From Vision to Realization
The Design of Culture in the Kibbutzim
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2185109 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jonathan Letzter (0000-0001-7209-5422) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Pages | 1-35 |
| Publication date | 2023-11-24 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Heritage & Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2159-032X • E-ISSN: 2159-0338 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/2159032x.2023.2283941 |
| OpenAlex | W4388971974 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 8 |
The kibbutzim are unique communal settlements in Israel that aimed to establish an exemplary way of living and set a positive example for Israeli society. They sought to differentiate themselves from urban life and instead created a social structure based on socialist principles. This study delves into the cultural aspects of the kibbutzim, with a specific focus on their architectural representation, planning, and design. It demonstrates that architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping the kibbutzim way of life, with architects and members actively participating in the design process. Through their collective efforts, the kibbutzim strive to create physical spaces that embody their values and aspirations, reflecting their commitment to social equality and communal living. This paper thoroughly investigates the significance of developing tangible infrastructure to accommodate kibbutz culture. It examines the relationship between architecture and culture at three levels: the kibbutz’s master plan, the settlement’s cultural complexes, and the individual’s experience within the library space. At each level, this paper uncovers new insights, providing a fresh perspective on the relationship between the kibbutz society and its physical cultural structures.KEYWORDS: KibbutzarchitectureculturelibrarydesignsocialismIsraelzionismMoshav Disclosure StatementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Notes1 Kibbutzim and Moshavim protocols, The state archive: Kibbutzim and Moshavin, 27/12/c-1.2 In 1999 the first three streams were gathered into the same group: The United Kibbutz Movement (Hatnu’a HaKibbutzit Hameukhedet – taka”m) see: Landshut, Citation1944, b161; Pauker Citation2018.3 Oppenheimer set basic financial rules: (1) The economy should be based on self-production. (2) The Jewish communities will be based on agriculture. 3. The land belonged to the state, no private lands. Ran Hakim quoted Franz Oppenheimer in: Hakim Citation2009, 8–9.4 The Second Aliyah refers to the massive influx of immigrants during the years 1904–1914. Between these years approximately 35,000 Jews arrived, mainly from Russia and Poland. The most significant thinker for the crystallization of the idea of the “small kvutza” was A.D. Gordon (1856–1922), who emphasized the importance of personal and humanistic self-education, and negated what he called “mechanistic socialism.” See: Bar-Or and Yasky, Citation2011, 19–20; Schweid, Citation1970.5 Most members had not completed secondary education, but their interest in international thought and reading made them self-taught. See: Bar-Or and Yasky, Citation2011, 349.6 The building was an inspiration for famous architects such as Louis I. Kahn’s Yale Center for British Art and the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, and the Renzo Piano Menil Collection in Houston. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/13/t-magazine/israel-art-museum-ein-harod.html [27 February 2021].7 Pinchas Lavon Institute for Labour Movement Research, file: Culture Central Committee, IV-142-1-124, comp. 13076; Center for Education IV-215-1-1658, comp.4085.8 Michael Chyutin elaborates examples for the inspiration for the Eretz-Israel’s settlements that came from European architects. See: Chyutin Citation2003, 112; Sharon Citation1976, 62.9 Freddy Kahana mentions an article written by Bickels which was never published and considered the most important paper for Kibbutzim planning. See: Bickels Citation1961. More on Bickels at the Kibbutzim, see: Renov Citation1992; Efrat Citation2012.10 Bickels drawings, Yad Tabenkin, culture houses and libraries, file: 15-20/48/2,192006.11 Only small amount of Mestechkin’s original drawings is left in Yad Yaari Research & Documentation Center. File: 8-2-04-1/005/000045.12 Diagram of the functions and interactions, 1940s, Sharon’s drawings, Azrieli Architectural Archive (AES-1-220).13 Sharon’s drawings: Azrieli Architectural Archive, files: Kfar Blum, 1943 (AES-1-147); Geva, 1937 (AES-1-001).14 Sharon’s drawings: Azrieli Architectural Archive, files: Sarid, 1937 (AES-1-095)15 Sharon’s drawings: Azrieli Architectural Archive, files: Sde Eliyahu, 1947 (AES-1-020); Geva, 1949 (AES-1-001).16 Ze’ev Rechter Archive, The National Library, Architectural drawings - Comprehensive planning, file: ArRe-001-029-002.17 Bickels drawings, Yad Tabenkin, culture houses and libraries, file: 15-20/48/2,192006.18 Hebron drawings, Yad Tabenkin, file: VC-Architect_ArHb-001.19 More examples of cultural complexes: in the 1960s Freddy Kahana designed three complexes in Netzer Sireni (1962), Kfar Hanasi and Beit HaEmek. See: Kahana, 1960, 240.20 Books in Numbers: Kibbutz’s Children Libraries: http://tarbut-yeladim.blogspot.com/2011/08/ [27 February 2021].21 Sharon’s drawings: Azrieli Architectural Archive, files: Gan Shmuel, 1952 (AES-1-006
Business · Geography · Human settlement · Political science · Public relations · Representation (politics · Settlement (finance · Sociology · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Memory, Trauma, and Commemoration · Turkey's Politics and Society · Architecture · Law
| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |