IDC Herzliya Psychology Building opens

Exterior view of the building for the faculties of psychology and economics. The building has panoramic windows, that cover all levels. We see the staircase through the windows that lead to the upper floors. In front of the building, flags are on poles. The photo is taken at night.

Gottesman Szmelcman Architecture has completed a new building for the faculties of psychology and economics at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya in Israel

(Image credit: Amit Geron)

By Daniel Scheffler

last updated 27 August 2022

in News

The new building for the faculties of psychology and economics at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya is nestled on a long and narrow site, flanked by eucalyptus trees along its southern and eastern edge.

Designed by Israel- and France-based firm Gottesman Szmelcman Architecture, the project followed an ambitious remit; the fairly tricky site had to accommodate classrooms, computer labs and brain study labs. The result? An elongated building responding to both its brief and the limitations of its site.

'For this project there were various key considerations for us: a commitment to green architecture; a desire to create clear and dynamic relationships between architecture and its surrounding; and a commitment to effectively and harmoniously incorporate carefully defined functions within each building,' explains Ami Szmelcman, one of the partners at the firm.

'We introduced a transparent northern façade that would be able to exploit the benefits of the northern light while establishing a visual relationship with the campus,' he continues. 'Thus, whether students enter or leave their classes, whether they choose to form discussion groups or study on their own within the common parts of the faculty or beyond, they are simultaneously a part of the building and its surroundings.'

The ground floor of the building was slightly raised in order to enhance what Gottesman calls 'lightness'. This gesture emphasises its delicate relationship to the ground and the surrounding mature trees.

'In complete contrast to the building’s northern aspect, the southern façade is typified by its solidity and the incorporation of long narrow windows that introduce sunlight into the building with minimal thermal consequences,' says Szmelcman. 'The pattern of long horizontal openings is extended both to the roof and to the sidewalk; creating a sensation as if the transparent northern façade has been wrapped in a protective skin.'

The picture to the left shows the facade of the building with panoramic windows and flags on the poles in front. The photo to the left, shows a lecture hall, with light wood desks and red chairs on multiple levels. — Designed for a fairly narrow site, the building maintains a close connection with the outdoors through its long glazed main façade

Outside passageway, with wooden boards that serve as flooring. To the left, is the entrance to the building. — Inside, the remit demanded classrooms, computer labs and brain study labs

Exterior view of the southern façade. All white façade with smaller windows. — ’In complete contrast to the building’s northern aspect, the southern façade is typified by its solidity,’ explain the architects

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Gottesman Szmelcman Architecture website

Photography: Amit Geron

Daniel Scheffler is a storyteller for The New York Times and others. He has a travel podcast with iHeart Media called Everywhere and a Substack newsletter, Withoutmaps, where he shares all his wild ways. He lives in New York with his husband and their pup.