Beit Bussel Campus – Safed Academic College by Tuch-Saragossi Landscape Architecture

Zefat Academic College- Beit Bussel : Where the Spirit of Place Weaves the Past into the Future

Beit Bussel is the beating heart of Zefat Academic College, located in the core of the Old City of Safed. The college is spread across historic buildings along Jerusalem Street, a vibrant central axis of the city, creating a unique connection between past and present.

Safed, one of the oldest cities in Israel, boasts a continuous history spanning approximately 3,500 years. Its location on a ridge of the Galilee Mountains, at an elevation of around 900 meters above sea level, together with its unique spiritual character, has drawn people seeking learning, inspiration, and spiritual elevation for generations.

In this richly historical setting, with new buildings being planned, we faced a unique design challenge: How can landscape architecture serve as a unifying bridge
On a physical level – connecting varied elevations and spatial typologies.
On a human level – bridging between Jews and Arabs, secular and religious communities.
On a conceptual level – linking the new and innovative with the old and inherited.
What do we choose to preserve? What do we let go of? How do we amplify what matters, rather than diminish it?

Design Approach

We embraced the third path — designing a place that draws inspiration from the site’s rich past while being delicately interwoven into the evolving campus fabric through its spaces, uses, materials, vegetation, and topography. As we developed the design, we continuously asked ourselves how the dialogue between past and present should be expressed: Should we aim for an authentic reconstruction of the historical space, restoring it to its original state? Should we adopt a contemporary approach that creates a clear and conscious contrast between old and new, as reflected in the design of the new buildings?
Or should we weave a more subtle language that fosters a sensitive connection to the existing environment, honoring its unique character without competing with it?

The space is organized hierarchically, according to formality and intensity:
The upper section, adjacent to the city, is more structured and formal.
As one enters the Campus from Jerusalem Street, through the built gate, and descends through its terraces, the space opens up and becomes more expansive, blending naturally with the Galilean landscape and the “Techelet Valley” at its edge.

Within the space, emphasis was placed on creating a diverse mosaic of environments:
On the one hand, large open areas for events, ceremonies, and community activities.
On the other, intimate and quiet corners for gathering, reflection, and solitude.
The site’s complex topography was viewed as an advantage rather than a constraint:
It was shaped to form a central terraced area functioning as an open amphitheater for public events and ceremonies.
Terraces were carefully planned to create a cohesive spatial experience with minimal visual obstructions (such as railings or tall elements), all oriented toward the breathtaking view of Techelet Valley, with its running stream.

Full accessibility was a guiding principle.
Every terrace and building entrance is accessible via designated parking, with level connections provided through gentle ramps or newly constructed structures. Accessibility was integrated as an inherent part of the development.

Material and colour selections were deliberate to reflect the spirit of the place – the unique “Genius loci- Zefat atmosphere” – and to suit the local climate, light, and uses.
We also sought to soften the sharp contrast created by the new buildings in relation to the preserved structures (where the architects intentionally emphasized the old-new dichotomy).
Chosen materials include local stone, wood, and metal throughout the site:
• Stone walls and paving blend with the historic textures of the Old City, while ensuring durability and low maintenance.
• Wooden seating walls provide comfort in the local climate, complement traditional stone-wood architecture, and add warmth to the light limestone palette.
• Metal elements were inspired by historical ironwork documented in the site’s archives.

The planting scheme was influenced by the site’s medical history (once a medical center and rest home) and the college’s academic identity (offering nursing studies).
Great care was taken to preserve the ancient cypress trees and to restore the historic avenue leading from the main gate to the plaza and open view.

The landscaping includes medicinal and therapeutic plants that enhance the learning experience and reinforce the sense of place.
Students and faculty are invited to use them for daily purposes – tea, cooking, healing and more.

Bringing the place to life
Since officially opening at the end of 2022, the campus has flourished into a vibrant center of creativity, connection, and life. More than just filling the place with activity, the college has breathed into it a spirit of community, inspiration, and belonging.
A glimpse at the college’s social media channels captures this transformation — a dynamic tapestry of events, encounters, and shared moments that celebrate not just a place, but a living community shaped by thoughtful design.

• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
Landscape Architecture Tuch – Saragossi LTD.
Designed by Tammy wiener Saragossi, Lee Netzer

• Architecture offices involved in the design:
The reconstruction and reservation of the existing building and planning of the new buildings were designed by Tsionov Vitkon Architects

• Other credits:
Safed Academic College- VP of Construction Development and Maintenance- Haim Dahan.
Construction Supervision- Shitrit Yaacov
Contractor- Y.P. Galilee Developers Ltd- Roshrosh Shadi
Photographer- Peled Studios Architecture Photography

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