The Federal Building Ministry will promote the Centre for Architecture and Heritage Conservation White City with a total of 2.5 Million Euro by 2025. Federal Building Minister Barbara Hendricks and the Mayor of Tel Aviv Ron Huldai signed a corresponding agreement in Berlin.
The White City of Tel Aviv is the world's largest group of buildings of the Modern Movement, also known as the Bauhaus. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2003. The planning and construction of these buildings was closely linked with the fate of German and European Jewish architects who had to leave Germany after 1933. Many of the buildings are in need of heritage-led refurbishment.
Federal Building Minister Barbara Hendricks commented: "The White City is an important part of our joint history and architectural design. We have a connection through this common architectural language of the Modern Movement, which in Tel Aviv is also referred to as international design or Bauhaus design. We are supporting the city of Tel Aviv in conserving this significant architectural heritage by developing a German-Israeli expert network in the areas of building and heritage conservation."
The funding is used to carry out projects by the Centre for Architecture and Heritage Conservation White City of the city of Tel Aviv. This centre will be a place for building experts, restorers and craftsmen to draw up concepts for the renovation of the buildings and the neighbourhood in close cooperation with owners, public authorities and residents. A number of projects, which have already been completed, show that the centre has become a lively place for information and discussions. The long-term funding allows for a range of different projects to be carried out and thus makes an important contribution to conserving and sustainably developing the White City.
The signing of the agreement is part of the events to mark the 50th anniversary of German-Israeli diplomatic relations. The Federal Building Ministry is making a total of 2.8 Million Euros available for the work of the centre. The centre will be based in the Max Liebling House, a characteristic building located in the heart of the White City. The opening is planned for 2017 when the renovation is completed. The German-Israeli competence network White City Tel Aviv brings together actors from all areas of construction.