SolarArchitects.

SOLAR Architects

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Established in 1975, by Giora Solar, graduate of the Technion in Haifa, in Architecture and Town Planning and of ICCROM, the center for conservation studies in Rome.

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Since its establishment, the office specializes in conservation of Cultural Heritage, in Israel and in the world.

During the years 1988-1994 Solar closed his private practice, when asked to establish and direct the Israel Antiquaries Authority's conservation department. In the years 1995-2000 he moved to the USA to create and direct the Field Projects Department of The Getty Conservation Institute. Returned to Israel in 2000, to reopen his private practice, based in Jerusalem.

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Most projects in the earlier years focused on archaeological sites, serving as excavations architect and planning the conservation and presentation of archaeological sites for public visits. Main projects in those years (1975-88) were the Jerusalem Citadel, excavations at Tel Dan, The City of David, Ashkelon, Beit Shean, excavation and restoration of the Roman bath of Hamat Gader, reconstruction of the Roman theatre of Shuni, planning for vivisits of the hiding complex of H. Chazan, conservation in National Parks (Q. Nimrod, Kadesh Naftali, Tiberias hot springs, Korazin, Belvoir Crusader castle and Ashkelon)' survey of hiding complexes near Beit Govrin and more.

After the renewal of the work of the office and the joining of Dror Solar (graduate of Bezalel in Architecture and MSc from the Technion in conservation), the focus of the work shifted to planning of conservation of human settlements with all which is included. Much of the work has been in different countries around the world (including China, Croatia, Malta, Bosnia& Herzegovina, Turkey, Slovakia, Albania) and majority in Israel. The work included preparation of documentation files for settlements and buildings, master plans and surveys of neighborhoods and settlements, conservation, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, including the first Knesset (parliament) building, Prime Minister's building in Tel Aviv, Visitors' Centre in Sarona, President's house in Jerusalem and others. Other activities included preparation of World Heritage nominations (UNESCO list) in Israel and abroad, advising and reviewing WH nominations around the world.

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The office writes conservation expertise reports, including for courts and appeals committees.

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Teaching and lecturing all around the world, on theoretical and practical matters relevant to the protection and conservation of Cultural Heritage, constitute significant part of the work of the office – as well as participation in different local and international for a and professional organizations.