ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Fields Of Knowledge – Sustainable Education Campus in Ramat-Efal, Israel by ShaGa Studio + Auerbach Halevy ArchitectsFebruary 8th, 2013 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: ShaGa Studio + Auerbach Halevy Architects ‘Fields of knowledge’ is a design collaboration of the dutch-based firm SHaGa Studio and Auerbach Halevy Architects for a new sustainable education campus in Ramat Efal, Israel. The design has been shortlisted from over 50 entries and been awarded the second prize in the recent Ramat Efal Education Campus Competition. Evoking the memories of old agriculture fields in Ramat Efal; The proposal for a new education campus integrates a series of linear ‘knowledge fields’ into a rich and varied learning experience, weaving together exteriors and interiors, the public and the community.
The proposal criticizes an existing plan that splits the campus into three divided plots and suggests instead an integration of both school & public programmes within an overall ‘field condition’. Functioning as a focal point for the new neighbourhood, the slightly elevated ‘Campus Village’ is transforming a public pathway from a shortcut to a destination, creating a vertical division between the restricted learning environments on higher levels and the public functions (media centre, theatre, sport facilities etc) accessible to all along a lower ‘park’ pathway. By situating the learning spaces above the public zones , new intimate learning conditions are being developed, where distinct expertise and knowledge areas (Science and Technology, Humanistic Studies, Arts and Crafts, Sports)are nurtured and explored. While knowledge clusters are defined through program and organisation, an interconnected fabric of gardens, patios, loggias, terraces and informal learning spaces propagates cross fertilisation and interdisciplinary learning experiences across fields of expertise. Knowledge Clusters –The Knowledge Clusters introduce local identities within the overall ‘Mat Organisation’. Each cluster creates intimate spaces that encourage small group collaborations and individual work. The Cluster is organised according to sustainable principles (solar strategies, water management, natural ventilation) and around a unique patio space. Independent in their nature, the knowledge clusters are combined into an overall open ended assembly that suggests future growth and flexibility while retaining a strong sense of place, specificity and character. Tags: Israel, Ramat-Efal Categories: Campus, Educational Center |