DESA1002 'Nine Quarter City' - <Thomas Groves>

Abstract

Being a culture and city founded on culture and history, my project for this semester aimed to bring an infusion of traditionalism and contemporary activities in a nightclub for the youth of Jerusalem. Housed within the thick limestone walls mimetic of Israeli architecture, the nightclub hides a large open arena for dancing, drinking and socializing with multileveled walkways, covered alcoves, raised dance floors and the main internal feature a large sandstone bell tower which houses the bar and DJ, as well as lighting up the room with lasers. The nightclub however offers something back to the community with a function room on its top level, suitable for bar mitzvahs or ceremonies. The design is simple for the exterior, with thick stone walls and tapering supports, with a large tile slat dome protruding from its very peak. The stone walls were chosen to connect with the cityscape whilst also providing noise cancellation for the cluttered surroundings. The entrance of the nightclub is the focal point of the building, as it is naturally the part, which is meant to welcome patrons within the facilities. Fashioned from tinted glass blocks, timber slat paneling and white accentuating marble, it provides a colourful contrast to the surrounding yellow stone city. I think my project was to bring enjoyment to a city, which is known, for turmoil and destruction, as well as exploring and creating a nightclub which I myself would enjoy visiting. The youth of Jerusalem have been targeted as the key factor in mending future relations between the Jewish and Palestinian communities, so where better to begin than in a raging nightclub, where all can join in an enjoyable night on the town. I aimed to provide a contrasting function this semester, one of enjoyment in a society which values festivals and time together, so hopefully this nightclub clasps at the imagination as you envisage the DJ pumping the music from the heights of the bell tower as the lasers scan the room in sync with the thumping beat within the heart of Jerusalem.