The quarter-kilometer apartments, constructed in 1960 alongside Amnon Alexandroni, define a pivotal moment in the evolution of Israeli residential design. Avraham Yaski, who immigrated to Mandatory Palestine in 1935, emerged as a major figure in the development of the nation's urban landscape, shifting from the raw, exposed concrete of the brutalist era toward a modern glass aesthetic.
Professional Beginnings
Yaski completed his education at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. During the early stages of his career, he worked within the office of Arieh Sharon. By the age of 25, he collaborated with Shimon Povsner to develop the plans for what is now known as Rabin Square, later contributing to the design of the Tel Aviv City Hall located at the same site.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Firm Growth and Urban Development
In 1965, he founded the architectural firm currently operating as Moore Yasky Sivan Architects. Under his direction, the practice expanded significantly, reaching a staff of 73 employees by 2006. This firm played a decisive role in the expansion of Tel Aviv, most notably through the Azrieli Center project, which redefined the city skyline by emphasizing the verticality of the skyscraper.
Academic Contributions
Yaski maintained a consistent presence in higher education throughout his career. Between 1987 and 1991, he served as an assistant professor at his alma mater, the Technion. In 1994, he established the school of architecture at Tel Aviv University, where he held the position of department head until 1998.
Legacy and Awards
The architectural community recognized his influence through several honors, including the Rechter Prize and the 1982 Israel Prize for architecture. Although his later projects moved away from the concrete forms that characterized his early work, he maintained that the period defined by exposed concrete represented the most significant era in his own life and in the history of Israeli architecture. He died in Tel Aviv on March 28, 2014, at the age of 86, and was interred at the Kiryat Shaul Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1927, Chișinău
- Died: 28 March 2014, Tel Aviv
- Education: Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
- Primary Firm: Moore Yasky Sivan Architects
- Notable Recognition: Israel Prize, 1982
- Key Project: Azrieli Center
- Burial Site: Kiryat Shaul Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Yaski's most significant firm affiliation?
He founded the architectural practice currently known as Moore Yasky Sivan Architects in 1965.
Which major honors did Yaski receive?
He was a recipient of the Israel Prize in 1982 and the Rechter Prize.
Achievements
- Israel Prize
- Rechter Prize
- Trained at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
.jpg)
