Goal To establish a state-of-the-art regional science park to promote science and technology education. Architect's impression

Overview The new science park in Be'er Sheva will enhance the teaching of science and technology in the southern region. As a key component of the Madarom project, the science park will enable Madarom to coordinate its activities and support in a massive way not merely informal educational activities, but also formal education in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. A central aim of the park is to support and enrich the formal education system. Exhibits will be designed as interactive, challenging games, and they will tie in with topics being taught in the classroom. After passing through the exhibition halls and trying out the exhibits, pupils will gather in laboratories where they will receive fuller scientific explanations. The park is also meant to appeal to the general public. As most visitors to science parks are not professional scientists, the exhibits and their arrangement will be enjoyable and informative to the entire population of the Negev.

Preserved Turkish building Located in the center of Be'er Sheva on a site of approximately 17 dunam, the science park will combine the old and the new – a building dating from the Ottoman period, with a modern architectural structure – to create an unusual and inviting educational-cultural experience. Most of the new exhibition halls will be built underground, thereby emphasizing the special quality of the historic Turkish building. A science garden will flow between the buildings, accessible to the public from the surrounding streets. The garden will also serve as an exhibition area, containing experiential environmental sculptures.

Update Renovation of the Turkish building began in December 2004. The interior of this historic structure will become an exhibition hall, small auditorium and offices, while the landmark exterior will be preserved. This renovation is expected to be completed by August 2006.

Sacta-Rashi's Involvement  Initiation of concept and development  Construction management  Part of construction costs  Partner recruitment

Partners Ministry of Education Be'er Sheva Municipality National Lottery Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Nuclear Research Center, Negev