Tel Aviv is the most inclusive city in Israel and in the whole Middle East, with large Pride Parades every summer. Many Israelis view Tel Aviv today as a city with its own "bubble." In an exhibition at the Liebling Haus that is considered to be the White City Center, the urbanists Paul Kearns and Moti Ruimy are trying to answer through numbers and stories the question “what is the White City?” and reply with another question - isn't it simply “A great place to live?” (fig. 15-16). The urbanists indicate that “the White City is at times described, exalted or critiqued as an architectural wonderland, a planning paradigm, a real estate marketing tool, a historical legacy, a conservation challenge, an imaginary space, a colonial enterprise, and a constructed myth.” These are all valid characteristics that true architects and urban planners’ question. “So just how livable is the White City?” The White City density is comparable to Manhattan and close to three times that of Tel Aviv-Yafo as a whole. The White City has a "Green Canopy Cover" and is leafier than most metropolis' and includes twice as many streets trees as Tel Aviv. The White City is the most connected urban part of Israel, allows walkability and many walk to work. Yet, more people drive than use public transportation or bikes, and many walk to work. The White City is overcrowded, with many homes having just one or two rooms. “‘a great place to live?’ begs an inevitable further critical question, ‘a great place to live for whom?’ and just how affordable is the White City? perhaps more importantly, how accessible is the White City?” Most of the residents in the White City have managerial and professional jobs rather than manual jobs. Similarly to many metropolises around the world, the high real estate prices make Tel Aviv less affordable. This is due to Tel Aviv being a model of livable urbanism, as many people want to live in a liberal and accepting city. The White City is the center of the Tel Avivian "Bubble." The term ‘livable urbanism’ “promote[s] and rank[s] the livability of urban places across the world. ‘Livable urbanism’ has traditionally promoted public transit, bicycle lanes, human-scale architecture, and mixed-use urban fabric that includes public spaces for outdoor cafes and community life.” The DNA of Tel Aviv is a constant idea of change in the design, scale, plot size, history, density, urbanism. The importance of green space became essential, making the plan of Patrick Geddes come to life, but in the way of a story of modern Zionism, making Tel Aviv - A Great Place to Live. The argument on whether or not the vision of Patrick Geddes of Tel Aviv as a Garden City materialize itself after about 100 years is complicated and includes many components. I believe that modern Tel Aviv echoes Patrick Geddes's ideas and intention for Tel Aviv as a Garden City. Even though around 100 years passed since Geddes planned Tel Aviv, many components of his plan became prominent parts of modern Tel Aviv. Albeit Tel Aviv developed differently than he planned, but it did become a modern Garden City, which includes walkable green boulevards, small parks, green roofs, bike and scooter paths at the expense of roads and cars emitting pollutions. This modern Garden City is the result of more than 100 years of history in Tel Aviv. The First Hebrew City was planned, as a concept, by the British Mandate to create the ideal habitat for the New Jew. The British Mandate was unsuccessful with their engineer of a perfect city because great cities become great after many years of history. The people make the place, not the concept. The Zionist pioneers, the young architects that created the Chug, brought a Zionist dream and made the story of Tel Aviv. Their story translated many years later into a modern vision of Zionism: a modern Garden City that is all-inclusive is the new reality of Tel Aviv, and its development and success will be seen in the future years.
Student Architecture Portfolio Michal Koutamonov
Student Architecture Portfolio
Michal Koutamonov Drexel University
2022
Contact: mk3743@drexel.edu michalkout1@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/michalkout1/
RESUME Profile
Experience
Seeking a job in an architectural firm to learn and implement both knowledge and skills, and to explore new possibilities in the field. Focused on planning and designing architectural structures to create better lives, as reflected in most of the projects in this portfolio. Dedicated to excellence, detailed oriented, and highly motivated. Also, interested in research in architecture as presented in the Tel Aviv paper (see last page). Fast learner, resourceful, and with a prominent presence.
