Architecture in Israel

With the Jewish People's return to the Land of Israel, it became necessary to plan and implement a new infrastructure for urban and rural locations. Such infrastructure included housing, public buildings, and agricultural and industrial facilities. Architects tried to combine elements of European architecture and technological innovations to suit the prevailing climatic, topographical and social conditions.Starting from scratch gave the designer's imagination free rein. Economic and social difficulties notwithstanding, functional and aesthetic solutions were produced which compare favourably with the best architecture in the world.

The stamp issued on 26.4.1992 depicts The National Institutions Building built between 1928 and 1932 in Jerusalem with the offices of the Jewish Agency, the Zionist Management, Keren Hayesod Foundation Fund and Keren Kayemet National Fund.

The design and planning of this first public building in Eretz Israel were chosen by public competition. Thirty-three designs were submitted by Jewish architects in Israel, with styles ranging from local eclecticism to extreme modernism. Ratner's work was accepted as the most suitable, being both functional and representative. The main building is accentuated by a large veranda on pillars. The impressive internal courtyard is oval with a wide opening to the street. The courtyard is enclosed by the offices and the main building. By using simple cubist shapes, both in the exterior and interior, and with fine attention to detail, Ratner gave the National Institutions Building an air of simplicity and majesty which still remains today despite many changes and additions to the building over the years.

Merja gave me this FDC.