The Library Space
The space of the the Robert and Yadelle
Sklare Family library enables optimal transfer of information. On the one hand,
it provides the opportunity to spend time in an atmosphere that encourages
concentration and study. On the other hand, the library space
enables interaction with other people who are there for the same reason, thus
constituting a social space in every senseBecause social and cultural activity
plays a critical role in the functioning of the library, we made this a central
component in our project proposal.
Building in the
Landscape, Landscape in the Building
The concept of
landscape is central to our planning work. Seeking a way to incorporate the
concept of landscape in the building, we created an environment, and not a
building.
We needed
to meet the requirements of the general plan, but also help create a place that
utilizes its surroundings, integrates them within it and enables them to pass
through it.
The Library as a
Walk in Nature
The visit to the project site on the day of
the meeting included a short tour among the temporary structures and the hill,
with its spectacular view. We believed that the best way to instil this spirit
of “place” in the building is by integrating the idea of a walk in the
proposal.
The
building arises from the ground like a topographic fold, and passing through
its wings is a walk through nature in every sense.
From the
central public element that continues from the outdoor courtyard, through the
fold that begins in the entrance lobby, the interior space is created and
designed as a internal landscape.
The center of the building is designed like a landscape element,
and the movement within it is determined and organized in relation to the
landscape. All these enable the organization, inside and outdoors, of special
events for the entire campus (folk dancing, a student fair in the outer
courtyard, films at the top of the inner ramp and more).
Learning
Situations
We sought a way to create a diverse,
inspiring, dynamic space for situations of many types – from formal seating
facing the pastoral landscape (a setting for maximum concentration) and group
seating in the seminar rooms, studying at a computer and facing the landscape,
to a comfortable environment for studying or sitting informally in groups.
We
wanted to organize the different situations so that they support one another,
together creating a student experience on campus.
The
resulting was the creation of a ground level with an uninterrupted panoramic
view of the magical Sea of Galilee.
This level
is connected to the entrance level by stairs and an elevator, but otherwise it
has no spatial connection to the library space.
The
entrance lobby, at the mezzanine level, is connected to the upper level in the
central area by means of the fold; it is a system of terraces that create a
sort of mini public space.
An inner
climbing street enables varied types of seating in this public space. This is
the heart of the library, the center of social interaction, and it is directly
connected to the book storage areas
We believe
that this space will constitute a quality, inviting place for the students and
that they will take advantage of its different spaces whenever they have free
time.
The area is
created by combining spaces that function as informal sitting areas, the
entrance lobby and the display of periodicals. It does not involve the addition
of space beyond that defined in the general plan. We found a suitable location
for a multimedia space under the fold, where a graduated space can serve for
showing films.
The planning concept regarding book storage
allows broad flexibility. We propose four storage areas, however, because the
space is open, and accessible from the central space it is perceived as a
single homogenous unit. In addition, the compact method of storage enables use
of these areas for social interaction.
Team: Gaby Schwartz, Roy Talmon, Julia
Grinkrug, Abraham Rotal
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