Kiah Building, 1971 This building was demolished, and the “Clal Center” was built in it’s place at the corner of Jaffa Road and Kiah Street. It is undoubtedly a contender and one of the favorites for the title ‘the ugliest building in the city.’ Upon it’s publicized opening, the building aroused interest as a new and up-to-date concept. The Kfir Cinema, which was considered a modern cinema for its period, was located on the lower floor of the building, among endless commercial spaces and endless stairs. Above the commercial area, an office tower has been erected. It renders the same dubious atmosphere. The building’s Ergonimics and incomprehensible design could have been used as a nevigation mission on a reality show. This can explain why all the shops in the complex that are near one of the building’s many entrances features a sign in bold letters ‘This is not an information desk.’ Urban legends say that some people came to the complex, and their whereabouts are unknown to this day. A building of concrete does not fall apart quickly. Poor planning and ugly buildings can last for decades as a wound and a scar in the urban landscape. Old and new, modernity and poor design alongside impressive historic buildings, and one city – Jerusalem. Shabbat Shalom to the far and near Photography by Reuven Dictionary
