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Z. A. Spalter Architects- A Unique Architectural Studio in Jerusalem.
My independent design office originated from the partnership of Z. Spalter- Lev Stern Architects. It grew on the solid background of my Architecture & Town Planning studies in the Technological Institute of Israel in Haifa, advanced studies and design practice in the Technological Institute of Tokyo, specializing in Traditional Japanese Buildings, and Tectonic and Urban design including actual architectural work in some of the most prominent design offices of Japan like the S. Otani Studio and K. Seike Office, and on the other hand, Torah and Hassidut (Jewish Mysticism) study with Rabbi Adin Steinzalts, with who's encouragement I deepened my knowledge in Mikvehs (Jewish ritual immersion houses), and already planned 101 Mikvehs in Israel and abroad.
My office gives the highest level of architectural design to the most discriminate clients who expect quality, reliance and dedication, from the first stages of conceptual planning to the implement of the client's program in the final plans and fine detailing. In all our plans we do our best to economize the projects to the tight budgets of our clients.
In my office we specialize in Mikveh planning. I set the standard for Mikveh building on my appointment as planning and Jewish Law consultant to the Ministry of Construction and Housing. The committee, of which I served as chief of planning, issued the official requirements and budget of Mikvehs built by the Government. I also set, after consulting Rabbis expertising in Mikvehs, like Rabbi Shmuel Minzberg O.B.M., Rabbi Brandsdorfer (of the Eda Haredit), and the staff of Taharas Hamishpacha B'Israel headed by Rabbi Yehoshua Levi & Rabbi Yeshaya Neuwürth (of Kol Tora) , the highest standards of Kashrus (correspondence to Jewish Law), and implementation of aesthetic aspects which were neglected in the past. Many of our design ideas, including solutions for the handicapped in every Mikveh, were copied- from Russia to Portugal and from India to America.
During my 32 Years practicing architecture in Jerusalem, I absorbed its built up and open space atmosphere, and the buildings I build in its various communities are always recognized as "Yerushalmi Houses", in their stone craft and in their unique combination of wood, ceramics, iron and variety of stone uses. My buildings stand proudly in traditional neighborhoods like Nahalat Shiva, Old Katamon, The Jewish Quarter of Old Jerusalem and the Wailing Wall vicinity.
We put a lot of dedication into planning of community institutes like schools, yeshiot and synagogues, of which some are of the best panned and built in and around Jerusalem. We incorporate educational standards with environmental planning, creating an easy and relaxed atmosphere in the classroom and in the Beth Midrash (study hall), together with the serenity needed in the praying area, not forgetting the comfort of the women prayers and quiet and safe place for children.
My Japanese background is expressed in my design combining strongly the indoors with the outdoors, the modular-rational division of rooms, private and public areas and integration of the Japanese Garden atmosphere in the design, economizing on water but giving inspiration to the onlooker and to the walker as well.
For the last few years we were commissioned to renovate, enlarge but carefully preserve one of the oldest and most distinctive neighborhoods of Jerusalem- the "Batei Ungarin" quarter of Me'ah She'arim. We are engaged in urban renovation, renewal and enlargement of the public buildings from primary schools through Torah collages to synagogues and mikvehs, and plan l hundreds of additional apartments, to ease the severe housing shortage of the living community.
The design team in my office is a highly motivated group of professionals, cooperating on complex planning tasks we perform, like rewriting statutory urban plans in dense areas- inside cities and in the Yehudah and Samaria (River Jordan's Western Bank) districts. We give the best design solutions and architectural services.
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