Jerusalem Nature Musuem-Competition

The Jerusalem Nature Museum is intended to be integral to the learning experience of the visitor and not only a space for exhibits. The section is inspired by gorges prevalent in Middle-Eastern deserts that deeply carve into the landscape and filter light from above. Descending along the geological wall from the entrance hall, the museums main space serves as a linear circulation spine and Grand Hall, facing the exhibit galleries and gardens and offering visitors a continuous experience of display, climate and light.

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Sited along museum row, on a sloped site between the government district to the north and Hebrew University to the south, it was important for the design to retain an unobstructed visual relationship and create a strong connection with the promenade. The introduction of the grid-shell glass roof allows visitors strolling along the  promenade to engage with the museum and look inside the Grand Hall while enabling views of the surrounding areas.     



Nested as a series of curved terraces the museum includes in addition to its exhibit galleries a conference center, children learning center, gift shops, cafeteria, planetarium, administrative and exhibit labs, offices and parking.     



2012 / Jerusalem, Israel / 25,600 sm

Joint submission with Auerbach Halevy Architects and Engineers