The Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design is one of the world’s most prestigious art schools, being synonymous with innovation and academic excellence. Its unique strength stems from the numerous breakthroughs and its ability to respond and adapt to cultural changes. BEZ focuses on innovative and creative solutions based on theory and praxis within the Architecture, Art and Industrial design.
The UNESCO Chair in ‘Urban Design and Conservation Studies’ at BEZ has been leading and promoting theoretical and applied research across the spectrum of architecture and urban design and their interaction with other disciplines especially within the activities of the World Heritage Convention. Moreover, the activities of the Chair are within the Graduate Program in ‘Urban Design’ and include previous researches in the Old City of Jerusalem as part of the UNESCO Action Plan. In addition, the Graduate Program in Urban Design collaborates with the Program in ‘Cultural Studies’ at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem that leads the field of cultural criticism in Israel.