The golden heart pavilion is the first community building in Ein Hawd

Design: Malkit Shoshan, FAST

Construction date: July 2008

Before 1948, Ein Hawd’s villagers had a public covered space, the diwan, in which local ceremonies were held (weddings, funerals, parties, festivals for outsiders etc.) The original structure was made out of stone arches and covered was with fabric or other temporary materials.

The situation in the new Ein Hawd does not allow a permanent structure, since it has a little chance to be legalized. Therefore, we created a movable structure, a golden balloon resting on a belt of walls. The structure can be removed and stored when necessary.

The golden heart principles

View from the sky

The Israeli government uses airplane and satellites to track down illegal construction and illegal building sites. For that reason, the heart shape was chosen as a friendly form for the eyes of the authorities.

Structural references

We have created a flexible, modular, easy structure to move and to store. The 90 square meter structure is a fire-proof inflatable. It was produced by INFLATE.

Green

Focusing on reintroducing the Mediterranean landscape, the golden heart has another important function: plantation. The golden heart is surrounded by a blossoming garden. Moving or removing the heart will leave a beautiful garden behind.

Interior

The interior space of the pavilion is divided into two main areas: the exhibition that shows visions for Ein Hawd’s future, and a salon. The space is designed in collaboration with the Palestinian artist Sharif Waked.