multiuse functionality (Family/Resort/Hybrid)
Can be attached to other Bamboo Diamonds
Different floor plan options & façade arrangements
Livable roof garden on top of the structure
Affordable investment

Ecological Responsibility:
Minimal site impact via minimal footprint on the ground
Adjustable panels according to climate & orientation
Indoor air quality through climate regulators
Passive ventilation & proprietary ventilators
Vertical and horizontal wind shafts
Sun and rain shading canopy
Natural daylight is manifested in the entire space
Organic vegetables garden using rain accumulation

Energy Concerns:
Self sufficient house
Off-the-grid electrical system
PV panels with maximum sun exposure on the roof
Passive solar gain panels for thermal storage
Wind turbine

Designer Name:
Joseph Cory

Link:
www.geotectura.com