A research bunker disguised as a lantern—its façade is literally drawn from neurons, so the building wears its subject matter on its skin.
Research center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Featured in Norman Foster's definitive monograph, Norman Foster: A Life in Architecture.
Visitor Guide
This is a working research facility, not a public attraction—keep to campus paths, be discreet, and treat the building like a close-up study in façade depth rather than trying to ‘get in.’
On the main approach path at Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram), photograph mid-morning when the aluminum screen casts crisp shadows that reveal the pattern geometry.
Generally not open to casual visitors; entry is typically by appointment or campus business. Free alternative: exterior walk-around to read the screen, massing breaks, and courtyard edges.
The shading screen pattern is based on scientific drawings (neural structures) translated into an architectural perforation logic—ornament as data visualization.
20–40 minutes
Design & Structure
Facade-as-performance: a patterned aluminum screen tuned for shade and daylight while also carrying a narrative code. The design method is about environmental modeling (sun/shadow) meeting graphic translation (scientific drawings to repeatable perforation families).
Aluminum screen + high-performance glazing: the ‘soft’ look is actually a hard environmental device that mediates glare and heat while keeping labs daylit.
The interesting engineering is the marriage of lab-grade servicing (heavy MEP, vibration control) with open social spaces—two building types forced into one coherent, buildable section.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences?+
Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences was designed by Norman Foster.
Can I visit Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences?+
Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences is a real building in the world that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.