The Research Unit is located in Jerusalem, Israel and in Braunschweig, Germany each with its own study group. It pursues the above mentioned objectives and activities in close co-operation and by continuous exchange of researchers and knowledge. The Technical University of Braunschweig and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which have signed a co-operative agreement in 2000, will support the Research Unit by providing experienced researchers, premises and infrastructure.
In 2002, a preliminary study was conducted in order to outline the specific objectives and activities and to clarify the structure, contractual basis and financing of the Bet Tfila — Research Unit. This study was carried out at the request of Ms. Edelgard Bulmahn, the German Federal Minister for Education and Research.
In order to enable the Research Unit to be financially independent of state subsidies in the future, a Society of Friends of the Bet Tfila – Research Unit for Jewish Architecture in Europe, was established in 2003 to support these endeavours. One objective of the Society is to establish a non-profit foundation, the fruits of which will be used exclusively to support the work of the Research Unit.
It is expected that after an initial phase of four to six years, the Research Unit will be fully operational.
