Tel Aviv, Israel

American Prize for Architecture laureates Kohn Pedersen Fox’s new 340-meter Azrieli Tower will become the centerpiece of downtown Tel Aviv, introducing a vibrant mix of uses to the city’s burgeoning business district, and enlivening the skyline with its unique, aspirational form.

The new tower, designed with Moshe Tzur Architects, is destined to be Israel’s next tallest building.

Azrieli Tower won a 2020 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum.

The KPF-designed tower required thoughtful attention to the composition of the existing complex, which includes a trio of square, circular and triangular towers.

An elongated circle in plan, the tower’s elliptical footprint references this purist geometry, both revering its neighbors and establishing a dynamic, new identity.

In formal profile, the tower takes the form of a spiraling scroll. At the ground level, the outer layer of this spiral wraps around the existing retail base.

Further up in the composition, the façade wraps around the shaft of the new tower, narrowing as it ascends to create optimal office floor plates.

Still higher, increasingly smaller floor plates accommodate residential and hotel functions.

Overall, the tower will comprise 65,000 square meters of office, 17,000 square meters of residential, 15,000 square meters of hotel, and 15,000 square meters of retail space.

At its pinnacle, the tower will include public space for gathering and entertainment.

As the city’s tallest building, Azrieli Tower will also offer 360-degree views of Tel Aviv and its surroundings, from its historic neighborhoods to the Mediterranean Sea to Jerusalem on a clear day.

“This tower will grow out of the DNA of Tel Aviv’s existing square, circular and triangular towers,” KPF President James von Klemperer said.

“It seeks to be both dramatic but also gentle and harmonious. It does not seek to disturb or overpower, but to create harmony in this whole setting and remain respectful to the environment surrounding it.”

“We looked at a range of sources of inspiration for the design, including our history, nature, culture and values,” said Azrieli Group chairwoman Dana Azrieli.

Developer Azrieli Group also proposes to build an observation area at the apex of the tower, offering guests panoramic views of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea.

Architects: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC.
Architects of Record: Moshe Tzur Architects
Client: Azrieli Group Ltd.