Project Overview
The Technological Center in Ashdod, designed by Daniel Azerrad Architects, stands as a revitalization initiative within a modest district north of the port city. Housed within a 1960s brutalist structure originally designed by Architect Itzhak Perelshtein, the project aims to repurpose abandoned educational buildings into a new initiative by the Ministry of Education.
Reviving Historical Layers
Approaching the existing structure posed a dilemma, but the architects aimed to create a new historical layer while respecting the original building’s integrity. The Technological Center embraces a new educational program focused on laboratories, workshops, classrooms, and a multi-purpose room, promoting research in various fields such as biotechnology, robotics, and sustainable energy.
Redesign Strategy
The redesign strategy involved reconfiguring the original layout to optimize space and functionality. Moving the hallway to the south façade, laboratories now face the central space, benefiting from heat protection and natural light. Classrooms and laboratories facing the north enjoy soft light, while a multi-purpose room sits at the heart of the atrium, symbolized by a striking red box contrasting with the grey concrete.
Exterior Design
The exterior design features a new skin composed of two layers: an HPL skin with varying colors and an exposed concrete brise soleil. Each floor is distinguished by a specific color, enhancing visual identity and wayfinding. The integration of vertical circulation elements and bomb shelters was carefully planned to blend with the existing structure.
Landscape Integration
Existing trees on the site informed the landscape design, which includes benches, flooring, and vegetation strategically placed to create inviting outdoor spaces under the generous shade of trees. The landscape design complements the architectural vision, providing areas for relaxation and social interaction.
In summary, The Technological Center – Ashdod breathes new life into an existing educational building, transforming it into a vibrant hub for innovation and learning while preserving its historical integrity and enhancing its connection with the surrounding environment.
