By Erez Ella, founder and head architect at HQ Architects
When we were assigned with the masterplan design development of the WZV, I knew our responsibility as an architectural firm goes beyond the typical scope of work.
The World Zionist Village is not just about building a project; it is about building a strong, thriving community, bringing together progressive minds, creating local partnerships, and facilitating collaborations that embody the spirit of Zionism and contribute to a brighter future of Israel. We want to create a place for Zionism to grow, develop and evolve to its next phase. The design of the World Zionist Village is firmly rooted in several key principles that will guarantee the project’s success. One of these leading ideas is fostering community and conversation as well as strong contextually, to ensure that the campus will be rooted in the unique setting of the Negev Desert, promoting connectivity with the adjacent city and resident-oriented site development to secure its long-lasting impact beyond campus. Through its design, the Village will include accessible and inclusive gathering spaces for all community members, respecting and celebrating the diverse identities, experiences, and aspirations of all Zionists.
Some considerations as we progress through the design development process are:
How do we accommodate the different age groups and programs throughout the Village?
How do we provide a gathering, learning and living environment welcoming to all?
How do we create an immersive experience for guests so they can truly see, feel and experience Zionism?
How do we provide pathways and communal spaces that foster conversation and unity across cultures?
What flow should the Village feature between the living spaces, learning campus and public heritage and innovation sites?
How do we use our environmental surroundings and resources to build a sustainable space?
How will the Village be integrated into Be’er Sheva ecosystem?
How do we keep it secure and safe for all?
All of that and more is being examined and researched as well as land resources and typography, agricultural resources and municipality regulations and considerations.
But above all logistical and architectural considerations our biggest mission is to design a space that captures the essence of the founding fathers of modern Israel. This project does not merely pay homage to the historic idea of Zionism; rather, it celebrates the creation of a sovereign nation, serving as a guiding light behind Israel’s success and community-driven innovative spirit.
We are thrilled to be part of the building spirit of the Village and looking forward to bringing this dream and vision to life.
About HQ Architects:
Israeli based HQ Architects strives to question conventions and create culturally challenging buildings, spaces and urban environments, making it the perfect partner for bringing the vision to life.
The design firm’s spotlight projects include Sheba Medical Complex; The new Metro hubs in Tel Aviv Metropolitan light-rail network, The Negev Desert City; Jaffa Gateway; HaMaon Complex; Jerusalem Hall of Justice; Jerusalem Academy for Music and Dance: the Ari Kushner Building; Bezalel Academy of the Arts – new campus design; Tennis Center Jerusalem; Sharona Tower; Fein 1 Central; and more.