Key Meanings: Use of the characteristics of the site to create an amphitheater with minimal means. Connecting the three buildings of the faculty.
Artist Statement: The current plan proposes to create the amphitheater which the Faculty desires, using the existing topography with minimal means. The clear stainless steel cable Pergola will create shade in the summer for around 200 seats and allow a meaningful use of the space between the three buildings. The garden-like space, especially appropriate for the place, will respect the tradition of the historical Mt. Scopus campus and the Faculty of Law, while creating new contemporary uses for its members.
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Creation of an amphitheater in the space between the buildings of the Law Faculty of the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus Proposal prepared by Ran Morin & Elie Benwalid, January 2016
Key Meanings: Reverse Archaeology, Lost orange groves of this location
Artist Statement: The sculpture ‘Pardes’, Reveals in a sort of reverse archaeology, the Orange grove of the Aharonovitch family which once existed at this location before the construction of the cultural center. It brings back to the site symbolically the red Hamara soil and Orange trees so important to its character in the past. The ‘suspended’ manner of placement of the trees, lightens the ‘weight’ of the earth and presents a complex evaluation of its role today.
for the Archaeological Garden at Ramat Rachel Jerusalem, at the historic water tower of the kibbutz
Location: Ramat Rachel, Jerusalem
Materials: concrete old water tower
Dimensions: 300 sqm
Project History: 1999, 2017 planning and maquette
Key Meanings: Water installations were the main concern of the inhabitants of Ramat Rachel since ancient times. Place for the findings and media explanations about the site
Artist Statement: In 1953, while digging for the foundations of the water tower at Ramat Rachel, Y. Aharoni discovered the archaeological site which he excavated later on. Construction of Its roof viewpoint in 1962 was the first attempt to present the site to tourists. The project proposes to transform the place into a visitors center, a small museum and an archive for the history of Ramat Rachel since ancient times.
for the archaeological site - Ramat Rachel Jerusalem and plan for the China Prayer Garden
Location: Ramat Rachel - Jerusalem
Materials: Flint stone, concrete, glass, local vegetation
Dimensions: 500 sqm
Project History: 2017-2018 planning and committees
Key Meanings: Terrace overlooking Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Three floors: restaurant & terrace (ground level), kitchen, banquet hall, restrooms (-1), Chinese Christian community space (-2)
Artist Statement: ‘The structure will be based on concrete pillars covered with the local flint stone with large glass windows making it transparent towards the landscape. The lower walls will be covered with the earth colored local flint as well making the building grow organically from the side of the mountain and the surrounding existing trees.
Project History: 2020-2021 : planning and maquette
Key Meanings: Roots in the air, floating landscape, Roman tradition of atria
Artist Statement: The atrium will be one of the building’s public spaces, aimed at forming a sense of community for the building’s inhabitants and users. ‘Growing Sculptures’ are living entities which offer a natural development which can invite involvement and attachment to people, and allow the creation of a sense of Place. The sculpture is expected to arouse constant interest in its well being and development, and create a visual and symbolic focal point for the building. Floating Ficus deals with the complex concept of Roots and Rootedness in a time in which real roots in nature and in place have become rarely possible for human beings.
Materials: le tree, stainless steel structure, stucco, stone
Dimensions: 7 m high including the tree
Project History: 2023 planning and maquette
Key Meanings: Seasons Pillar, Nature as a focal pointtvz
Artist Statement: Maple-point creates a focal point and a visual axis - clearly visible from within the house and from all parts of the back garden. It will exhibit the transformation of the seasons; being bare in the winter, starting to blossom in the spring, then filling with green leaves and finally turning to fiery Red in Autumn. The development of the tree over the years, will mark the connection of its patrons to the place. Minimal in spirit and integrated in its surrounding, the sculpture will attempt to introduce Nature as a subject, utilizing mainly its position – a tree lifted in the air, pointed at by its sculptural form and placed in a visually prominent central location – as to remind constantly to observe nature within and around.
