Tel Aviv Architecture Gets Illustrated Tribute

A stubborn Israeli landlord is partially to thank for a delightful new Tumblr. When that building owner refused to extend Avner Gicelter’s lease, he and his partner were forced to search for a new apartment in central Tel Aviv, which in 2003 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its collection of more than 4,000 Bauhaus and International Style buildings. “That process awakened my dormant passion for Tel Aviv's unique architecture, and I got more interested in the buildings than in the apartment we were looking for,” says Gicelter, a graphic designer. He decided to share his interest with the world through Tel Aviv Buildings, a site inspired in part by Jose Guizar’s Windows of New York. “I wanted to use this simple yet very honorable way of design to show my love for my hometown and its most beautiful buildings.” We asked Gicelter more about the project and some of his favorite Tel Aviv buildings. How do you describe the architecture of Tel Aviv? I don't really have a professional way to describe Tel Aviv's architecture, only a point of view as a designer—in Tel Aviv's central area (where you can find most of my illustrated buildings) there are two major architecture styles: the eclectic style which was active during the 1920s and 30s, and the International Style which was the major architecture movement during the 1930-50s and led UNESCO to name Tel Aviv as a world heritage site for its International Style architecture. I think that the difference between these two styles creates an unique and very interesting dialogue throughout the street of the city. In my opinion this dialogue is the best way to describe Tel Aviv's architecture. How do you decide which buildings to illustrate? I start by walking throughout the city's old areas. During that I shoot photos of buildings I find interesting, whether it is their architectural style, the way the residents designed their balconies or the presence of the building in the street. After choosing and shooting the buildings, I illustrate them with the pictures as reference. What has been your favorite (or most meaningful) building that you have illustrated so far? That's a very hard question to answer. I think the building I love the most, in real life and as an illustration, is Shmariyahu Levin No 17. It's an International Style house, built at the end of the 1950s. In addition to its straight and simple lines, minimalistic features, and great presence in the street, the building has some Mediterranean features that imply a local and modest look which I find fascinating. What do you do when not illustrating buildings? When I'm not illustrating buildings, I work as an user experience designer for a startup company in Hertzeliya, spend time with my partner—and most of the time looking forward to moving into our new apartment.

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Tel Aviv Architecture Gets Illustrated Tribute

Stephanie Murg

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Stephanie Murg