shelter_expanse
architecture, landscape, planning _ based on mappings of relationships between people and lands.
references : the mountain maquis, the courtyard
the mountain courtyard
the mountain maquis re-emerges
on the western slopes of the mountain, the city historically carved into the land. a series of open courts restore the original mountain geological formation, and its maquis ecosystem.
parametric modelling was applied to optimise the slopes for walking and gathering, braiding the courts with the historical city fabric.
topography optimisation
An open campus for the performing arts in Jerusalem re-weaves the city centre with the historical Nachlaot neighborhood.
the series of open courts continue the historic local typology, while also introducing the mountain morphology and maquis ecosystem of the region.
In order to restore the original continuous topography of the mountain (in a site cut today with retaining walls for a car park), it was necessary to devise slopes which are accessible for pedestrian circulation. To do this, we wrote a parametric modelling script, specifically for this project.
The proposed terraces are embedded into the ground, providing a stepped terrain for tree planting (in a similar technique to local, traditional orchard planting methods). They also act as the seating areas for social meetings and casual student performances. Their form is reminiscent of the geological rock layer formations found in the mountain.
Re-introducing the mountain maquis ecosystem as urban nature, to promote biodiversity and a comfortable microclimate. Advanced tree planting solutions are planned as a municipal pilot, to achieve full tree growth in the deep rock layer.