hula visitors’ centre by golany architects, israel
hula visitors’ centre was designed by tel-aviv based practice golany architects. the visitors’ centre is proposed for a world-renowned birdwatching site in northern israel, along the jordan river, near the sea of galilee.
the building is modest in its appearance, blending in with the valley and echoing the mountain ranges. the viewing tower is designed as a landmark, easily spotted in the flat plain. the building is positioned right on the water canal system to provide the best opportunities for watching migrating birds.
the design aims to become part of the unique surrounding landscape, its history and its cultural significance. the long elevations lie between the two mountain ranges to the east and west, and are open to the magnificent views. the visitors’ centre was designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, with spaces that can be naturally lit and ventilated, with eastern and western light filtered by the specially designed branch screens, and with the application of systems for solar energy and recycling, as part of its aesthetics.
west and east elevations, echoing the mountain ranges at both sides
interior view, free standing presentation bubbles
the branch screen
eastern and western light filtered by the specially designed branch screens
section, south elevation
view from the entrance
view outside towards the canal
hula waterscape with cranes
presentation bubble
floor plan
view from the access road
project info:
architect: golany architects – yaron golany and galit golany http://www.golanyarchitects.com/ location: hula lake (agamon hula), israel interior area: 4000 sqm design: 2010 photographs images: golany architects
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