The proposed building aspires to visually echo its designated programs. It combines values of simplicity and modesty, but with complexities which respect its visitors. The architectural syntax is one of assemblages, in which several fragments are brought together to form a 3-dimensional puzzle, much like the Israeli society. This quality is manifested in the different volumes which create the overall mass, as well as in the design of the facades. The project is designed around a spacious patio, like an oasis, to which all of the volumes face. Toward the exterior, the facades are designed precisely according to the directions of the sun and the wind, with careful openings, while toward the patio they are mostly transparent. Sustainability: the design maximizes the use of passive climate design strategies: All of the facades of the working area and the classrooms face south, to allow for maximal exposure to sunlight during the winter, with simple shading in the summer, using the thickness of the walls. The designed thick walls also allow to use their thermal mass for heating and cooling.

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In addition, the parts of the South facade which are set back are used for the position of photovoltaic cells. Cooling the patio: we acknowledge the need for cooling the patio, in addition to other measures for creating a pleasant climate inside the building and reducing the energy consumption. For this reason, we decided to allow for wind from northwest to penetrate into the patio, which will be cooled in the summer rby the shaded reflective pool in the north-west corner of the building. Archives and exhibition: the exhibition space is adjacent to the archives. The wall which wraps the archives has thin vertical cut-outs to allow views from the exhibition space into the archive. In addition, the exhibition space borders the small patio with the shaded reflective pool, to create an area for contemplation and pause. The library is centrally located, with a very inviting lower level which is meant for brief perusals and encounters, while its upper level is for quiet reading and contemplation with natural sunlight