Perfect fit: the IDC Herzliya’s Psychology Building makes the most of a tricky site
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

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.'
Designed for a fairly narrow site, the building maintains a close connection with the outdoors through its long glazed main façade
Inside, the remit demanded classrooms, computer labs and brain study labs
’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 (opens in new tab)
Photography: Amit Geron
-
Ferrari teams up with Montblanc for a high-performance fountain pen
The Montblanc Ferrari Stilema SP3 is as sleek and rarefied as the company’s legendary sports cars. We spoke to Ferrari's Flavio Manzoni about the collaboration
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Apartment interior design: outstanding spaces around the globe
Apartment interiors can be tricky to balance. Create a sense of space and get inspired by our global edit of architect-designed ideas. From minimalist mezzanines and lofts that bridge old and new, to sleek urban penthouses and dramatic transformations
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Zegna’s ‘Triple Stitch’ sneaker captures the house’s 112 years of innovation
Zegna’s signature ‘Triple Stitch’ sneaker returns for S/S 2023, now available in luxurious fabrications – from grained leather to canvas and soft suede
By Jack Moss • Published
-
Two Hands nursery by vPPR is where design flair meets sustainability
Two Hands nursery in London, designed by vPPR, mixes colourful interiors and sustainable architecture elements with wellbeing in mind
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
SANAA’s Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design is designed to connect with the heart of Jerusalem
SANAA and local studio HQ Architects design new home for Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem's city centre
By Ellie Stathaki • Last updated
-
Connected Rural Classroom reimagines learning space architecture
A collaboration between design studio Kurani and nonprofit Ed Farm reimagines learning spaces through virtual teaching with the Connected Rural Classroom
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
DS+R Prior Performing Arts Center is designed as a public commons
Prior Performing Arts Center by Diller Scofidio + Renfro completes at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts
By Stephen Zacks • Last updated
-
Mérida university architecture draws on the local climate
Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos completes the new home for the School of Business and Banking, located to the north of Mérida, Mexico
By Ellie Stathaki • Last updated
-
Mies van der Rohe rediscovered at Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design
The Eskenazi School Of Art, Architecture + Design headquarters in Indiana, designed by Mies van der Rohe in the 1950s but never realised, has been brought to life by Thomas Phifer and Partners
By Pei-Ru Keh • Last updated
-
Reimagined Victorian townhouse supports social life at University of Pennsylvania
Deborah Berke Partners has repurposed a Victorian townhouse into the accessible new Meeting and Guest House for the University of Pennsylvania
By Nasra Abdullahi • Last updated
-
Ibuku’s The Arc at Green School in Bali raises the bamboo roof
Phenomenal bamboo roof defines The Arc at Green School, an impressive education building in Bali designed by local studio Ibuku
By Ellie Stathaki • Last updated