HOLON

Architectural Competition. Entry

In collaboration with Ani&Tomer Architects

The historic center of Holon is at the beginning of a significant milestone in the city's development. The urban renewal plan aims to densify the existing built environment into an urban center befitting its location in the heart of the national metropolis.

The "Hapoel" complex, located at the city center, represents a significant land reserve. Its redesign is intended to reflect the principles of a "Municipal Sports Center." This principle serves as the cornerstone of the project’s planning.

The planning vision was to create a municipal "wellness" center — a structure that integrates activities for physical and mental health for a diverse age range. This vision led to an innovative and groundbreaking programmatic expression.

The building's design is efficient, accommodating various programs while providing access to all spaces through a single circulation system. This approach ensures that each function complements and enriches the others, creating a whole greater than the sum of its parts. The flexible design allows for future programmatic changes and includes leasable spaces in the upper levels for a wide range of uses, such as complementary medicine clinics or sports and extreme activity areas, thereby addressing the needs of both body and mind.

The swimming pool, as a fixed component in the design, is meticulously planned as a dedicated and separate floor, including all related facilities. Since the optimal pool floor design required the full available footprint according to zoning regulations, this level was designed at -1. Lowering the level allowed for views from outside the structure and from the ground floor into the impressive space, creating an intimate atmosphere for users.

The ground floor becomes a wide lobby, consolidating all functions through a single reception desk. It features double-height spaces and visual connections to the upper floors and pool area. This level also offers diverse leasable spaces facing Herzelfeld Street and the proposed sports plaza.

The building is situated at the corner of the complex, aligning with the adjacent Roter House to form a continuous and active built edge. However, the main entrance is designed to face the plaza created between the new structure and the existing buildings, making it the heart of the complex.

The building’s envelope is constructed from prefabricated elements in two asymmetrical modules, allowing for varied and non-repetitive façade compositions tailored to the diverse uses within. This thoughtful and innovative design ensures the complex serves as a vibrant and functional urban hub, seamlessly integrating wellness, sports, and community activities into the heart of Holon.