The
Campus of the Negev Academic College of Engineering is located in a park at the
center of an established neighborhood in Beer Sheba. The structure of the Andre Minkoff Auditorium serves as the entrance to the campus and
dictates its image. The round floating building symbolizes the contents of the
institution - a dynamic, harmonious place of gathering and feeling of
togetherness.
The
Auditorium contains 330 seats and can be divided into three classrooms by
sliding partitions. Its distinct geometry does not detract from functional
considerations. Thus, the auditorium is closed on one side, while the cafeteria
on the other side opens to the park. The inner space is lit by filtered light
which penetrates through the north-facing skylights blocking the brightness of
the desert sun.
The
power of the structure is also felt in the interior, where steel columns and
beams emphasize their load bearing function. Delicate rods suspend the main
stairway from the steel columns and visually emphasize the lightness and
transparency of the construction. A visual expression is given to functional
systems such as lighting, air conditioning and water drainage. The exposed air
conditioning ducts grow like tree trunks from the cafeteria floor, branching
out along the ceiling. At night the building is lit by blue light that gives it
its UFO quality.
Architects: Haim
Dotan Architects,
Gershon Shevach
Architects.
Project Architect: Hagit Levi-Zur
Interior: Ben Biran
Landscape: Lital
Fabian, Orna Freifeld
Construction: Zvi
Hemeli
Photos: Ran Erda
