Landroom
The Landroom is a minimal environmental structure designed on the verge between Territory and a landscape object. It is located at the western observation point on the edge of the Mitzpe Ramon crater in the Negev. It functions as a observatory for the stars at night and provides shelter for visitors where the sun's rays are burning in daylight.
This space embodies layers of the local landscape, memories, and culture. It resides among past, present, and future, and occupies the space between the private and public state of mind. In order to create a physical experience and embody memory, the piece transforms the physical property of this specific territory into a metaphysical experience through natural materials- specifically soil sourced from land near former Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion’s cabin in the Negev. Using the rammed earth construction technique, the excavated earth (in Hebrew adama, meaning man and land) forms the walls. When entering the space, the individual connects to the clay body, awakening senses associated with interiority and security, while simultaneously having the sense of dislocation through a new atmosphere. The architectural experience is reliant on the object, and our reaction depends on the physical experience the building imposes on us. We feel safe when a building is stable and warm, when it is properly sealed, and keeps out the winter draft. The sensuality of light, sound, orientation, and stability create the embodied architectural event of space.
The Landroom is about 6 square meters in size and it can accommodate two people.
It embodies the transition from a normative lifestyle to the unpredictable living conditions created as a result of the corona plague that plagues our world today.
It also maintains an internal and external dialogue with the physical area (Ramon Crater) in which it is located, thus allowing a connection between the space and the landscape that surrounds it. Among other things, the atmosphere in the Landroom transform itself with changing environmental conditions throughout the day.
The project was built entirely of earth and sand from Ramon Crater, as well as stones found at the site.The construction process takes place by compressing soil into its various layers into a mold created specifically for the design of the project, in order to create the a visual stratification of the material from which the Landroom is built. The project examines the relationship between material and territorial space, and how they define each other.
Among other things, the Landroom refers to the soundscape local environment. Inside the space, there is a window on which hangs a wind bell built of desert stone and thus a dialogue takes place with the natural environment in which it is located.
This work emphasizes the need of man to observe nature. The Landroom is a spatial formal translation that provides the visitor a sense of freedom and space within a unique landscape.
