A new 4000 sq.m. building for the Porter School of Environmental Studies on the Tel Aviv University campus.
The PSES building will be built according to principles of green design with technologies and materials that will reduce the building`s impact on the environment. It will be TAU`s first "green building", and one of the first of its kind in Israel.
The design gives a synergic approach to the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability. The environmental aspect presents an energy sufficient structure that is derived from the site conditions (wind, sun, acoustic) and allows research that simultaneously presents the available technologies to the public. The surrounding buildings can plug in to the available recycling and energy systems within the building. The social aspect is achieved via human interaction throughout the entire building allowing formal and informal meeting places between researchers and visitors. The economical aspect saves building area and maintenance cost.
The project is a living lab of ecological and social values for the community and the environment. It tells the story of the complex sustainability term and simplifies it to the public by strolling along the eco-wall, the ground floor and the roof that present current research of energy, water, soil, vegetation, materials and so on that they can see, touch and learn. The building expresses sheer optimism and aesthetic wrapped with technology, nature and humanity. The building will be a key element in the future public road that will connect the nearby museums, the unique landscape and the zoological garden.
The building can absorb changing technology and keep being relevant and attractive for leading researches around the world. The eco-wall is an iconic ever-changing window display for the other universities and visitors and act as a constant social-educational contributor. The building can naturally grow up one floor without interfering with the look and the activities of the building and its occupiers.
We have a dream
Not just as individuals but as a group
A dream about a better future for the next generation
A dream about increasing the awareness and the responsibility notion
We have a dream today
That future generation will be able to dream for the reason that we dared to dream
Because of our positive action and deep research
Because we decreased the mistakes and defeated the indifference
We have a dream today
Team:
Geotectura
NCArchitects
Axelrod-Grobman Architects
Consultant:
Vista - Landscape Architects
A. Axelrod (Structural consultant)
MG Acoustics
Eco-Systems
Award:
1st prize in the Architectural Competition for the Tel Aviv University's Porter School of Environmental Studies, Israel, 2008
Winner in the 5th cycle of World Architecture Awards, 2009