Page 176 - The Architecture of Nadler-Nadler-Bixon-Gil
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1968–72 Zalman Aranne Central
Library, Ben-Gurion
University of the Negev,
Beer Sheva
Conceptual drawing of the change The central library at Ben-Gurion University, designed
in the layout of the reading after Moshe Gil joined the partnership, is the third of this
environments, 1968 type that the firm planned. As in the two previous central
תרשים רעיוני של השינוי בפריׂשת סביבות library buildings, here too the structure was set on top of
1968 ,העיון a central square. Yet whereas the earlier buildings face
the squares across which they are situated – the Ben-
p. 172: View of the southern Gurion University campus library building is positioned
façade from the campus main with its side to the square and its main façade facing
entrance, 1972 north. This allows indirect soft northern light to enter the
מבט על החזית הדרומית מן:172 'עמ building via almost 100 openings of windows or skylights.
1972 ,הכניסה הראשית לקמפוס This unique series of apertures shapes the building’s
main and iconic façade.
The library’s four levels, basement and entrance
floors measure 11,000 m². The top floors are built as
terraces that face a common space, with each floor
overlooking the one below allowing readers in various
departments to exchange gazes. Similar to the campus’
other buildings, bare concrete serves as the library’s
chief material substance, with only the system of light
channels, which form the northern façade, covered with
white glass mosaic. In-between the building’s units are
flashes of orange color that offers liveliness and stature
among the other grey campus buildings.
Inaugurated in 1972 in the presence of Golda
Meir, the library was named after Zalman Aranne, the
Minister of Education who had been an avid supporter of
establishing the university in the Negev.
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