How do you create a reality that is greater than the sum of its parts?
As we near the final stages of construction at Jerusalem Estates, we’ll be going back in time to review some of the details of the project, an array of magnificent and intricate craftsmanship which combine to form a magnificent reality. This month, we’ll focus on one of the centerpieces – the golden latticework hanging in each of the 13 lobbies, an objet d’art which captivates all who enter.
Bringing masterful metalwork to Jerusalem
This highly unique, aluminum and gold-plated pattern, referred to locally as “משרבייה”, is an intricate feature with carved latticework of Arabic origin. Architect and interior designer Sari Gerstein collaborated with world-renowned metalworkers Sagdor Steel, taking inspiration from the architecture of historical Jerusalem, as well as the ancient coins at the core of the project’s marketing. The imposing, 20-foot tall masterpiece manages to merge these elements with cutting-edge, modern design for a fusion which is elegant, refreshing, and utterly breathtaking
The evolution of true art
It’s fascinating to see how the sketches evolved throughout a lengthy design and collaboration process. In this picture, you can see how the screen was rendered as a more simplistic, single-layer sheet. This iteration, like so many others, was rejected since it failed to deliver the full effect once produced. The team returned to the drawing board, over and over again, until they landed on the final, a product with depth and complexity that is stunning in its beauty.
The mounting process was a project in and of itself, since the finished piece weighed in a half a ton and required eight people to lift it. The latticework was suspended several centimeters off the wall to simulate a floating effect, and soft, partially concealed light was designed to illuminate the artistic display.
The magnificent results are visible to all who enter the project’s buildings. It’s hard to ignore the majestic aura it lends the lobby, along with the elegant wooden display which holds replicas of the ancient coins that have become the symbol of Jerusalem Estates.
“…בְּחָכְמָה וּבִתְבוּנָה וּבְדַעַת וּבְכָל-מְלָאכָה. לַחְשֹׁב מַחֲשָׁבֹת, לַעֲשׂוֹת בַּזָּהָב וּבַכֶּסֶף וּבַנְּחֹשֶׁת. וּבַחֲרֹשֶׁת אֶבֶן לְמַלֹּאת וּבַחֲרֹשֶׁת עֵץ, לַעֲשׂוֹת בְּכָל-מְלָאכָה.”
“…In wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; and to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of skillful workmanship.”
This is just one of the elements which appear throughout the project, imbued with mind-boggling amounts of talent, effort and artistry, all to attain the unprecedented level of thoughtful design that graces Jerusalem Estates.
In keeping with the impressive lobby, designer Sari Gerstein was asked to recreate this intricate pattern within several private residences. Below, for example, is a latticework incorporated in the interior design of one of the private living rooms.
