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We weren’t particularly aware of Tel-Aviv’s architectural treasure in the form of *Bauhaus architecture until we met our new Servas Host Hagai, who is an architect.  He took us on a walking tour one evening through his neighborhood pointing out the simplicity and functionality of the International Modern style with its flat roofs, curved edges, and rounded balconies.  Some illumination enhanced the dramatic lines of these buildings.  The style reminded me of the lovely Art Deco style that is prevalent in South Beach, Florida.

These buildings were designed by immigrant European architects who fled in the wake of the Nazi threat in the 1930’s.  Making use of the experience they acquired while developing houses of  Bauhaus style in Germany, more than 4000 were designed in Tel-Aviv.

One afternoon while we were sitting in an outdoor café on a busy pedestrian street which was lined with houses of this style, we met Yuval, a long-time area resident.  He had bought the top floor loft of the four-story building which loomed above us when he immigrated from the United States 30 years ago.  He said he was a pioneer then in an area which was totally run down, similar to SOHO (with its lofts) in New York City before it became gentrified.  He was an interior designer and  shared with us a lot of his knowledge of the surrounding buildings having worked on many of their interiors.

The Bauhaus legacy was recently recognized by UNESCO giving the city by the sea World Heritage status.  We felt fortunate to have met locals who could give us some insight into this special heritage.

Merrilee

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