|
Israeli architecture has developed itself over the past century by combining the prevailing international design trends with centuries of historical building styles. The modern Israeli buildings can be classified into several distinctive styles that combine traditional materials and motifs with the needs of modern, urban populations. This trend makes the Israeli architecture notably eclectic and is considered one of the integral parts of the culture of Israel. As large communities immigrated to Israel in the late 19th century, the building styles were inspired from their motherlands. The first neighborhood In Jerusalem was established by the wealthy Jewish philanthropist Moses Montefiore outside of the Old City in 1860. The style of terraced row houses with red roof tiles was influenced by a Mediterranean vernacular and was used for Jewish residences all over Israel. It was first seen in the hillside settlement of Mishkenot Sha'ananim (translated as "tranquil dwellings"). European-style mansions and villas that integrated Islamic decoration were built by wealthy Arabs. West Jerusalem still constitutes carved out neighborhoods#the Bukharan Quarter, the Russian Compound, and the German colony. They used the city's signature Jerusalem stone and added distinct architectural elements on it. Jerusalem stone is a white or cream-colored marble found in the hills around the city. Under the British mandate, the city of Jerusalem has famous buildings like Dome of the Rock and Solomon's Temple. The "white city" of Tel Aviv was built initially as a reproduction of Eastern European cities like Odessa, Moscow, and Warsaw. Later, during the early 20th century, Jewish builders and craftsmen, influenced by Orientalist style used local Arabic ornament, desert motifs and images of Bedouins.
Notable buildings from this period blended European monumental structures and functions with Orientalist motifs in a style occasionally termed "Eclectic Romanticism." Tel Aviv's first public building, the Herzliya Gymnasium designed by Yosef Berski, is a stately imperial building with it interior colorfully enhanced with Arabic ornamentation. Tel Aviv houses many marvelous architectural buildings like Azrieli Center Circular Tower, Shalom Meir Tower, The Opera Tower, Europe-Israel Tower to name a few. The Baha'i Shrine and Gardens in Haifa is a famous landmark and tourist attraction. Haifa's old Technion Building in Tel Aviv and YMCA in Jerusalem has the fusion of eastern elements into western exteriors. Negev Synagogue is one of the most famous buildings of Israel. Today, most architectural towers in Israel are built by steel and glass as in New York and Tokyo. The Azraeli Towers in downtown Tel Aviv is now the symbol of the city's successful hi-tech industries flourishing 21st century. Tourists in Israel can therefore witness some great towers and buildings which showcases the magnificent architecture in Israel.
|
