The Research Lab
The Liebling LAB is a research platform for architecture, conservation and urbanism aiming to tackle the contemporary agendas of our society in order to support the creation of an environmentally sustainable habitat for the future. Drawing on the knowledge of the past and the historical characteristics of the built environment—such as cultural heritage, anthropology, public spaces, and craftsmanship—the LAB fosters innovative solutions that bridge tradition with contemporary urban challenges.
Through an experimental hand on approach, we seek to redefine the way we design, inhabit, and preserve our cities.
With the Liebling Haus LAB, our goal is to create a dedicated platform for professionals, dealing with the built urban environment.
The Research Laboratory is a home for researchers from a variety of fields – we invite you to get in touch and engage in the activities. For inquiries: lab@whitecitycenter.org
Research Laboratory Director: Architect Sharon Golan
German partner Florian Uthoff
Project Manger Melina Harteman
MISSION
The LAB serves as both a discussion platform and a “live projects” LAB. Our mission is to promote a holistic planning approach that emphasizes the importance of our planetary boundaries and community inclusivity as fundamental principles for the future built environment.
We believe in collaboration and mutual bipolarization, so our projects are international associations of government, community, civil society, private sector foundations and academic institutions to address the current urban challenges of our time.
A city thrives on the life it sustains, thanks to the diversity of its people and their creative, theoretical, commercial, cultural and other endeavors.
This concept is part of HUL (Historic Urban Landscape), an approach developed by UNESCO that regards the historic urban space as an amalgamation of tangible and intangible elements – both of which should be studied and preserved.
“The city must reflect an intact environmental footprint.”
The LAB serves as both a discussion platform and a “live projects” LAB. Our mission is to promote a holistic planning approach that emphasizes the importance of our planetary boundaries and community inclusivity as fundamental principles for the future built environment.
We believe in collaboration and mutual bipolarization, so our projects are international associations of government, community, civil society, private sector foundations and academic institutions to address the current urban challenges of our time. A city thrives on the life it sustains, thanks to the diversity of its people and their creative, theoretical, commercial, cultural and other endeavors.
This concept is part of HUL (Historic Urban Landscape), an approach developed by UNESCO that regards the historic urban space as an amalgamation of tangible and intangible elements – both of which should be studied and preserved.
“The city must reflect an intact environmental footprint.”Genius Loci - Honoring the Spirit of Place
As a Center dedicated for Conversation, in formats like Salon Liebling we teach the unique spirit of our city by learning from the past. The wisdom of our ancestors, their mastery of form, and their deep understanding of materials are invaluable foundations for building a more sustainable future.
Innovating GreenTech for Tomorrow
Looking into the future, we understand the transformative role of technology in a place such as the “Start-Up City Tel Aviv”, incubating practical projects like “Under Construction” that bridge research and innovation in ConTech, PropTech, and ClimateTech.
Cultivating Urban Resilience
Through research we advocate processes that empower people and create inclusive public spaces as well as affordable housing in projects like “Field Trip to Urban Futures”.
Co-Exististing in Harmony with Nature
Inspired by Tel Aviv’s historic Garden City vision, our work sees the city as a dynamic ecosystem where urban planning and nature coexist in harmony. The event series Salon Liebling promotes a platform for discussion evolving around the topics of Co-living in a mindful natural environment.We don’t just run our own projects—we build critical collaborations. When people align around a shared purpose, creative friction emerges. This tension, shaped by diverse backgrounds, sparks new ideas and makes the whole stronger than its parts.
We grow these relationships through learning and experimentation, boosting adaptability in individuals and across our network. Our focus lies especially at the intersection of Germany and Israel, where we turn tension into shared ground and conflict into possibility.
Our lab is a space to work with a crisis—not avoid it—and we’re always open to joining forces with others who seek deep, transformative change.
Format:
Urban Research
Weaving & Ecosystem-Building
Accelerators & Learning Journeys
Urban Innovation Laboratories
Salon Liebling
The Knowledge Hub is a gateway to current recommendations, latest guidelines and best practices of the Liebling Haus.
This evolving collection serves as a tool for professionals, researchers, and the wider public, fostering informed discussions and innovative approaches to the built environment.
Documents for download:
- Tel Aviv White City: Modernist buildings in Israel and Germany
- Keeping it modern: A Conservation Survey
- Greening (ECO-HOME) - A simple manual of how to retrofit your building
Our Approach: Four Pillars of Thought
01 - Genius Loci - Honoring the Spirit of Place
As a Center dedicated for Conversation, in formats like Salon Liebling we teach the unique spirit of our city by learning from the past. The wisdom of our ancestors, their mastery of form, and their deep understanding of materials are invaluable foundations for building a more sustainable future.
02 - Innovating GreenTech for Tomorrow
Looking into the future, we understand the transformative role of technology in a place such as the “Start-Up City Tel Aviv”, incubating practical projects like “Under Construction” that bridge research and innovation in ConTech, PropTech, and ClimateTech.
03 - Cultivating Urban Resilience
Through research we advocate processes that empower people and create inclusive public spaces as well as affordable housing in projects like “Field Trip to Urban Futures”.
04 - Co-Exististing in Harmony with Nature
Inspired by Tel Aviv’s historic Garden City vision, our work sees the city as a dynamic ecosystem where urban planning and nature coexist in harmony. The event series Salon Liebling promotes a platform for discussion evolving around the topics of Co-living in a mindful natural environment.