King David Hotel, Jerusalem

Historic hotel, established garden, stronghold of tradition…
Refurbishment of the King David Hotel pool area involved significant modification to access and circulation routes, and poolside rest areas. How does one interfere with a space so “resistant” to change?
Our proposal represented an interpretation of the hotel’s spirit. The pool is framed by a formal “room”; on one side a pergola overlooking the pool and hotel façade, and on the other a set of long low steps extending across the length of the lawn, both serving as available seating areas. The new pool access pathway and new flora planted alongside it were also designed to preserve the character of the original garden.