Topaz Electrical Engineering And Architectural Lighting Design LTD. Haifa, Israel
Education Drexel University, PA September 2019 - Present (Graduating 2025) B.Arch Degree • Dean's list: 2020 - Present • Westphal Portfolio Scholarship 2019 - 2021
Lake Brantley High School, FL September 2014 - May 2019 Honors - Summa Cum Laude
Languages Hebrew - Native language English - Fluent Russian - Conversational
July,1 ,2019 - July, 30, 2019 Architectural intern - summer internship • Designed the new office of the company and coordinate with team members to resolve technical and project issues. • Created, printed, and modified drawings in AutoCAD (50-percent of design plans), and generated a model in Revit.
My skills 5 4 3 2 1
Au toC Rhin o ad
Re vit
InD Ph Illu Wo oto str rd esi ato sh gn op r
Po Po wer int
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................1
Latest Works.....................................................................................................................2
Early Works.....................................................................................................................22
Other Drawings.............................................................................................................30
Tel Aviv as a Garden City: The Vision of Patrick Geddes................................33
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
The Shell on the Riverfront 2-5
Wellness community Center 6 - 11
Residential Library Project 12 - 17
Rowhouses
The Gateway 22 - 23
The Hub 24 - 25
Music Nexus 26 - 27
Boathouse 28 - 29
18 - 21
INTRODUCTION This portfolio was created at the beginning of my third of studying architecture, but its origins go back to my childhood. While studying art and painting I had realized that I liked both the art-aesthetic and the functional. Naturally, the portfolio contains preliminary works in which there is an emphasis on basic insights, and later more mature works in which I more clearly present my tendencies in the field of architecture, and the specific emphases that exist in each of the projects. One common theme in all my works, and yet not the only one, is the theme of humanity. I argue that architecture without humanity is like a person without a soul. Architecture lets us fulfill our soul, while wandering in actual spaces.
1
L AT E ST W O R K S
THE SHELL ON THE RIVERFRONT
Gathering in nature as a shelter for nomads Purpose: Waterfront Amphitheater along the river (1000 seats) Instructor: Kyle O'Connor, Third Year 1st Term Bartram’s Gardens, Philadelphia, 2021 Bartram’s Gardens is a peaceful place in the middle of West Philadelphia; It is where people can connect to themselves and nature and be in the city at the same time. The Bartram family used the garden area as their home, and thus I wanted to preserve the feeling of a home in my project.
Figure 1
The best figure that I felt matched with a feeling of a home was the shell, a welcoming and protective space. So, the structures on the site are in the form of a shell, including the amphitheater, the towers, the boathouse, the pavilions, and the path above water. Homeliness is felt immediately while walking in the gardens. What’s included: Figure 1- Perspective from Water Figure 2- Perspective from Land
2
Figure 2
While walking through the proposed site, one can be inspired and imagine how they could come back and enjoy the site through various ages, seasons, and relations.
