Background:

Israel, though small in area, has a number of climate types and a rich architectural history. The diverse ethnic origins of the Israeli people is reflected in the architectural heritage. These generate a unique sense of place.

In Tel-Aviv the UNESCO World Heritage site of 'The White City' is comprised of buildings of the International Style (originating in Germany) that have been adapted to the local climate.

Paradigm:

The need to find environment conscious solutions is most evident in modern cities such as Tel-Aviv. The existing urban fabric has a life of its own, long term solutions must be integrated as seamlessly as possible to ensure acceptance and longevity in the ever-changing urban pace.

We believe the answer to global problems is rooted in small scale considerations. Local solutions based on local conditions and heritage that take into account global effects. Interior design, by definition, takes the immediate surroundings and environment into account.

Objective of the Paper:

Presenting the outcome of a studio lab. The students are exposed to the characteristics of the region and required to consider sustainability as fundamental in the design process. By taking into account ecological demands we aim to use interior design as a way to bridge the gap between heritage and popular architecture thus creating an architecture that becomes heritage in it self.

The goal is to gather potential. A study of conceptual models that can be later implement to innovative solutions.

Methods:

In this study lab we explored local building heritages, namely the city plan devised for Tel-Aviv by Sir Patrick Geddes, and create present day solutions on this basis.

Results:

Creative and feasible ways to make the existing urban life environmentally conscious.
A library of applicable universal conceptual models.