Architects: Richard Meier & Partners Architects LLP Location: Tel Aviv, Israel Project year: 2007 – 2013 Photographs: Courtesy of Richard Meier & Partners Architects LLP & dbox
A pure and simple iconic mixed use residential, retail and office facility for the city of Tel Aviv, this 37-story tower for Berggruen Construction and Development will be located on Rothschild Boulevard and Allenby Street, one of Tel Aviv’s most distinguished addresses. The fundamental considerations that shape the tower scheme are the quality of light in the plan, views to the sea, and relationships with the existing fabric of Rothschild Boulevard. In the local neighborhood the intention is to integrate a new landmark building as an “anchor” in the heart of Tel Aviv, complementing its nearby modern predecessors in the Bauhaus style design of the historic “White City”.
The massing of the tower is simple and graceful, focusing on materials that are light, elegant, and transparent. The tower base, open and transparent, will feature an inviting lobby and retail space. The open plaza in front of the tower will enjoy minimal separation from the street and sidewalk, with new trees at the edge of Rothschild Boulevard separating the public area from traffic. New light and airy glass canopy structures along the ground level street facades and large openings in the second-floor facades featuring a pool deck on Allenby Street and spa on Yavne Street will add new vitality to this famed area of Tel Aviv. The residential building also features a basement wine cellar and lounge.
The Retail Building is designed essentially to update/upgrade the original Arcade design of the existing building. The passage will have prominent entrances that serve both Allenby and Yavne streets; the Yavne street entrance will also accommodate an entrance to the 5000 square feet office building above. This dynamic combination will contribute to the continuing growth of Tel Aviv as a vibrant urban place in the spirit of European capitals.
