The Competition for the Architectural Design of a Master Plan for the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute and the Erection of The Polonsky Academy Building.
The main design principle was to develop in an environmentally responsible manner a place that is rich with light and encourages wisdom.
The new development should be sensitive to the existing buildings, landscape, air and water quality, and to energy and resource consumption. Passive design (cooling, heating, natural lighting, ventilation) together with high efficiency HVAC and lighting, renewable energy systems, gray water systems and green roofs are all part of the master plan leading not only to huge savings in energy but also promoting comfort research and working zones.
It was crucial not to challenge the Van Leer Institute impressive character that is based on restrained elegance. The green-roof approach tried as much as possible not to compete with the inherited modern elegance of the existing buildings designed by the architects David Reznick and Shimon Pobzner in the early 1960's.
One design concept weaves and lightens the whole buildings together - old and new.
'Mehr Licht!' ('More Light!') were the last words of Goethe, in his deathbed.
In this famous poet's last wish for life people can find even to our days a deeper meaning.
More light to search for a deeper meaning, to see clearly. More light to brighten our world, to overcome indifference, to feel safe and to make us aware of our surroundings - people and nature.
The Van Leer Institute has served as a center for intellectual and cultural life, promoting human knowledge in the fields of philosophy, society and cultural. The Polonsky Academy Building as well as the rest of the master plan design will keep this spirit and keep on being a welcoming place that illuminates knowledge.
In our sustainable era the right term should be 'More Green!' meaning also performing the optimization of day lighting to save energy. Natural light access together with interior and exterior light sensors will be used in the entire complex.
Team:
Geotectura
Consultant:
Rokach-Ashkenazi
YENON - Research and Design
ASA-AHARONY Consulting Engineering