Reconnecting Campus and City Faculty of Engineering Tel Aviv University
Introduction
The Faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University undergoes a transformative shift with the introduction of a new building designed by Studio PEZ in collaboration with Zarhy Architects. Breaking away from the enclosed campus paradigm, this innovative structure re-establishes the connection between academia and the bustling urban life of Tel Aviv.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Situated prominently on the hillside, the building serves as a nexus between the university and the city, housing both the R&D Center for a leading semiconductor company and the Engineering Faculty of Tel Aviv University. This unique convergence fosters collaboration and innovation at the intersection of academia and industry.
Urban Integration
Unlike traditional campus buildings, the new structure embraces the surrounding urban fabric, with an open ground floor that invites direct entry from the city streets. By capitalizing on the site’s elevation difference, the building creates a dynamic urban facade, transforming the landscape of Tel Aviv’s main highway.
Architectural Flexibility
A defining feature of the design is its architectural flexibility, achieved through an innovative exoskeleton that liberates interior spaces from structural constraints. This framework, coupled with a contemporary sun-shading system, not only enhances functionality but also lends the building a striking architectural identity.
Social Spaces and Collaboration
Within this flexible framework, a series of social spaces are strategically positioned to foster informal meetings and collaborations among students, researchers, and industry professionals. This emphasis on interaction and innovation reflects a departure from the traditional notion of academia as an isolated Ivory Tower.
Architectural Innovation
The building’s design represents a departure from conventional research facilities, blending simplicity and efficiency with iconic architectural elements. Drawing inspiration from the brutalist brise-soleil tradition, the structure reinterprets campus aesthetics in a contemporary context, establishing a new architectural language for Tel Aviv University.
Studio PEZ: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded by Pedro Peña Jurado and Daniel Zarhy, Studio PEZ brings an international perspective to architectural design. Building on their experience at Herzog & De Meuron, the studio is renowned for its innovative approach and has garnered numerous accolades for its projects worldwide.
In summary, the Faculty of Engineering at Tel Aviv University emerges as more than just a building; it is a symbol of connectivity, collaboration, and architectural innovation, poised to shape the future of education and research in Tel Aviv and beyond.
