אדריכלות ישראלית

Cultural Center Airport City

Architecture of Israel #

106

August

2016

page

english

Disconnected from any urban context, the design

of the Hevel Modi’in Cultural Center constituted an

unusual architectural challenge: its adaptation to

a commercial, industrial compound instead of an

accepted cultural, historical context.

The absence of any commitment to cultural

heritage that was missing from the place, and

almost total statutory freedom, was perceived

by the architects as an opportunity to design a

neutral, personal interpretation of this intrinsically

urban subject.

This found expression in an almost indifferent,

box-like structure, its purpose almost hidden

externally, its architectural statement taking place

mainly inside.

However, the appearance of a cultural building

within a real-estate-commercial-industrial context

has in fact created an architectural precedent that

might in the future become an established option

for other cultural functions.

Planned to serve the various Hevel Modi’in

communities, the center includes a 720 seat

theater located in a “bubble of light”, an extended

400 sqm stage for interactive performances, and

a number of secondary halls for conferences and

lectures.

Assimilated in the structure are principles of green

building such as environmentally friendly materials

and smart functioning systems.

David Knafo-Tagit Klimor Architects

Photos:

Elad Gonen

cultural center

between modi’in

regional council

and

airport city

Located east of Ben Gurion Airport, Airport City is a privately owned commercial

and industrial park. Due to an unacknowledged relationship with the Modi’in

Regional Council, the compound enjoys reduced property tax rates, which makes

the construction of large buildings profitable, particularly those intended to serve the

general public.

Shira Shenton