Project
The Michael Sela Auditorium

Category 
Best Implemented Interior Design Project for Public Space

About the project
The renovation of the under preservation 2,000 m² iconic Modernist Auditorium designed in 1955, unlocks its full potential by creating a flexible space, and doubles the area of the lobby so it can accommodate all the guests in the auditorium, and hold small cultural and communal events in the lobby.
Unveiling a 250 m² hidden seating area that became the Foyer, also enables a smoother flow of guests in the building. The performance hall, increased its capacity to 644 seats by adding 24 more seats. The refurbished hall ceiling and technical systems are painted black up to the bronze acoustic cladding line, where elongated and rounded lighting fixtures create a vortex like shape that is reinforced when the lighting fixtures are turned on and off, creating a mesmerizing and gloomy effect over the hall.
The refurbishment enhances the visitors and performers’ experience alike, giving back to the Weizmann Institute of Science a contemporary, bigger and more functional public building.

Location
Michael and Anna Wix Auditorium, Rehovot, Israel

Project design year
2019

Project website
https://www.hqa.co.il/home/auditorium

More project images
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/63ufumv5ouscy23/AACttzJs4a_dVlxhxp03zokGa?dl=0


Applicant and authors of the project
HQ Architects.
Founded in Tel Aviv in 2008 by Erez Ella, and is currently comprised by a creative and dedicated team of 35 people based in Tel Aviv. Focusing on a strong pragmatic and programmatic approach, HQ Architects strives to question conventions and create innovative buildings, spaces and urban environments.