Figure 3
Therefore, it can be said that this is a garden for all and a home for all, demonstrated as shells on the riverfront of the Schuylkill River. Figure 3- Site Plan (scale 1’ = 32”) Figure 4- Perspective towards the city Figure 5- Elevation diagram with red circulation
SCALE 1’ = 32” 0’ 16’ 32’
Figure 6- Site Plan (scale 1’ = 16”)
64’
128’
256’
Figure 4
Figure 7- Site Section (scale 1’ = 16”) Figure 8- Perspective to the city from amphitheater Figure 9- Detail materials diagram Figure 10- Amphitheater Section Figure 11- Site Diagram with circulation Figure 12- Tower Section
Figure 5 TOWER
CAFE
TOWER WC
PATH ABOVE WATER
BOATHOUSE
STORAGE
STAGE
PAVILION
WC
AMPHITHEATER
3
Figure 6
SCALE 1’ = 16” 0’ 4’ 8’ 16’
32’
64’
128’
SITE PLAN Figure 7
SCALE 1’ = 16” 0’ 4’ 8’
4
16’
32’
64’
128’
Figure 8
Figure 11
PAVILION
WC
TOWER
WC
CAFE TOWER
Figure 9
WOOD WC STORAGE
STONE GRAVEL
STAGE
TER AMPHITHEA
PAVILION
CONCRETE BOATHOUSE
SOIL
BARGE PATH AB O
VE WATE
Figure 10
R
Figure 12
SCALE 1’ = 4” 0’ 1 2’
4’
8’
SCALE 1’ = 4” 16’ 0’ 1’ 2’
4’
8’
16’
5
L AT E ST W O R K S
WELLNESS COMMUNITY CENTER
Comprehensive implementation of Happiness Theory Purpose: Renovation of an elementary school to a community center Instructor: Jen Shin, Second Year 3rd Term Powelton Village, Philadelphia, 2021 This project is the most comprehensive one in this portfolio. It goes the whole way from a theory to practice, from idea to an architectural model. It is also the most complex project as it serves lots of functions and uses various materials.
Figure 1
The wellness community center is built as a site that enables individuals in the community to realize the five components of happiness, as explored and presented by Ben-Shahar from Harvard University. I used this concept to build a working place which is opened to the public during the week but also active on weekends. What’s included: Figure 1- Axonometric Figure 2- Perspective from 36th and Powelton Figure 3- Perspective from 35th and Pearl Figure 4- Research Diagram of Happiness Figure 5- Floor Plans (scale 1/16” = 1’- 0”) Figure 6- Cross Section (scale 1/16” = 1’- 0”) Figure 7- Longitudinal Section (scale 1/16” = 1’-0”) Figure 8- Structural Diagram 6
Figure 2
Figure 3
A better way to describe it is to use the components of happiness as subcategories: good nutrition, physical activity, curiosity, gratefulness, and one close person. Good nutrition is manifested in the gardens and agriculture facilities on site. Since there is a cafe place and a juice bar on site, people can enjoy the grown fruits. There is a kitchen to have classes for people. The people can also sell the left product on the weekend market and in ShopRite, a store close to the site. Curiosity - The will for knowledge may be satisfied by many conference rooms and places to meet for people who are in different mental states. There are small study areas, group areas, bigger groups rooms and a big area for everyone to enjoy. Drexel university and University of Pennsylvania could do their research in the various areas,including the green houses on the ground and on the rooftops. (This involving and bringing way of funding to the site and not just using the city budget.)
Figure 4 Motor Skill - Not Sensory
HAPPINESS
Wellness
Nutri�on
HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOOD
Physical Ac�vity
Grateful
Curiosity
SUSTAINABLE + PRODUCTIVE ECOSYSTEMS
ACTIVATED + SAFE OPEN SPACE
Create Meaningful Rela�onships
EMPOWERED SOCIAL CAPITAL
Environmental Therapy Environmental Educa�on
Land Revitaliza�on “Put Nature Back”
Ecological Research Drexel and UPenn with the community
Physical Activity - outdoor gym and gardening on site. An important component of happiness is having a close person. This may be achieved through gardening, working together, cafe hangouts, amphitheater shows, and various areas on site in which people can come together and create a closer community that helps and cares for each other.
Build
Learn
Bring Home
GROW Sell
Eat
ShopRite - 10 Min Drive Employee Former inmates
7
Gratefulness - The first stage in enabling others to be grateful is being a good person with good intentions and doing. The site contributes to the community by having cooperation with ShopRite, a shop which employs former inmates and helps them to rehabilitate and get back their life. Agriculture products will be sold in this shop, located 10 minutes driving from our site. Also, there will be some special courses through which the center will encourages people to adapt the concept of happiness, giving and gratitude.
