The establishment of the Accessible Culture Center in Tel Aviv is regarded as one of Israel’s most iconic and advanced public buildings in the field of accessibility. Managed end-to-end by Raz Management & Engineering, the project addressed complex engineering and managerial challenges. Commissioned by the Central Library for the Blind and People with Visual Disabilities, it required a comprehensive oversight process that encompassed the construction of a basement, ground floor, and three additional floors, as well as an iconic façade composed of unique white concrete panels incorporating giant Braille inscriptions created by artist Nimrod Shapira.
Management and Supervision of a Groundbreaking Project
This project demanded full control over every stage of planning and execution, coordination between dozens of consultants and contractors, and the resolution of exceptional challenges in accessibility, functionality, and customized user adaptations. From the initial stages through final handover, our role was guided by meticulous management, close supervision, and a deep social awareness — ensuring the realization of the vision and setting a new standard for accessible public facilities.
A Choice Driven by Values
Our decision to take part in such a project was far from coincidental. At Raz Management & Engineering, we operate under a broader vision that sees engineering as a tool for social impact. We believe that quality planning is not only a matter of structure, budget, or timelines — but also a means of creating influence, bridging gaps, and fostering a sense of belonging for communities whose voices are not always heard.
“For us, this is not just another public building — it is a space that embraces people on a profound level, creating a complete accessibility experience that goes far beyond regulatory requirements,” says Boaz Nitzan, CEO of Raz Management & Engineering. “The essence of managing such a project lies in understanding that every detail matters, every decision has an impact — and that our ability to engineer equality carries real value.”
From Concept to Multi-Sensory Experience
The primary challenge was not simply to create an architecturally impressive structure, but to develop a fully navigable and experiential environment that could be engaged through multiple senses — touch, sound, and movement — serving the needs of the users in full. Early in the process, we led a unique methodology in which physical models of spaces and systems were produced and provided to the library’s staff and potential users, enabling them to feel, explore, and give real-time feedback. This hands-on engagement allowed us to refine functional aspects, integrate tailor-made solutions, and ensure every element met the actual needs in the field.
Integrating Advanced Systems and Infrastructure
From a managerial perspective, the project involved the coordination and integration of diverse advanced systems and infrastructure — from the creation of an international conference and training hall, to the installation of two large-scale Braille printing machines and their unique paper rolls, imported specially from Norway, to the development of specialized spaces for immersive, multi-sensory learning and training.
Danny Haberman, Project Engineer and Manager from Raz Management & Engineering, who oversaw the project from inception and continues to support the center today, explains:
“Managing a project of this caliber requires a perspective far beyond conventional planning. We had to synchronize between consultants and contractors while adhering to very strict budget and timeline frameworks. This is not just another public building — it is a project designed to change reality for an entire community.”
This multi-sensory approach, combined with precise management throughout, ensured that the center not only met the highest regulatory standards, but also delivered a truly complete, accessible, and meaningful user experience.
A Façade that Tells a Story
The building’s façade was designed with sculptural concrete elements resembling open Braille book pages. These “concrete pages” were not only an architectural statement but also a significant engineering challenge: combining exposed concrete with glass curtain walls demanded the highest levels of design precision and execution.
“The significance here is not only aesthetic but deeply symbolic. We wanted to create a façade with presence — an urban landmark that honors its user community,” adds Gal Weiser-Fried, Partner and Director at Raz Management & Engineering.
Green and Intelligent Construction
The Accessible Culture Center was designed in compliance with the Israeli Green Building Standard. Climate analyses informed optimal shading solutions and the strategic placement of openings, enabling natural airflow and reduced solar heat gain. A central courtyard (patio) serves as the heart of the building, with most open spaces positioned around it. External façades facing away from the patio were designed with smaller window areas for efficient thermal insulation.
Acoustics, Sound, and Sensory Precision
A significant part of the project involved the planning and construction of an advanced studio complex for the production of audiobooks and other media. This required thermal and acoustic insulation systems far exceeding standard requirements, driven by the understanding that sound quality is a central component of the user experience. The facility includes state-of-the-art recording and podcast studios, enabling professional content production for the blind and visually impaired community.
In addition, a unique acoustic hall was designed and built for music recording, serving musicians and staff with visual impairments and providing them with an inspiring and tailored working environment.
“For us, acoustics and sound are not just technical aspects — they are at the heart of the experience. We wanted to create spaces where every sound, every word, and every musical note is heard at its best, making users feel that every detail was built especially for them,” says Boaz Nitzan.
Turning Vision into Reality
The Accessible Culture Center in Tel Aviv was awarded the prestigious Rokach Prize for Architecture in 2023 — a testament to its architectural, social, and cultural significance. Its success was made possible through close collaboration with Oka Architects, who shaped the unique architectural vision, and Yaniv Engineering, who executed the works with outstanding professionalism and finish.
For Raz Management & Engineering, projects of this nature — where every detail is critical and every decision directly affects the user — require not only professional expertise, but also deep listening, patience, and a strong social conscience. This is engineering work that goes beyond meeting objectives — it is driven by a commitment to the people the project is meant to serve.
The Accessible Culture Center stands as a moving example of how precise planning can create real change: enabling inclusive and equitable cultural experiences, building environments that support communities, and creating spaces that embody the values of inclusion and visibility.
For us at Raz Management & Engineering, this is far more than a project — it is a mission. Guided by our belief in engineering’s power to make an impact, we will continue to initiate, support, and lead projects grounded in inclusion, accessibility, and hope. Because ultimately, making culture accessible is making belonging accessible — for everyone.
