Sitting at Mount Hertzl — Israel's National Cemetery — the Memorial Hall of Israel's Fallen is a powerful testament to the young men and women who's lives have been lost fighting for their nation. Recently completed by Kimmel Eshkolot Architects, the memorial is both somber and hopeful, making use of a poignant, sculptural form to flood the space with light while also making material the vastness of the damage of war.
From the outside, the Memorial Hall of Israel's Fallen looks like an undulating funnel, with a terraced brick layout that allows visitors to climb and explore the space. On the inside, that carefully arranged brick concept remains, though it has a more visceral message. The outer funnel, which channels natural light into the building, also encloses a central column of bricks, each of which is labelled with the name of a fallen soldier and the date of their decease.
Image Credit: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amitgeron.com">Amit Geron</a>
What's Driving This Trend
- Memorial Sculpture
- Opportunity for architects and designers to create powerful memorials that incorporate artistic, sculptural forms which effectively communicate the gravity of the sacrifices made in conflict.
- Innovative Light Design
- For architects and engineers to experiment with light-funneling structures that harmonise aesthetic beauty with functional efficiency in illuminating dark spaces.
- Interactive Spaces
- Create interactive/engaging spaces for visitors, where the memorial structures themselves provide space for visitors to explore and learn about those who lost their lives serving their country.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture
- Architects can incorporate light-illuminating structures in their designs to create memorable, artistic, and functional public buildings.
- Engineering
- Engineers can create innovative structures that channel natural light into the building, resulting in effective and energy-efficient lighting solutions in modern buildings.
- Tourism
- There is an opportunity for tourism companies to develop experiences around these interactive public monuments, making them more accessible to tourists and creating cultural and historical learning experiences.