Figure 5
Floor plans
Scale 1/16” = 1’‐0”
Floor plan 3
The acceptance of the center is emphasized by the various materials it is built from, various size and height level spaces and soft passages between various parts of the site. Figure 9- Perspective from 35th and Powelton Figure 10- Floor Plans (scale 1/32” = 1’- 0”) Figure 11- Diagram Floor Plans: circulation and happiness components
Floor plan 2
Figure 12- Perspective from the garden Figure 13- Perspective from the inside
Floor plan 1
8
Structural diagram Figure 6
Figure 8
Structural diagram
Green Areas Structural diagram Green Areas Green Areas
Wood
Wood
Interior walls Wood painted Interiorconwalls painted con- Interior walls painted conBrick Brick Brick
Building section
Figure 7
Scale: 1/16” = 1’‐0
Glass, skylight, Glass, skylight, Greenhouses Greenhouses Glass, skylight, Greenhouses
Steel Steelcolumns columns Steel columns
Concrete floor floor Concrete plates floor Concrete plates plates Site
Site Site
9
Figure 9
Site Plan
Scale :1/32” = 1’‐0”
Figure 10
Pearl
36th 10
Powelton
35th
Physical Health
Environment
Business
Movement
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Nourishment
Research
Physical Health
Environment
Business
Movement 11
L AT E ST W O R K S
RESIDENTIAL LIBRARY PROJECT
A library as an all in one solution for social activities Purpose: Multi-Unit Affordable Housing & Community Library Instructor: Uk Jung, Second Year 1st Term Mantua, Philadelphia, 2021 The Residential Library Project is a combination of a ground-level library and three additional stories of multi-units housing. Here, once again the focus is on connecting people in the community. The whole project is designed for families and individuals, and I planned places for social activities anywhere, indoors and outdoors:
Figure 1
Indoors - the library in the ground floor, is divided to children and adult areas. The upper floor plans reveal the community gathering spaces that are in between the living units which is designed for a mixed community. Outdoors - a central garden area is planned to have a gardening where families can grow food. A playful feeling to come together and paint is achieved by a colored brick. Children can have educational programs with many outside places for sitting, playing and other social activities. What’s included: Figure 1- Perspective from Wallace and Wiota Figure 2- Perspective from 40th Figure 3- Perspective from the garden Figure 4- Perspective from the inside library 12
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 5- Diagrams Figure 6- Self created map of the site area Figure 7- Longitudinal Section (scale 1”=20’) Figure 8- Cross Section (scale 1”=20’) Figure 9- Floor Plans (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 10- Site Plan (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 11- Isometric - SE - 9AM - June Figure 12- Isometric - SE - 6AM - June Figure 13- Elevations on Wiota Street
Figure 4
Figure and 14- Detail SING - Midterm FinalSection (scale 1/8”=1’-0”)
m Massing
Figure 15-Plan Enlarged elevation
Isometric
Diagram
Figure 16- Enlarged Details Sections - roof, walls, basement (scale 1-1/2”=1’-0”)
Figure 5
Figure 6
Massing
Residential
Library
Entry
Circulation
13
Figure 7
Figure 9
Figure 10 Figure 8
14
Figure 11
Figure 12
Wiota Street Elevation Scale: 1/4” = 1’-0” Figure 13
15
Figure 14
WALL SECTION
Figure 15
ELEVATION
44’ ROOF
A
34’ FOURTH FLOOR
24’ THIRD FLOOR
14’ SECOND FLOOR
B 4’ FIRST FLOOR
0’ Ground
C
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0” 0 1’ 2’
16
4’
8’
16’
32’
Figure 16
A
A B
SCALE: 1-1/2” = 1’-0”
C
B
SCALE: 1-1/2” = 1’-0”
SCALE: 1-1/2” = 1’-0”
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L AT E ST W O R K S
ROWHOUSES
Rowhouses as row materials for social relationships Purpose: 10 Rowhouses with community space Instructor: Jeremy Voorhees, Second Year 1st Term Brewerytown, Philadelphia, 2020 This is a 10 Rowhouses project with a community space in the center. The 10 townhouses are divided into two categories: livework houses, and single-family houses. I chose a single family houses as I wanted to translate my own wills and tastes regarding living space into an architectural model.
