Porter School of Environmental studies, Tel-Aviv, IL

The PSES building was designed as a "green building" with a synergetic perspective integrating the three elements of sustainability - environment, society and economy - into architecture. As an environmental, ecological structure, the building design utilized environmental parameters (such as solar radiation, wind, acoustics and more) in determining the form that the building would take and its position on the site. The building will make use of passive and active technologies for production of energy, energy conservation and recycling of waste and water. The building in its entirety is intended as a research laboratory for green architecture, unique in Israel and the region, which will advance academic research in the area as well as remaining accessible to the public. As such, the design places an emphasis on the visibility and educational aspects of the environmental systems and ideas enshrined within the building. The dynamic form of the building is created by the tension between two formative elements, each with their own unique character - the "eco-wall", planned as an ethereal lattice, alongside the central mass of key building functions designed as an opaque body "floating" above ground level. Between these two structures an atrium is created, providing a space for movement, meetings and public activity. This and other meeting spaces in the building were designed with the understanding that public spaces in an academic building contribute to interaction and the development of ideas in a non-formal setting.

Data:

Dates: Competition : 2009
Expected Completion: 2011
Area: 2500 sq”m (First stage)
Budget: 7,000,000US$ (First stage)

Credits:

• Architecture: Axelrod Grobman Architects in collaboration with N.C Architects and Geotectura
• Principal in charge: Yasha Grobman, Irit Axelrod
• Design team: Yasha Grobman, Irit Axelrod, Mushit Fidelman, Orit Zabari Elmalih, Neta Karp
• Management: The Baran Group LTD
• Structural Engineer: Avivi Axelrod LTD
• Landscape: Braudo-Maoz Ltd (project) , Vista (competition)
• Air condition : Assa Aharoni Consulting Engineers
• Electricity: Semo
• Utilities: Nash Engineers
• Safety: Hazmat
• Elevators: Auberman Niv
• Foundations: Blank Lerer
• Ground Survey: Ludan Engineering
• Acoustics: Vix (project) M.G. Acoustic (competition)
• Costs: Kobi Gamzo
• Accessibility: Israel Accessibility
• Transportation: Peter Leibovitch
• Aluminum: Talisman Engineering
• Proofing: Horvits Buch
• Lighting: Research & EcoDesign
• Kitchens: Omer - kitchen and Restaurant Design LTD