“Above and Beyond” – Design-Build for children on the Autism Spectrum

A unique project designed and built by students from the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning at the Technion was recently inaugurated at Ofarim School in Haifa. “Above and Beyond” is an open-air space overlooking the sea, designed to provide children on the autism spectrum with a rich sensory experience through music, touch, sports, and play.

The project is by Studio 1:1, a Design-Build course led by architects Michal Bleicher and Dan Price, which promotes architectural design as a tool for research and social change. The course is now in its eighth year at the Technion, and 12 community-based structures have already been designed and built across Israel. [See Studio 1:1 website for other projects.]

“The project at Ofarim exemplifies Studio 1:1’s approach – learning through doing, with deep community engagement,” said Bleicher and Price. “The students are involved in the entire process, from research and design tailored to the school’s unique needs to actual physical construction on-site.”

Supported by the Azrieli Foundation, the Technion Social Hub, and donations from various communities, individuals, and companies, the project was designed in collaboration with Ofarim School, the Haifa Municipality, the Ministry of Education, and consultants.

The idea for the project originated with Dr. Irina Levin, a Technion alumna and current manager of laboratories in the Nancy and Stephen Grand Technion Energy Program at the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering. Levin, the mother of a former Ofarim student, approached Dalit Baruch, administrative head of the Faculty of Architecture, to help promote a community initiative for the school. This outreach led to a connection with Bleicher and Price and, ultimately, to the realization of the initiative.

Prof. Karl Martens, dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, thanked his predecessor, Prof. Guedi Capeluto, who accompanied the project, and said: “I had no doubt that Michal, Dan, and the students would succeed in executing the plan within just one semester. Thank you to the school and the municipality. It was necessary to think outside the box, and I’m sure the students finished the project with a profound sense of their social contribution.”

Nahum Bloch, principal of Ofarim School, added: “I saw remarkable dedication from Dan, Michal, and the students. As the Sages said, ‘Any Torah study without work will ultimately be meaningless.’ In this case, the students planned, built, and became full partners with our staff, the parents’ body, and the children. The students worked with incredible dedication, even those who were fasting during Ramadan. Because of their commitment, the construction could be completed in just 12 days.”

Lia Yosef, director of Special Education in the Haifa Municipality, praised the students:

“What you did here is exceptional. Thanks to you, the children can now learn through play, enjoy the sea view, and gather meaningful experiences. Thank you to Irina for the initiative and to all of the donors, the staff, and the students for making this a reality.”

Ofarim School, named in memory of Amir Greenbuch, is dedicated to the education of children on the autism spectrum. It operates in small groups, tailored to meet the needs of individual children. The Above and Beyond roof aims to support learning and activities outside the classroom, connecting the children to both the urban and natural environment. It stands as an impressive example of collaboration between academia, local government, and the education system for the benefit of the community.

Credit: Rami Shlush, Technion Spokesperson’s Office