Figure 1
So, each bedroom is a separate unit, it includes a double-height area in the living room, and skylight. The live work houses were incorporated into the model in order to take into account the growing tendency to work from home and they were designed to be effective for work rather them living. From the community aspect, the site was designed to attract communications between the residents so it is gradually transformed from a private space to a semi-public courtyard and public shared space. In this project I firstly dealt with calculating the cost of building and materials and it made me think about efficiency in production and the use of various materials. What’s included: Figure 1- Section Perspective West (Representation class) Figure 2- Section Perspective East (Representation class) Figure 3- Live- Work House Floor Plan (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 4- Diagrams of the 2 rowhouses types Figure 5- Site Plan (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) 18
Figure 2
Figure 5
Figure 6- Site Section (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Tech Class: Figure 7- Single Family Floor Plans and Sections Figure 8- Rowhouse building area plan cost
28th Street
28th Street
Figure 10- Detail Wall Section (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 3
Marston Street
Figure 9- Elevation of Single Family Rowhouse
Scale 1/8”=1’-0” 012 4 8
16
32
Figure 4 Figure 6
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Row House Shell Metrics
When comparing my rowhouse data with my Figure 7 classmates( Evan D., Salvatore M., and Michael L.), I found
Figure 8
that our floor plan efficiency values were similar. My floor
plan efficiency was 67%. My lowest efficiency was on the When comparing my rowhouse data with my
classmates( Evan D., Salvatore M., and Michael L.), I found
second floor, where is my double-height space. I learned that since it is a rowhouse, we all had more circulation than expected and could be improved. In the future, I
that our floor plan efficiency values were similar. My floor plan efficiency was 67%. My lowest efficiency was on the second floor, where is my double-height space. I learned
would make the basement smaller or with more thoughtthat since it is a rowhouse, we all had more circulation of use. I had a lot of impervious area in the site which than expected and could be improved. In the future, I
could be designed better with more thought in site to would make the basement smaller or with more thought make the rowhouse more sustainable. I had many skylights to bring more light into the house, and it increased the cost. I used brick in my shell and was
of use. I had a lot of impervious area in the site which could be designed better with more thought in site to make the rowhouse more sustainable. I had many skylights to bring more light into the house, and it
thinking of adding different materials. I looked at Evan’s
increased the cost. I used brick in my shell and was
data and found the different costs of the materials, which
thinking of adding different materials. I looked at Evan’s
I expected to be lower. I compared with Salvatore the set data and found the different costs of the materials, which
back which increased the cost. In my next design, I willI expected to be lower. I compared with Salvatore the set consider different materials with cost in mind. back which increased the cost. In my next design, I will consider different materials with cost in mind.
LESSONS LEARNED Efficency High/Low: 93-43% Average GSF: 2,353 Average NSF: 1,695 Average N/G: 67% Ave.cost dif. N/G: $45 - 67
20
LESSONS LEARNED Efficency High/Low: 93-43% Average GSF: 2,353 Average NSF: 1,695 Average N/G: 67% Ave.cost dif. N/G: $45 - 67
Figure 9
Figure 10
DRAINAGE
2X4 JOISTS PROTECTION BOARD MUDSLAB WATERPROOF MEMBRANE FOUNDATION WALL
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E A R LY W O R K S
THE GATEWAY (Representation Class)
The missing piece in the Tel Aviv greatest park Purpose: Community center- imaginary project Instructor: Dan Brown, Second Year 2nd Term Park Hayarkon, Tel Aviv, Israel, 2021 I wanted to create a community center with opportunities for social experiences, that would make a significant change in the environment in which it would be located. I located it in a big park in the north of Tel Aviv since it is a center place where many people walk by, yet it always felt like a dead space.
