טרה פורמה

In architecture, the focus is often on the present and the immediate use of buildings, with little attention given to what will happen after their use has ended. This project examines a different approach through the use of excavation and sculpting the natural landscape as preparation for the eventual decay and return to nature. It focuses on the full life cycle of a hotel in Eilat, from its construction to its eventual demise, emphasizing principles of sustainability and consideration for the natural landscape. The hotel, located half a kilometer south of the Underwater Observatory, integrates seamlessly into the desert environment. It is carved into the mountain to minimize the use of surface land, and its construction is based on utilizing materials excavated from the site to reduce environmental impact. The hotel has three life stages: In the first stage, the hotel will operate while adhering to sustainability principles. In the second stage, after the hotel is abandoned and its use and maintenance cease, the structure will begin to deteriorate and become a public focal point for travellers. In the third stage, nature will take over, and the structure will become a habitat for local plants and wildlife. As time passes, the building will further crumble and blend into the natural landscape.