Plans were announced this week for the construction of a major new 48,000-square-foot performing arts centre and music and dance conservatory in Ashkelon in southern Israel. Designed by French architect Manuelle Gautrand in collaboration with Israeli architect Batya Swirk Malul, the centre will boast two performance auditoriums, music and dance schools and a public square for outdoor performances. The $16.2-million structure will resemble a stack of boxes with a perforated metallic-sheet covering. and include an open-terrace lookout point with sweeping views of Ashkelon. (http://www.goisrael.ca)