Figure 1
A short walking distance from the site, there is an open area where the largest events in Israel are occurring with a temporary stage and seating but there is no permanent structure that acts as a center. Therefore, I created a structure that consists of two buildings. A public one that acts as a center, and a private one that can act as a wellness center that can improve mental and physical health in the Israeli hot climate. What’s included: Figure 1- Perspective - proposed building in site Figure 2- Perspective - bird’s eye view Figure 3- Perspective - outside entrance of building Figure 4- Sections (3) with various concepts Figure 5- Isometric site map with proposed building Figure 6- Diagram - Private and Public Figure 7- Diagram - Sun Diagram Figure 8- Diagram progress of making 22
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
PROGRAMS
CIRCULATIONS
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
DAYLIGHT
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E A R LY W O R K S
THE HUB
Solid, Void and everything in between. Purpose: Walkable Temporary Structure Instructor: Stéphanie Feldman, First Year 1st Term Chestnut Street, Drexel Main Building, Philadelphia, 2019 This is my first project. I had to cope with the concept behind terms such as axis, rhythm, solid and void. The structure uses temporary architecture to introduce a calming space in extreme weather.
Figure 1
The longitudinal section shows the axis in the structure. The six cross-sections show the movement through the structure by having solid and void in various sizes of exterior and interior spaces, and a rhythm of a central rectangle.
Figure 2
What’s included: Figure 1- Model Elevation towards street Figure 2- Model Elevation towards building Figure 3- Cross Sections- 6 (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 4- Floor Plan (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 5-Longitudinal Section (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 6- Hand crafted model SE Figure 7- Hand crafted model NW Figure 8- Hand crafted model SW Figure 9- Hand crafted model NE Figure 10- Model in Site - Top View 24
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 8
Figure 7
Figure 9
Figure 10
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E A R LY W O R K S
MUSIC NEXUS
The show must go on Purpose: Commercial & Residential Building Instructor: David Beker, First Year 2nd Term Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, 2020 This project is about the interior design of an existing 3-story building for the needs of a restaurant with the possibility of musical performances on the ground floor and first floor, and residence on the upper floor.
Figure 1
The shell of the structure is narrow and long with bumps at the edges and is design-challenging. In addition to the functional design, I emphasized comfortable aisles to the courtyard as well as a view to this courtyard while eating and spending time at the place. A point to pay attention to - I placed the stage for performances on the side towards the street in order to attract passers-by to enter the cafe. Another challenge in this project is dealing with the physical construction of the model.
Figure 2
Figure 3
What’s included: Figure 1- Elevation Lancaster Avenue Figure 2- Elevation Pearl Street
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Figure 3- Sections (2) (scale 1/8”=1’-0”)
Figure 7- Hand crafted model in site
Figure 4- Floor Plan (scale 1/8”=1’-0”)
Figure 8- Hand crafted model
Figure 5- Site Plan (scale 1/8”=1’-0”)
Figure 9- Model Elevation towards street
Figure 6- Hand crafted model Top View in site
Figure 10- Model Elevation Lancaster Avenue
Figure 4
Figure 6
Figure 8
Figure 7
Figure 9
Figure 5
Figure 10
27
E A R LY W O R K S
BOATHOUSE
A boathouse for both of us Purpose: Community Boathouse Instructor: Jacklynn Niemiec, First Year 3rd Term Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, 2020 The Boathouse project in Boathouse Row focused on the connection between men and water.
Figure 1
On the one hand, the building is well integrated in the landscape, yet has in own spirit (or uniqueness) and on the other hand, it is an ADA project which serves as a multi functioning place for various activities and purposes - without disturbing each other and yet accessible to all: launching, storing, changing clothes, training, gathering and resting. I achieved it by using two elements - the floor plans that is divided into sub-levels and a circular movement that allows easy passage from floor to floor. An open space in the upper level enable sitting in the free air and having a nice view in lovely days.
