Basic research is a field of research whose role is to investigate questions of principle without an applied purpose and without guidance. The main motive of basic research is curiosity.
In contrast, most of the elementary schools today, do not arouse curiosity, do not encourage the development of independent thought, but adhere to an existing pedagogical program with clear goals. Developing curiosity, breaking the boundaries of the student interest and at the same time also of the teacher, are in my opinion of prime importance in the education process. This issue is also reflected in the urban location of the schools in the city. The schools enforce barriers in the urban fabric, they are fenced and used for only half a day. The desire to break through the definitions both on the mental level and on the urban level led me to look for a place in the city that will arouse curiosity not only among students, but also among city residents, blurring the boundaries, encouraging new discoveries, collaborations, hence creating a fundamental change in the systemic thought process. The formal structure, materials and construction are intended to present and intensify the curiosity among the children and adults who visit the site.
The project is located near the "Haifa City Museum". An urban path that starts at the entrance of the site near the museum, enters the main floor of the school and creates a common space for both the museum visitors and the school children. This urban path connects others common spaces including a library, exhibition spaces and more.
The course of the movement, and the spaces that are revealed along it, can be transformed according to the decisions of the school and the museum, as well as according to the various seasons or time of the day. They are designed to generate curiosity, a desire for new discoveries and open-mindedness among children and even among adults.
