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The International Studies Building, Tel Aviv University, Israel - The winning proposal for the international studies building at the heart of Tel Aviv University campus. The proposed building demonstrates a growing building, the building will be constructed in stages that reflect a social concept which derives from the program and the central location near the main university libraries and the main university pedestrian axes. The building will serve as a gate to the central libraries and a social coordinator building.
Placement and integration into the surrounding area - The building is placed on one of the main axes intersection that crosses the university.
The main facade is located in parallel to the main vertical axis, the entrance to the building and the auditorium shape, defining a new public space which completes the sequence of spaces and activities along the route.
The public space in outer front area assembles all of the functions of building entrances: the main international studies building and the auditorium, the registration and administration division, the holdings department and the new festive entrance to the Wiener Library. The space is set up as a focal point and a gathering place.
University for the people/the social concept of the building - Layering - "Smashing the ivory tower and opening the university to new populations" … The structure is built of independent floors reflecting the diverse layers of population in the university. The floors were shifted to create openings and new voids, meeting areas inside the building and outer spaces which are pleasant for stay or gathering as well as social activities.
Meeting areas - the inner gathering places are located along the atrium on each floor, allowing eye contact across different levels and also to the outer balconies and the entrance area.
Gathering places - Gathering places for big groups are located on each level, as requested by the university. - Openness - The atrium is made of glass, giving an insight into what goes on inside and creating options for informal meetings and visual connection between the interior and exterior.
Exhibition wall – located on each floor near the elevators and the atrium space. It's clearly visible from the inner and outer public spaces inviting people to watch the exhibition also from the outside square.
Program - The new passage to the Wiener Library divides the Ground level into two parts: the north entrance to the lobby and the auditorium, and the south entrance to the offices of the registration and administration division which function independently.
A big gathering area is located on the first floor level above the auditorium roof which allows students to study together or eat a sandwich… An open bridge connects the offices of the registration division. The main classes halls are located on the second floor along with offices and researchers rooms. The third floor is a typical floor of classes halls and offices but allows future expansion (“growing floor”) as requested by the university. It has the ability to change its cover area and its inner planning. Each floor has gathering spaces along the atrium void and the outer balconies. The total area of the building at the end of stage C will be 3500 square meters.
The Growing Building - The construction will be done in three phases evolving with future needs of the university. The building core can grow and support additional floors independently, each floor has a technical area holding various systems, the area is open to the western ventilated facade. The principle of stratification coincides with the ability for future expansion and growth and allow maximum flexibility. The last floor of the first phase will contain a main transformation beam which can carry the future structural loads. The building's growth principle is also reflected in the exterior elevations.
Material and design -The design draws inspiration from social stratification and structural layers, as well as typological elements from the surrounding facades such as strip windows in a near library. The entire structure is made of architectural concrete shell. The balconies along the atrium area allow natural ventilation and blocking of direct light, wind and rain. The wooden mounted wall in the atrium is an elegant and impressive exhibition and can also be seen from the outside.
Founded in 2007 by Yuval Knaani, B.Arch graduate with honors from Israeli Institute of Technology and a registered architect.
Partner architect: Liron Weiss Knaani, B.Arch graduate with honors from Tel Aviv University and a registered architect.
Both had previously worked as hires at leading architects offices in Israel.
The office carries out a variety of projects from different areas, such as: public projects: planning and remodeling medical clinics, academic buildings, offices, business centers, interior design and branding. Private projects: Planning and interior designing private houses and luxury apartments. Yuval is also a lecturer at the Israeli Institute of Technology for studio classes and instructs graduation projects.
