Constructing the cultural center in Or Akiva is the pinnacle of the transformation of the city as a livable urban environment. The project, under the direction of then mayor and now Member of the Knesset and vice minister of internal security is the realization of a dream and a mission to create a model for the absorption of immigrants, good education, good citizens. The project won first prize in a public competition in 1996, and again won a prize from the Beautiful Israel Council in 2003.
The Cultural Center is at the heart of the city, creating an urban dialogue between the northern part {the old city} and the southern part the new city-Orot. It is also on the east-west axis connecting Or Akiva and Caesarea {old and new}.
The aqueduct, that draws its visual and conceptual appearance from the famous Caesarea Aqueduct remains, represents the central motif of the project design. The transformation of the mystical and symbolic past of Israel to modern Israel is a means to convey affinity and identification of oneself with place.
Pathways, walkways, roadways that surround the compound create a relationship among the edifice, the site, and the surrounding social and cultural environment.
The Center includes a 600-seat auditorium and is a performing art center for theater, classical music, dance, light entertainment, children plays and conventions. Despite the relative modest cost, the center functions extremely well from a technical and aesthetic point of view. The hall has a soft and curve shaped wide space that parallels the outer wall “whirl” counties. The entrance hall accompanies the north- south pedestrian axis.
The library, the children’s library and the music conservatory are built as a longitudinal edifice along the western bank of the north-south pedestrian axis. The edifice consists of three blocks connected through the “knowledge street”. The “street” symbolizes a constructed boulevard that joins the different buildings. This architectural concept allows for a flexible planning of each of the building while maintaing the homogeneity and the harmony of the whole edifice.
The cultural center compound creates a center of attraction, identification and pride for the Or akiva citizens and has become a regional landmark for cultural, educational and social events.
The cultural center compound generates a center of attraction, identification and pride to the residents of Or-Akiva and its surroundings. Due to the quality of its design, shape and its functionality, the project has grown to become the Land Mark of the city.
Promoter The Jewish Agency for Israel
Compound area: 7.5 acres
Built area: 8,000 m2
Project cost: $27M
Contractor: Abu Aiiash Brothers Ltd.
Program: 600 seat Auditorium
Reference Library
Children`s Library
Conservatoire
Senior Citizens` Day Care Center
Main Town Square
Archaeological Exhibit
Future City Hall
Office Activity: Master Plan of the Complex
Design of Buildings including: Dealing with the authorities
Coordination of consultants
Preparation of detailed plans
Supervision of execution
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Prizes: 1st prize Open competition - 1996
“A Beautiful Israel” - 2003
1997
2002
