Daniel Libeskind to build soaring pyramid skyscraper in Jerusalem

Israel is embracing Egypt’s architectural heritage with a new tower for Jerusalem.

Studio Daniel Libeskind and local architect Yigal Levi recently got the green light to build a towering pyramid-shaped skyscraper in the holy city’s downtown area. Called the Pyramid, this multi-purpose tower will offer shopping areas and residential units atop the old Eden theater, near the Machane Yehuda market.

Located near the Machane Yehuda market or Shuk, the 105-meter high building will feature 200 apartments, a boutique hotel, a public plaza surrounded with shops, and a roof-top observatory and restaurant that offer great views of the city.

The design combines symbolic forms and myths with contemporary building technology and aims to “gives the neighborhood a vibrant public space in the heart of the ancient city”. In addition to its visual appearance and symbolic role, the building’s form also allows maximum natural light to reach the public plaza below. A geometric pattern made from Jerusalem stone and glass reference traditional architecture, while the arched colonnade on the ground floor connects the public plaza to the inner shopping arcade. The project is expected to become a new city landmark and integral part of the neighborhood. It is expected to break ground in 2019.