Situated along the Mediterranean coast and hugging the Carmel mountain range, Haifa, gateway to northern Israel, is home to the majestic Shrine of the Báb, one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for the followers of the Bahá’i Faith. This Shrine was designed by the distinguished Canadian Architect William Sutherland Maxwell, and its construction was completed in 1953. Fariborz Sahba was commissioned to design a monumental approach to the Shrine in the form of 18 terraced gardens embracing the steep slopes of Mount Carmel. The gardens have already gained international recognition, and have been compared with, among others, the fabled hanging gardens of Babylon.
The terraces are in fact a tribute to the Shrine of the Báb, they are supposed to complement and enhance the Shrine, and direct one towards it. if the Shrine can be considered a jewel, a diamond, the terraces are supposed to provide the most beautiful golden ring that will bring the beauty of the diamond to the fore, and provide a perfect setting for it.
Water is another significant feature which enhances the terraces. The oasis of water attracts birds and in harmony with the song of birds creates the best camouflage for the noise of the city.
The whole concept of the design is centred around light, and day and night provide two important facets of the design. If look nou at Mount Carmel from the sky, you will find that the Shrine is the centre of nine concentric circles, which create the basic geometry for the nine terraces above and nine terraces below the Shrine.
The whole concept of the design is centred around light, and day and night provide two important facets of the design. If look nou at Mount Carmel from the sky, you will find that the Shrine is the centre of nine concentric circles, which create the basic geometry for the nine terraces above and nine terraces below the Shrine.