Sarfatti 30 is a unique building located in Tel Aviv, Israel that has captured the attention of the architectural and design communities worldwide. Built in 1934 by the Italian architect Gino Levi-Montalcini, Sarfatti 30 was originally designed to serve as a showroom for Visarno, an Italian lighting company.
Today, Sarfatti 30 is not only a significant historical site but also a modern hub of innovation. The building’s distinctive architecture, fascinating history, and innovative design have earned it recognition as an icon of Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus legacy.
In this article, we will explore the story of Sarfatti 30, examining its history, architectural details, and design innovations.
A Brief Overview of Bauhaus Architecture and Tel Aviv
Before diving into the story of Sarfatti 30, it’s essential to understand the context of Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus legacy. The Bauhaus movement originated in Germany in the early 1900s and had a significant impact on architecture, design, and art worldwide.
In the 1930s, many Jewish architects and artists, who were fleeing from Nazi Germany, found refuge in Palestine. There, they established the White City of Tel Aviv, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features more than 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings.
The White City is considered the largest collection of Bauhaus-style architecture in the world, and it perfectly illustrates the influence of the Bauhaus movement on the development of modernist architecture. Sarfatti 30 is one of the most notable buildings in the White City, representing the pinnacle of Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus legacy.
The Design of Sarfatti 30
As previously mentioned, Sarfatti 30 was designed by Gino Levi-Montalcini in 1934. Levi-Montalcini was an Italian architect who worked in Milan and was known for his innovative designs and unique style.
The building’s design incorporates many of the signature elements of Bauhaus-style architecture, including an emphasis on clean lines, geometric shapes, and functionalism. Despite its modernist design, the building also features unique decorative elements, such as the inclusion of colorful tiles and iridescent glasswork.
The building is seven stories tall and features a curved facade that is meant to evoke the shape of a ship’s bow. One of the most distinctive features of the building is the use of terraces, protruding from the facade, which provide panoramic views of the city.
The History of Sarfatti 30
While Sarfatti 30 is undoubtedly a masterpiece of modernist design, its history is equally fascinating. Originally built as a showroom for Visarno, the building was sold to the Sarfatti family in the 1950s.
The Sarfatti family was a prominent Jewish family in Italy who had fled to Palestine during World War II. In the years following the war, they became successful businesspeople in Tel Aviv, and they purchased the building as a way to expand their business ventures.
Over the years, the building was repurposed several times, serving as the headquarters of the Israeli Opera and as an office building for various companies. In 2016, the building underwent a significant renovation to convert it into a luxury apartment complex. The renovations were carefully planned to preserve the building’s historical significance while updating it with modern amenities.
The Legacy of Sarfatti 30
Today, Sarfatti 30 is not only a historical landmark but also a thriving center of innovation. The building’s innovative design has captivated the attention of architects and designers worldwide and has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s foremost examples of modernist architecture.
As Tel Aviv continues to grow and evolve, Sarfatti 30 serves as a reminder of the city’s rich Bauhaus legacy. It has become a symbol of the city’s commitment to innovation and progress while honoring its past.
In conclusion, Sarfatti 30 is an architectural masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus legacy. The building’s history, innovative design, and unique decorative elements combine to create a stunning example of modernist architecture. Today, Sarfatti 30 serves as a center of innovation and a symbol of Tel Aviv’s commitment to progress while honoring its past.