Architecture of an Existential Threat


Since its creation in 1948, the State of Israel has felt itself surrounded by enemies seeking its destruction. This siege mentality is best expressed in the ubiquitousness of the thousands of bomb shelters found throughout the country. By law all Israelis are required to have access to a bomb shelter and rooms that can be sealed off in case of an unconventional weapons attack.


The shelters come in all shapes and sizes. Along with the more conventional below ground bomb shelters, there are underground parking garages that can be converted into nuclear-proof bomb shelters and hospitals able to accommodate thousands, entire schools encased in reinforced concrete with blast-proof windows, and small, one room “mamads” in private residences meant to withstand rockets and unconventional weapons attack. It is not unusual to re-purpose bomb shelters for broader uses, such as dance studios, community centers, pubs, mosques, and synagogues. 


These shelters are the architecture of an existential threat – both real and perceived. In them can be seen Israel's resiliency as a nation, and its inability to come to terms with itself and with its neighbors in a volatile region.


Door inside the municipal bomb shelter, Haifa.
Door inside the municipal bomb shelter, Haifa.
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