BYU Jerusalem Center - Facilities and Architecture

Facilities and Architecture

The center, designed by Jerusalem architect David Resnick who also designed the nearby campus of the Hebrew University, is situated on Mount Scopus overlooking the Mount of Olives, the Kidron Valley, and the Old City. The 125,000 square feet (11,600 m2), eight-level structure is set amid 5 acres (0.008 sq mi; 0.020 km2) of gardens. The first five levels provide dormitory and apartment space for up to 170 students, each of these apartments having a patio overlooking the Old City. The sixth level houses a cafeteria, classrooms, computer facilities, and a gymnasium, while administrative and faculty offices are located on the seventh level, along with a 250-seat auditorium. The main entry is on the eighth level, which also contains a recital and special events auditorium with organ, lecture rooms, general and reserve libraries, offices, a domed theater, and a learning resource area. This auditorium is surrounded by glass on three sides, providing views of the city. The organ within it is a Scandinavian-made Marcussen organ. The aforementioned library on the same floor as the auditorium contains 10,000-15,000 volumes focusing largely on the Near East.

The center's design reflects the architecture of the Near East. It is constructed of hand-carved Jerusalem limestone, according to local custom. The use of arches and domes closely models other building of Jerusalem and the gardens throughout the center contain many trees and other plants named in the Bible. The interior contains the arches and cupolas typical of the Near East, and large, windowed pavilions provide wide views of Jerusalem.

Over 400 micropiles were drilled into the Mount to secure the foundation in case of an earthquake. The building also contains, in adherence to Israeli law, bomb shelters capable of holding all faculty, staff, and students in case of emergency.