Bahá’í World/Volume 26/Mount Carmel Projects, Progress 97-98

Bahá’í World/Volume 26 Mount Carmel Projects, Progress 97-98

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[Page 79]

MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS: Progress 1997-98

In 1990 work began on the monumental construction projects now nearing completion at the Bahá’í World Centre on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. These projects include the completion of nineteen terraces, nine below and nine above the Shrine of the Báb, which have been designed to provide a formal approach to this holy place and also to enhance its beauty. The other focus of the projects is the construction of buildings to house the senior administrative institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. Under construction are the Centre for the Study of the Texts, seat of a research center that assists the Universal House of Justice to fulfill its legislative function, and the International Teaching Centre, seat of the institution with global responsibility for the protection and propagation of the Bahá’í Faith. The development of an underground extension to the existing Archives Building is also underway. All of the projects are scheduled for completion around the turn of the century.

During the period between Ridván 154 and Ridván 155 B.E. (21 April 1997 to 21 April 1998), "the construction projects on Mount Carmel maintained a dazzling momentum," with the result [Page 80]Preparations for the installation of the marble exterior on the International Teaching Centre, spring 1998.

that all structural work was completed in advance of the Eighth International Bahá’í Convention in April 1998. During this period the Mount Carmel Projects office took on additional responsibilities, managing greater parcels of the construction work and directing firsthand the purchase and supply of necessary raw materials. Although the change greatly increased pressure on Projects staff, the end result was greater economy, quality control, and flexibility in the construction program without compromise either to the structural integrity or to the aesthetic value of the projects. The costs of alternative methods of construction were carefully reviewed, and materials and design solutions were adopted to derive the most value from every dollar contributed—sometimes at great personal sacrifice—by Bahá’ís from all over the world.

Seeking experienced manpower for the various disciplines involved in the work, the Mount Carmel Projects team drew on a diverse group of experts and workers from China, Romania, Turkey, France, Italy, and Canada, in addition to the large numbers of Israeli workers already engaged in the projects.

1. The Universal House of Justice, letter to the Bahá’ís of the world, Ridván 154 B.E. (1997, unpublished). [Page 81]

Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb

The terraces of the Shrine of the Báb have been designed to create a majestic setting for the pathway leading to the Shrine, which Bahá’ís regard as one of the two holiest spots in the world. For this reason the terraces must not only display beautiful gardens set in an exquisite landscape but should conduce to an atmosphere of reverence and serenity that inspires contemplation in both pilgrims and visitors. Because of their relationship to the Shrine, the terraces effect the appearance of concentric circles emanating from it. All lines and curves direct the eye towards that central edifice, while the interplay of light, water, and ornamentation enhances the feelings of awe and reverence already inspired by the Shrine itself.

Many spring flowering bulbs carefully chosen for their color and fragrance were newly planted this year. Nestled into the contours and along the stone paths of the outer, less formal garden areas are groupings of plants and shrubs that add to a peaceful, pleasant environment in which one can meditate and experience nature's beauty.

To protect the gardens on the steep upper portion of the mountain against erosion from the winter rains, gardeners planted a wide range of ground cover and flowering plants.

One of the nearly completed terraces above the Shrine of the Báb, with the Seat of the Universal House of Justice in the background, March 1998. [Page 82]During 1997-98, the architectural and landscaping work on terraces fifteen to nineteen above the Shrine of the Báb was completed in time for the International Convention. The structures of the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth terraces were also completed, and work commenced on the eleventh terrace the roof of the building of the Information Centre and Office of Security on the south side of Hatzionut Avenue. The terrace on which the Shrine of the Báb stands also underwent major refurbishing. Permanent grass was installed, irrigation lines were upgraded, ornaments were repaired or replaced, as necessary, and new plants and trees were introduced.

Below the Shrine, the landscape of terraces three through nine was enhanced by new plantings and is now nearly complete. Soon after the demolition in March 1997 of the last building obstructing the construction of the first and second terraces at the foot of Mount Carmel, work commenced at these sites and their structures began to emerge.

Aerial view of the Shrine of the Báb, April 1998.

Bridge over Hatzionut Avenue

Work associated with the lowering of Hatzionut Avenue and the construction of the terrace above it proceeded with full force. The most difficult part of the operation-relocation of underground services such as water lines, electricity, cable TV, and sewage- was completed and the entire street was lowered, in some places by as much as five meters. The structure of the complex that will house the Information Centre and the Office of Security under terrace eleven was completed. All the precast panels on the south side of the street were installed and eighty percent of the local [Page 83]

MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS

Aerial view of the Shrine of the Báb, the bridge under construction over Hatzionut Street, and three of the terraces above it.

stone was set in place on the north retaining wall. Following this work, the construction of the bridge spanning the street began, and by April 1998 all the concrete structures of the Mount Carmel Projects were completed.

Centre for the Study of the Texts/Archives Extension

With the completion of the structure of the Centre for the Study of the Texts, finishing work proceeded quickly. By June 1997, following the construction of the circular roof over the building's entrance portico and the removal of the massive crane that had stood in the central void of the building, a large marble fountain was installed in the portico garden area. Separating this patio from the library of the Centre for the Study of the Texts is a clear glass wall that has been specially laminated in order to eliminate most of the ultraviolet

The fountain inside the Centre for the Study of the Texts, positioned below the central portico. Water from the fountain will mask environmental noise and reflect natural light into the library that surrounds it. [Page 84]rays of the sun and to prevent fading of the library's books and furnishings.

