golany architects: hula visitors' centre

hula visitors’ centre by golany architects, israel

hula visitors’ centre was designed by tel-aviv based practice golany architects. the visitors’ centre is proposed for a world-renowned birdwatching site in northern israel, along the jordan river, near the sea of galilee.

the building is modest in its appearance, blending in with the valley and echoing the mountain ranges. the viewing tower is designed as a landmark, easily spotted in the flat plain. the building is positioned right on the water canal system to provide the best opportunities for watching migrating birds.

the design aims to become part of the unique surrounding landscape, its history and its cultural significance. the long elevations lie between the two mountain ranges to the east and west, and are open to the magnificent views. the visitors’ centre was designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, with spaces that can be naturally lit and ventilated, with eastern and western light filtered by the specially designed branch screens, and with the application of systems for solar energy and recycling, as part of its aesthetics.

west and east elevations, echoing the mountain ranges at both sides

interior view, free standing presentation bubbles

the branch screen

eastern and western light filtered by the specially designed branch screens

section, south elevation

view from the entrance

view outside towards the canal

hula waterscape with cranes

presentation bubble

floor plan

view from the access road

project info:

architect: golany architects – yaron golany and galit golany http://www.golanyarchitects.com/ location: hula lake (agamon hula), israel interior area: 4000 sqm design: 2010 photographs images: golany architects

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