Midbarium Animal Park Be’er Sheva, South Israeli landscape project, New Middle East wildlife building images

Midbarium Animal Park in Israel

24 September 2023

Architects: A. Lerman Architects

Location: Be’er Sheva, Israel, the Middle East

Photos by Nimrod Levy

Midbarium Animal Park, Israel

A. Lerman Architects present the MIDBARIUM, an exceptional park dedicated to fostering environmental awareness on the desert outskirts (‘MIDBAR’ = DESERT) of Be’er Sheva. Its open spaces, thoughtfully crafted, replicate various natural elements and display the region’s diverse wildlife. A multi-disciplinary team of experts from Israel and abroad collaborated on the project, with A. Lerman Architects responsible for the architectural design.

The entrance roof structure design is informed by local traditions of desert inhabitants. Cast in raw concrete, it resembles a tent structure covering 1,800 square meters and welcoming visitors into a cool, shaded space. This structure was designed in close partnership with construction engineer Rafi Bat, known for his work on Beer Sheva’s most iconic brutalist architecture from the 1960s: City Hall and The University Library.

Unlike traditional brutalist architecture, recognized for emphasizing weight and mass, the concrete expertise of the senior engineer was essential in developing a delicate triangulated grid of beams. Light and shadow are projected through the veil-like grid, defining the perimeters of the public event space. Underneath the roof, a vibrant field of activities unfolds, including interconnected walkways, convenient kiosks, essential services, a shop, a versatile amphitheater, seating areas, and informative touchpoints. These elements are strategically positioned near park entrances and exits.

The roof also intelligently channels fresh air towards the adjacent educational building. Narrow passages lead the fresh air through the building’s circulation system. Air conditioning is replaced with ecological ventilation, aligning perfectly with the Midbarium’s commitment to sustainability.

A. Lerman Architects is recognized as a premier choice for clients aiming to develop projects in Israel. This project adds to its history of collaboration with leading international architects on projects including the Jerusalem National Museum, The Mandel School at The Hebrew University, and the Bezalel School for the arts.

“Our design aim was a seamless integration of vernacular knowledge with the concrete legacy of the city’s most prominent architectural icons. We believe that this unique combination creates a distinctive ambiance. By removing the barrier of air conditioning, the desert air is welcomed in, establishing a brave new bond with the city,” concludes Asaf Lerman.

Midbarium Animal Park, Israel – Building Information

Building size: 1,200 sqm
Concrete pergola size: 1,800 sqm
Landscape design: Zur-Wolf Landscape Architects
Principal architect: Asaf Lerman
Project architects: Edo Zigelboim & Alexandra Koshnareva

A. Lerman Architects

Led by Asaf Lerman, whose rich global experience began at the Architectural Association (London), A. Lerman Architects is a firm that loves its work and loves what it does. That principal quality defines them as a team, and is proudly reflected in the firm’s design work. Focusing on a limited number of projects at a time, A. Lerman Architects caters fully to each individual client.

The A. Lerman working methodology is based on a thorough analysis of client needs, while being mindful of the economical and legal criteria that define each project. They view the design process as a system with parameters that need to be prioritized. Once clearly presented, those parameters help ensure client control over every aspect of successful projects.

The firm views every project as a new journey, with years of experience shaping the development of expertise in seamlessly leading clients through the intricacies of local bureaucracies and construction cultures, while delivering the highest in international standards.

Their unique working methodology has led to commission’s to design some of Israel’s most renowned buildings. The firm is currently focused on a diverse set of projects ranging from Public Works to Tech, Hotels, Commercial, and Residential, contributing quality expertise, a rich network of professionals, and a gateway to the local ecosystem to each design category.