The ‘Shalom’ Sports and Community Center is located in the ‘Midtown’ complex in Tel Aviv, overlooking the Ayalon Highway. Spanning 4,000 square meters, the facility includes a professional, fully equipped basketball court. It serves as the heart of a newly developed neighborhood that integrates residential, office, and commercial spaces. The project blends sports, excellence, and community and family values.
The center is an extension of the Wingate Institute for Sport and the home of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s basketball team.
When a designer takes on a brand-new, complete building with relatively sufficient time and budget for an in-depth planning process, the focus shifts not only to the design but also to the intended functions of the facility. A designer involved in the early stages of the project can influence operational aspects and shape the design language accordingly – unlike projects where the “graphic layer” is applied at the end.
In this way, the building’s character is developed in parallel with its design language, forming a cohesive whole.
The creation of a unique visual language was inspired by elements from the world of sports. This includes the development of an unconventional color palette that seamlessly integrates with the modern structure’s design, creating a harmonious connection between interior and exterior spaces. The signage system utilizes custom-made icons and pictograms, strategically eliminating the need for multilingual text – a decision made collaboratively by the studio and the center’s management. Additionally, the selection of furniture has been tailored to align with the visual language, reflecting its spirit and reinforcing the overall design concept.
