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Elementay School - Sderot Yad LaBanim 18, Tel Aviv

Photography: Amit Geron

 

The new wing of Giborei Israel School is in located the south-east part of the school complex. Its construction changed the existing array of buildings so that the school was now reorganized around a large central courtyard. The program of the new structure included 12 mother classes, 2 special education classes, special annex rooms (science and technology) and administration scapes. In addition, as part of the program a multipurpose hall in an area of around 300 m2 was planned on the top floor for the benefit of the community and neighborhood around the school. The space is located on the third floor overlooking the open Tel Aviv skyline from the north and west. The mix use in the school allows for activity throughout the day and afternoon.

Along the southern border is a row of old preservation Ficus trees towards which the classrooms are directed. From each classroom the view is framed by a large window and colorful sunshades panels. The distance permitted between the row of trees and the school allowed to design a smaller intimate garden space where cast rubber hills in the shape of sand dunes were cast for the children to play on. The whole area is shaded by these beautiful old trees. The eastern façade of the building is situated on the border line of the school compound and serves as a built edge for the adjacent bicycle path and pedestrian route. The ground floor is built in retreat on the west side and connects the main entrance on the north Yad Labanim boulevard to the rear entrance on the east and the neighborhood of the Ayalon valley.

The finishing materials are of solid monochromatic shades of white and grey. The playfulness and color are revealed in the various shading elements that are fixed on the structure.