On a sun-blasted hill, Foster’s precision turns shade into ornament—architecture as a climatic instrument you can walk through.
Israeli university in Jerusalem.
Featured in Norman Foster's definitive monograph, Norman Foster: A Life in Architecture.
Visitor Guide
Security rules can change—carry ID and be ready to explain you’re visiting public campus areas. Focus your attention on the facade screens and shadow edges; Jerusalem architecture is a battle between light and stone, and this is the contemporary front line.
Givat Ram campus pedestrian routes near Foster’s brain-sciences complex (or related campus buildings); 16:00–17:30 for long, legible shadows on screens and courtyards.
Campus grounds are often accessible (subject to security and academic schedule), but specific research buildings are typically not open inside without business there. Free alternative: exterior campus walk plus nearby public museums in the city.
The ‘pattern’ is performance: screen density and aperture sizing behave like a daylight algorithm—ornament as environmental control, not nostalgia.
45–90 minutes (campus walk)
Design & Structure
Contemporary campus architecture driven by climate and security constraints: shaded courtyards, controlled apertures, and facade systems tuned for glare, heat, and privacy. Digital modeling underpins the screen logic—balancing daylight penetration with cooling loads and view control.
Jerusalem stone and modern metal/glass systems: the local material anchors the project in the city’s tectonic tradition, while engineered screens do the real climatic work.
Facade and courtyard systems act structurally and environmentally: screens, canopies, and shaded voids reduce solar loads and create stable microclimates without relying purely on mechanical brute force.
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Lürssen
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London Underground
Nearby in Jerusalem
Yad Vashem
David Citadel Hotel
National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel
Chords Bridge
Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem
Hadassah Medical Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Hebrew University of Jerusalem?+
Hebrew University of Jerusalem was designed by Norman Foster and completed in 1918. It is located in Jerusalem, Israel.
Where is Hebrew University of Jerusalem located?+
Hebrew University of Jerusalem is located in Jerusalem, Israel. Its coordinates are 31.7758°, 35.2000°.
When was Hebrew University of Jerusalem built?+
Hebrew University of Jerusalem was completed in 1918. It was designed by Norman Foster.
Can I visit Hebrew University of Jerusalem?+
Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a real building in Jerusalem 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.