The Need
At the same time as the design and construction of the Ir Yamim Community Center, a similar need for a recreational and informal education center was felt as well in the new neighborhood of Qiryat Ha’Sharon, which was being constructed in east Netanya.
The Vision
Establishing a high-quality activities center, which will attract residents of all ages, and contribute to strengthening a sense of community throughout the young neighborhood. The municipality requested that a similar center to the one being built in Ir Yamim will be constructed in Qiryat Ha’Sharon as well to prevent a sense of competition between the two new neighborhoods.
The Design
Similar to the design of the Ir Yamim Community Center, this project as well is characterized by the concentration of public space alongside two perpendicular axes – the “blue axis” running from east to west, and the “green axis”, which ends in the open and green square that communicates with the neighborhood’s abundant green patches. The intersection between these axes, which is the heart of the complex, creates four spaces around it. These spaces are exposed to the visitor upon entering- three of which are built sections that together form the building, while the fourth one forms a negative image as an open space.
The three sections house different activities – one area is dedicated to extra-curricular activities, dance instruction, and a live performance hall, while the open space is a square located at the front of the plot.
The design of the structure corresponds with its designated activities and the spaces which compose it, and the interior of the space is exposed to visitors while observing its exterior.
After the completion of this structure, our office was commissioned to design an additional project, an education complex located east of the community center, thus creating continuity and complementing it.