News

Thursday 23 May 2013

Herzog & de Meuron, 2001 Pritzker Prize Laureates,Selected to Design the National Library of Israel April 2013

The National Library Construction Company is pleased to announce the selection of the architects to design the new home of the National Library of Israel.

A panel, headed by Prof. Luis Fernández-Galiano and including Prof. Elinoar Komissar-Barzachi, Lord Rothschild, Chair of Yad Hanadiv, and David Blumberg, Chair of the Library, had the privilege of interviewing six architecture firms, three leading offices from Israel and three of the world’s most distinguished ones (alphabetical order) – Ammar Curiel; Frank Gehry; Herzog de Meuron; Kimmel Eshkolot, Kolker Kolker Epstein and Renzo Piano. The 90-minute interviews enabled the members of the panel and the architects better to understand the site and surroundings, and the needs of the Library as a place for research and social activity. The panel explored the approaches and methods of the six offices.

After extensive discussions, the panel decided to recommend the Swiss office of Herzog & de Meuron to be the architects for the National Library of Israel. The panel, which was already aware of the many significant works of these Pritzker Prize laureates, was extraordinarily impressed by the commitment shown by Jacques Herzog & Pierre de Meuron, as well as by the strengths and promise of their architectural approach – their handling of the natural and urban landscape, the connection with the surrounding institutions and the interpretation of the Library programme. It was both innovative and clearly focused.

The Swiss architects, whose main office is in Basel, have a strong and creative team and wide experience in cultural projects including libraries. They shared a clear openness to dialogue with the client, bringing their experience and precise working methods to the design process.

The recommendation of the panel for the architect (who will become the Selected Architect upon entering into an agreement), has been approved by the Board of Directors of the National Library and by the Board of Directors of the National Library Construction Company.

Volunteering at Ramat Hanadiv May 2013

As part of its community outreach, Ramat Hanadiv is operating a volunteer network. The volunteers constitute an important link with the community and serve as ambassadors of Ramat Hanadiv, its projects and values. Watch a brief film about volunteering at Ramat Hanadiv [Hebrew].

The Israel Archive Network Project May 2013

The National Library has been selected to set up and manage a Government project together with the Israel State Archives, to build infrastructure and a single set of standards for historical archives in Israel. The Israel Archive Network Project [Hebrew] will incorporate dozens of archives from all over the country and will give the general public online accessibility to unique historical materials.

Israel Initiative Symposium on Therapeutic Interventions for Children with Behavioural Difficulties April 2013

The Israel Initiative for Applied Education Research is hosting a symposium: Therapeutic Interventions for Children with Behavioural Difficulties and Disorders. Read more on the Initiative website [Hebrew].

In Memoriam April 2013

Yad Hanadiv, the Rothschild family, Yad Hanadiv’s Board of Trustees and employees join Ada Karmi-Melamede and the Karmi family in mourning the death of Architect, Professor and Israel Prize recipient Ram Karmi, designer with Ada Karmi-Melamede, of the Supreme Court of Israel. May his memory be blessed.

‘Readers’ Photographic Exhibition at the National Library April 2013

‘Readers’ is a new exhibition of photographs taken by the photographer Aliza Auerbach, which is on display at the National Library. The exhibition includes 40 photographs reflecting the diversity of library users. The exhibition is open to the public, free of charge.

2014 Rothschild Prize March 2013

The Rothschild Prizes Organization in Israel will grant four prizes in the following disciplines:
One prize in Physical Sciences or in Chemical Sciences
One prize in Life Sciences (including Agriculture and Medicine)
One prize in Mathematics/Computer Sciences or Engineering
One prize in Social Sciences

The prizes will be granted to individuals who have made significant contribution to academic research in these disciplines.

Only the following are eligible to nominate candidates for the Prize: Presidents and Rectors of Israeli Universities, Deans of Faculties at Israeli Universities, Heads of Departments and Institutes, Members of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Past Rothschild Recipients (in the fields in which they received the Prize).

Nominations of candidates to the Rothschild Prizes may be submitted until 5.5.2013.
For more information about the Rothschild Prize.

NPTech Yearbook of Non-profits in English February 2013

An English translation of the NPTech Yearbook of Non-profits is now available for download.

Courses Offered by NPTech to Third Sector Organisations February 2013

NPTech’s Technology School is offering Third Sector organisations a series of courses to help them use technology more effectively. Read more in NPTech’s website [Hebrew].

Towards Optimal Kindergarten Education February 2013

The Israel Initiative for Applied Education Research has published a booklet for kindergarten teachers: Towards Optimal Kindergarten Education. Download the booklet from the Initiative’s website [Hebrew].