Page 166 - The Architecture of Nadler-Nadler-Bixon-Gil

1964–84 Sourasky and Wiener
Libraries, Tel Aviv
University

Elias Sourasky Central Library, 1964-68;
Wiener Library for the Study of the Nazi Era
and the Holocaust (Gross wing), 1982-84

Front façade, facing south, 1968 The Elias Sourasky Central Library was planned
1968 ,‫חזית ראשית לדרום‬ after Shmuel Bixon had joined the firm. Particular
consideration was given in the plan to the location of
Tel Aviv University’s central library at the heart of the
campus, and to its status as a beacon of knowledge. The
architects decided to position the library building beside
the campus’ central axis which paves a way to the top
of a hill. The campus landscape architects emphasized
the stature of the paved square in front of the library by
including a large garden pond with waterfalls. Among the
open landscape of its surroundings, the library’s massive
appearance enhances its posture and significance. The
building’s sculptural aspect is achieved through the slight
oblique angles of its outer walls and its large internal
courtyard, whose presence is felt on the main façade.

As in the Jewish National and Hebrew University
Library, here too, the entry floor is transparent giving the
building a sense of lightness and elegance. The plan
is based on a consistent module of 1.30 m, which was
deemed suitable for the organization of the bookshelves,
corridors and reading tables. The uniform module, which
can be enlarged to 1.50 m, continues to this day to allow
simple adjustments when rearranging the building’s
internal usages.

The large hall on the ground level is divided
into two half-floors and functions as a mediating space
between in-and-outside. This area contains works of art –

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