The floor of the entrance portico, the main stairs leading to it, and the circular ring of the roof of the seventh floor were all covered in marble by July 1997. Millwork and the installation of library shelves, mahogany doors, and approximately eighty teak windows were completed by November. January 1998 saw the skylights put in place, and the walls behind the staircase in the foyer were covered in French stone. The installation of red granite on the main staircase commenced, and all levels of the interior received at least an initial coat of paint.

Aerial view of the gardens atop the Centre for the Study of the Texts. Strategically placed light wells funnel light to even the lowest levels of the building.

Arrangements for the relocation of the offices and the occupation of the building are underway. Interior millwork is well advanced and many of the office spaces have been fitted with built-in cabinets. Office furniture has been ordered and sources for the final ornamentation of the building are being identified. Now that the work on the interior of the Centre for the Study of the Texts has reached such an advanced stage, the time when the excavated site appeared like a gaping crater in the heart of Mount Carmel seems like the distant past; the building has finally assumed the character of "the seat of an institution of Bahá’í scholars."2

An extension to the International Bahá’í Archives has been constructed "to provide accommodation for the central office of

2. The Universal House of Justice, letter to the Bahá’ís of the world, 31 August 1987 (unpublished). [Page 85]

MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS

the ever-growing Archives at the World Centre."³ A significant part of this structure comprises a strong room and adjacent cold room that will serve as conservation areas for both the original Bahá’í sacred writings and artifacts associated with the Founders of the Bahá’í Faith. These rooms have been equipped to serve as a safe, stable conservation environment, complete with state-of-the-art mechanical and electrical systems, marble flooring, and customized steel shelving and hanging panel systems. The six-month process of purging the strong room and the cold room from impurities left by glue and paint products will begin shortly with the activation of the air-conditioning system.

View of the Centre for the Study of the Texts, the International Archives Building, and the Monument Gardens (foreground). The Monument Gardens contain several graves of members of Bahá’u’lláh’s family.

The International Teaching Centre

To speed up the progress of work on the building of the International Teaching Centre the number of workers on site was increased by fifty percent during the year. The front entrance, which faces the Monument Gardens and includes a series of staircases leading

3. Ibid. [Page 86]from the Gardens to the Teaching Centre building, was completed by November 1997, and the first consignment of marble for the external walls and columns arrived on site during the same period. A platform was created outside the northern perimeter of the building to serve as a casting and storage yard and as space for the large mobile crane required for the unloading and installation of the marble. Most of the finishing items, including marble and granite for the interior of the building, kitchen equipment, and wood doors and frames, were also ordered by that time.

By February 1998, the final pouring of concrete for the roof of the building was accomplished, marking the achievement of the goals of the construction program set out more than a year and a half before. As is customary, all the key participants—the contractor's site team, the Mount Carmel Projects technical team, all of the subcontractors, the Managing Director of Perez G. G. Engineers, and the Project Manager—came together to celebrate this achievement. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Perez expressed his appreciation for the excellent team work, saying, "Working with the Bahá’ís on these projects has been a great pleasure which we will treasure in our professional lives. We have worked with our Bahá’í friends in the project management team as members of

Front view of the International Teaching Centre, just after installation of the marble columns, April 1998. [Page 87]one family. We hope to continue in the same spirit until the completion of the Projects.

By the time of the International Convention eight marble columns in the entrance portico of the building and twelve columns in the rear portico had been installed. Like those of the Centre for the Study of the Texts and the International Bahá’í Archives, the front columns of the International Teaching Centre are in the Ionic order, while the columns at the back are in the Tuscan style.

German Templer Colony Project

Substantial progress was achieved during the year in the restoration of the German Templer Colony, keeping pace with the adjoining terraces project. Work on the main axis through the Colony picked up momentum. The traffic circle and sections of the promenade near the junction of Hagefen Street and Ben Gurion Avenue were paved with stone, and several building façades were renovated. To highlight the significance of this project the Municipality of Haifa arranged a seminar in November 1997. Introduced by the Mayor of Haifa, the program featured an assessment of the progress made on the project, a projected timetable for completion, discussion of long-range planning and the intended purpose and use of the Templer Colony, a review of planned projects along the route and consultation concerning the integration of the restoration with the Bahá’í projects. Participants included members of the Association of Architects and Engineers of Haifa, the Land Development Authority of Israel, the Historical Restoration Committee, the Steering Committee members for the restoration project, City Council members, and owners of restaurants and businesses along the axis. As a member of the Steering Committee for the development of the German Colony, Mount Carmel Projects manager Fariborz Sahba made a detailed presentation on the Bahá’í projects.

Conclusion

Bahá’ís all over the world, conscious that "the brief span of time before the century ends is precious beyond all telling," are arising

4. The Universal House of Justice, letter to the Bahá’ís of the world, Ridván 154 B.E. (1997, unpublished). [Page 88]to offer their "acts of service to the unfolding, spiritual drama of these momentous days." The Mount Carmel Projects team, sharing this same earnest desire to serve, continues to make strenuous efforts to expedite completion of the Projects on this holy mountain.

5. Ibid.