BGU | VISION TAKES SHAPE

Student Village PURPOSE: Create a vibrant and holistic communal experience that attracts more top students to BGU. Also, integrate student life with the Beer-Sheva ecosystem, through proximity to the Advanced Technologies Park (ATP) and the forthcoming Convention and Cultural Center. SPECIAL FEATURES: The 14-building complex includes the Beit Mark and Ellen Marcus House Dormitories; a 1,500 square-meter commercial center, whose stores and cafes can be enjoyed by Beer-Sheva residents; and a dedicated dormitory for soldier-students from the IDF’s elite technology units.

SPECIAL FEATURES: A model of green construction, the building will use novel, sustainable materials; feature a green roof and wall for the study of air purification, rainwater collection, and energy efficiency; and include a wastewater-recycling system. There will also be a visitor’s center for outreach on sustainability.

MAJOR FUNDING PARTNERS Private Donations The Government of Israel

The Forum PURPOSE: Provide a space for interaction across disciplines; increase student, faculty, and staff engagement; and bind the University together in a sense of shared enterprise. SPECIAL FEATURES: Green spaces, outdoor amphitheaters, and seating spaces between buildings, whose ground-floor lounges act as extensions of the shared environment. Also, a commercial center with cafes and shops next to the Student Village.

Convention and Cultural Center PURPOSE: Bring renowned performers and prestigious academic conferences to Beer-Sheva, which currently lacks a large enough venue to host major events. Also, provide BGU with sufficient space for cultural and academic events, and the Beer-Sheva ecosystem with a venue for tech conferences. SPECIAL FEATURES: A subdividable, multi-use conference venue for up to 600 people, and a concert hall with seating for up to 850 guests. The Ernest Scheller Jr. Gate of Innovation PURPOSE: Provide an iconic and inspiring main entrance that announces the North Campus’ goal of innovation. SPECIAL FEATURES: A state-of-the-art, aesthetically impressive security checkpoint for vehicles and pedestrians.

The Greenhouses and Zoological and Ecological Laboratories PURPOSE: Use fields such as plant biology, marine biology, and biochemistry to enhance life in the Negev and other arid climates, as well as to advance sustainability. SPECIAL FEATURES: A greenhouse for transgenic plants, a gene bank for exotic fauna, and breeding facilities for aquatic life.

MAJOR FUNDING PARTNERS Ernest Scheller Jr.

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