Jerusalem is stepping onto the global stage: Clal Center, one of the city’s most iconic concrete structures from the 1970s, has been selected for display at the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism. The recognition highlights how urban and community renewal can transform a once-faded building into a vibrant cultural and social hub
Clal Center and urban renewal in Jerusalem
Designed by Israel Prize laureate architect Dan Eitan, Clal Center has undergone remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once viewed as a failed development, it now hosts cultural initiatives, community programs, artistic activity, and environmental projects. Its rebirth into a thriving public hub demonstrates how Jerusalem is implementing a vision of a modern, open, and sustainable city
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Seoul Biennale and Jerusalem’s global recognition
The fifth Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, opening this September, will feature 18 cities from around the world. The main theme this year is “How can we make our cities more human?”. Jerusalem’s pavilion – a collaboration between the municipality, Bezalel Academy, Muslala NGO, and DY-CP architects – will showcase the future vision for Clal Center, including rooftop parks, cultural events, and innovative solar panel projects
International curator Thomas Heatherwick stressed that “true sustainability begins with love for a place.” Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion added that the city is proving it can combine historical heritage with urban innovation. City Architect Ofer Manor noted that the renewal of Clal Center is a model for how social and municipal initiatives can breathe new life into aging structures and reshape the surrounding public space
