Located in central Israel, the Shitufim – Zionism2000 campus is the second phase in the realization of a campus dedicated to non-profit organizations concerned with Israel’s civil society.
Project Name: Shitufim – Zionism2000 Campus
Studio Name: Gottesman-Szmelcman Architecture
Location: Israel
Designed and completed by Gottesman-Szelcman Architecture in 2009, the 2,000-square-meter public building serves as a conference center and the home of several additional NPO’s that focus on aspects of Israel’s society. With the completion of Shitufim, the western section of the campus is complete and fully operational.
The design of the building is oriented towards public gardens to the east and frame a courtyard on three-sides. A simple rectilinear module defines the rhythm of the spaces with the materiality of the external façade being determined by the quality of the external views. Thus, each rectangle is either glazed or clad with Ipe wood planks creating a haphazard patter that conforms to a clearly defined matrix.
Gottesman–Szmelcman Architecture
Founded in 2003, Gottesman–Szmelcman Architecture (now operating under the name GSARCH) is an international practice that focuses upon projects requiring innovative, multi-disciplinary solutions. It has developed particular skills in the domains of academia, hospitality, urban planning, mixed use residential developments, and in one-off iconic developments that tend to crystallize key issues and generate extra-ordinary values. The practice specializes in concept development, partnering with highly qualified local practices and consultants to deliver a multi-tier products that go beyond the conventional architectural package. Gottesman-Szmelcman Architecture’s approach is based upon a profound understanding of architecture & urban planning yet extends its innovative skills to incorporate environmental considerations, commercial analysis, program development, business plans, financing and marketing strategies. These additional skills enabled the practice to deliver a richer product, one that maximizes the inherent attributes of a site and infuses it with the kind of additional values that can only be created through a multi-tiered approach.
