Midbarium: A Sustainable Desert Oasis by Asaf Lerman

An Architectural Marvel Blending Brutalism and Sustainability

The Midbarium, officially named The Jack, Joseph & Morton Mandell Animal Park, is a groundbreaking architectural project in Be’er Sheva, Israel. Designed by renowned architect Asaf Lerman, this unique park redefines zoo architecture by merging sustainability, desert ecology, and cultural heritage into a seamless design.

A Vision for Environmental Awareness

The name Midbarium derives from "Midbar," the Hebrew word for desert, reflecting the project’s deep connection to its surroundings. The park serves as a sanctuary for native wildlife and ecological education, inviting visitors into an immersive experience that replicates the region’s natural landscapes.

Designed in collaboration with Zur-Wolf Landscape Architects and top environmental experts, the Midbarium embodies a biophilic approach, fostering a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. The park’s innovative layout includes interconnected walkways, shaded gathering areas, an amphitheater, retail spaces, and interactive learning stations that enhance visitor engagement.

Architectural Design: A Tribute to Brutalism and Climate Responsiveness

At the heart of the Midbarium is its 1,800-square-meter entrance canopy, a bold brutalist-inspired structure crafted from raw concrete. The design, influenced by traditional desert dwellings, offers a naturally shaded space, reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

Unlike conventional brutalist architecture, often associated with mass and heaviness, this structure features a delicate triangulated grid of concrete beams, developed in collaboration with engineer Rafi Bat, known for his work on Be’er Sheva’s City Hall and The University Library. This innovative approach creates an interplay of light, shadow, and air circulation, enhancing the public space beneath.

Sustainable Design: Passive Cooling and Natural Ventilation

A defining feature of the Midbarium is its commitment to sustainable architecture. The entrance canopy serves a dual purpose—providing shade and channeling fresh air towards the park’s educational center. Through narrow air passages, the structure facilitates natural ventilation, eliminating the need for conventional air conditioning and reinforcing the park’s eco-conscious mission.

A Landmark in Israeli Architecture

The Midbarium adds to A. Lerman Architects’ impressive portfolio, which includes collaborations on the Jerusalem National Museum, The Mandel School at The Hebrew University, and the Bezalel School for the Arts. The project highlights the firm’s expertise in blending vernacular knowledge with contemporary sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for climate-responsive architecture in arid environments.

"By embracing the desert air rather than blocking it out, we create a new dialogue between the city and its natural surroundings," states architect Asaf Lerman.

Key Features of the Midbarium

Sustainable Architecture – Passive cooling, ecological ventilation, and energy-efficient design.

 Brutalist Influence – A tribute to Be’er Sheva’s modernist architectural legacy.

Cultural Sensitivity – Inspired by traditional desert shelters.

 Community-Oriented Spaces – Public seating, amphitheater, retail, and interactive exhibits.

 Landscape Integration – Designed to mimic the local desert ecosystem.

All Photographs are works of Nimrod Levy