Architect

Almost every Israeli has heard the name "Latrun", but, when asked what the definition of the area is, he would have scratched his head in confusionand thought of a collection of different sites that are in a relatively close proximity to each other. Indeed, Latrun is a boundless space, defined by a past hidden from view.

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This area has a history stratified by different generations of people who acted in it according to values dictated by the spirit of the times and the changing authorities. Each of them contributed their part and translated their values to the physical sites scattered in the space, and if we examine their stories for a moment, we will discover that not only they are intertwined in terms of the narrative in the chronology of time, but they are also consistently accompanied by observation points embodied in watchtowers and observation towers.

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After studying the history of the area and observing the mapping documents, I realized that over the years there were three general points of view - three different options to look at this section of road between Jaffa and Jerusalem, and accordingly to build sites on it: from a religious point of view, from an economical point of view, and from the point of view of a display of victory and ruling.

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Latrun space, as mentioned, is a space that draws narratives in a distinct way, where they are expressed in landmarks accompanied by observation towers, that in turn define the space itself. However, the narratives presented on the site these days are based on values whose time has already passed and they do not represent contemporary society. Hence, when I was asked to design the site, I decided not to continue one of its three prominent stories ie: the religious, the economical, and the display of ruling, but to incorporate a new and relevant story adapted to one of the highest values in modern society, which is the value of the individual.

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Finally, I designed a hospice that combines a museum of individuality and located it in an area visible from every vantage point, in a path that connects the different stories. This way, all passers-by can see and be impressed by the lives of the residents who choose what to display.