Orthodox School in Remle / Dan and Hila Israelevitz Architects

Courtesy of Dan and Hila Israelevitz

Architects: Dan and Hila Israelevitz Architects
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Design Team: Dan Israelevitz, Hila Dinay Israelevitz, Simon Amsis
Project Year: 2010
Project Area: 3,750 sqm
Photographs: Courtesy of Dan and Hila Israelevitz

Inaugurated recently at the heart of the old city of ramle, the Orthodox school was planned in response to the classroom shortage within the Christian community of the city.

Courtesy of Dan and Hila Israelevitz

The small plot and the need to connect with the historical fabric created a dense continuum of bifurcated yards.

Courtesy of Dan and Hila Israelevitz

Placing the new structures adjacent to the trapezoid sport-court of the existing school created a central place for outdoor activities. This spatial continuum was further enhanced by uplifting the buildings–enabling free movement contributing to possible interaction between the students and teachers, in ventilated and shaded spaces.

Courtesy of Dan and Hila Israelevitz

The natural connection to the neighboring buildings has done much to strengthen the ties with the community, who sees the new building as their cultural icon.

As the density had created mutual shading- lacking natural light- some of the buildings have been slanted toward the yard with especially large windows and skylights.

Courtesy of Dan and Hila Israelevitz

Placement of the rooms on either side of the buildings has prevented the need for long corridors, creating spacious passages that serve for the leisure, exhibitions, and games.