shaga studio engraves ramat ishay memorial grounds + library in israel

shaga studio engraves ramat ishay memorial grounds + library in israel
images © shaga studio

the proposal for ramat-ishay’s community center and memorial grounds by london/amsterdam-based firm, shaga studio is set in the jezreel valley in israel. serving as a place to remember the village’s causalities of war, the design explores the idea of memory as an active and physical agent. a round mass is engraved as a gentle relief in the landscape, creating a memorial that is not a static landmark but a community activator.

showing the building’s approach from the south with its connection to the land

the local agrarian character of the jezreel-valley and the links among agriculture, community and social values – such as kaufman’s circular and equality-driven setup for the nahalal village – are echoed in the textured green roof. the enclosure also acts as a way of remembering through its seasonal growth and public spaces and activities.

view from the north with seasonal growth and communal activities

the project proposes a layered organization in which memory and everyday life, public and individual rituals, nature and culture are pleated together, seamlessly complementing each other.

nahalal village (1925) with the agriculture and community weaved together

roof plan showing the mass engraved as a gentle relief in the landscape

longitudinal section

southern elevation

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.