Figure 2
What’s included: Figure 1- Model in site from river Figure 2- Model in site from land Figure 3- Circulation model- various views Figure 4- Hand crafted model SE Figure 5-Hand crafted model NW Figure 6- Floor Plan (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 7- Sub Levels Floor Plan (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 8- Longitudinal Section (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) Figure 9- Cross Section (scale 1/8”=1’-0”) 28
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 5
Figure 8
Figure 9
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OTHER WORKS When: 2019 - Present Figure 1- 6 Feet Hand drawn Experiential Drawing (Studio class) Figure 2- Hand drafted Section Perspective using pacing (Representation class) Figure 3- Hand Drafted French press, 2 elevation views and top view (Rep. class) Figure 4- Hand drawn fictional tool (Rep. class) Figure 5- 3d Cubes in Perspective,transferred from plan , Hand drafted and colored, Opacity (Rep. class) Figure 6- 3d Cubes in Perspective, Hand drafted and colored, Tint (Rep. class) Figure 7- Perspective from the Gateway Project in the intended site (Rep. class) Figure 1
30
Figure 5
Figure 2
Figure 3 Figure 4
Figure 6
31
Figure 7
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TEL AVIV AS A GARDEN CITY: THE VISION OF PATRICK GEDDES Summary of a paper presented to Drexel University, 2021*
Petrick Geddes was a famous urban planner who was brought from the UK by the British Mandate to PalestineLand of Israel (Eretz Israel), In order to plan the growing Jewish city of Tel Aviv, and introduced the Garden City idea. This paper reviews the work of Geddes and its development over the years in Tel Aviv, the turn into the concept of the White City, the fading of the last, and the growth of the new-green concept in the 21st century. In the last section of the paper, I examine carefully whether the latest architectural developments in Tel Aviv are, in fact, a renaissance of the Green City of Geddes. Tel Aviv, founded in 1909 as a neighborhood near Jaffa the old Port City of Israel - was developed rapidly, among the rest, because of waves of violence against Jews in Jaffa. The British Mandate which took over the country in 1917, quickly realized the necessity of urban planning and appointed Geddes as a leader of a group of planners. His plan, designed in 1927 and approved in 1929, contained four components: The grid of streets - major streets running from south to north, intersected by widely spaced east-west secondary roads, and wide green boulevards. Next, the design of large city blocks for domestic dwellings: each block was designed around a central open space, and the creation of a concentration of cultural institutes to function as a civic center. This plan was implemented and drew the shape of the old north of Tel Aviv to this day. During the years of Geddes's planning of Tel Aviv, the significant population growth due to mass immigration led to Tel Aviv becoming an overcrowded commercial center
of the Land of Israel. The Zionist dream of the first Hebrew town as unique model of a Garden City was obsolete. Instead, the idea of a White City was promoted by a new generation of architects who studied from the father's of modern architecture and were inspired by the visions of the Bauhaus and the international style. These young architects adjusted the international style to the culture, needs, and climate conditions, such as harsh sunlight, available building materials, and culture and needs in the Land of Israel. They employed the concept of form and function into concrete structures with high ceilings and flat roofs that split into recessed balconies with no ornamentations. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the mass immigration to the new Jewish state, following the freedom to come to the homeland without limitation of the Mandate, caused a vital need for housing solutions for massive population growth. So, the White City Movement ended, leaving behind unique, preserved buildings in the heart of Tel Aviv. The steady moderate growth of population in the 21st century creates opportunities for a new green city concept that is integrated with the global trends. In my opinion, this trend which, among the rest, manifests the ground gardens in Geddes's plan on top of buildings rooftops, is gaining momentum, and going to stay with us for a long time, realizing the vision of Patrick Geddes in its own way. *This paper is nominated for an award by Drexel university. The paper can be sent upon request. 33
