Every city has public spaces with great potential, which with proper care and small touches can become a vibrant urban space that brings immense value to residents, business owners and to the urban environment in the most sustainable ways.
With the support of the Beracha Foundation, ‘Haira’ develops public spaces as a means to promote urban sustainability. Our holistic approach includes the three aspects of sustainability: community, environment, and economy. The participating organizations and professional staff work with city employees and leadership. Together, we develop spaces that improve the quality of life of the residents and embed innovative work processes among the city or town’s professional staff that helps streamline their ongoing work to develop the city.
Haira in action
Kriyat Bialik
Bialik lakes, Stream revitalzation
Revitalize the Gedora Lake and transform it into a nature park with wetland habitats, serving as a link between the urban landscape of the city center and the surrounding natural landscape.
Nahariya
City River revitalization
Interdisciplinary Competition for Urban Planning in Nahariya
Arad
The Urban Salon
Creating a physical infrastructure to encourage stay for a variety of residents in the town square
Kiryat Bialik
Placemaking in Zur Shalom
Reinforcing the sense of belonging among youths in the Zur Shalom neighborhood through creation of professional street art near the clubhouse, involving youths.
Arad
Public Appeal for Community Initiatives
To promote a sense of belonging and to embolden the local resident to make a difference in their urban public space.
Kiryat Bialik
Sustainable Landscaping Pilot
A sustainable landscaping pilot to integrate a sustainable operational and maintenance concept within the local authority, for the sake of local residents’ health and for biodiversity restoration.
Arad
Sustainable Consumerism Center
Supporting establishment of a community center for sustainable consumerism, operating two high-quality second-hand stores and organizing sustainability-oriented cultural and recreational activities for FGD (Family Group Discussion) students for the benefit of the resident community.
Nahariya
Urbanism Tour
Developing city tours to encourage a sense of belonging and a stronger connection together, with the Municipal Education Administration.
Multi-tool mapping
Data-based mapping and analysis to improve walkability and stay in public spaces
Kiryat Bialik
The Climate Forest
City residents planting 200 young trees at Neot Afek, Kiryat Bialik
Stop and take a look at your urban space,
Is it a pleasing environment? What opportunities does it offer?
The way to evaluate the challenges and opportunities in an urban space,
is through examination of its features and qualities.
Here’s a little peek into one of the assessment metrics Haira’s toolkit offers:
To what extent is it convenient and easy
to reach the space and move within it?
Is it possible to reach the space easily and safely on foot and by bicycle? Does it allow free and comfortable movement in a way suited to a variety of ages and populations?
Does the place offer a pleasant stay?
Is the place adapted to the needs of a diverse populations?
Is there comfortable seating? Is it shaded? Is it clean? Is the space well-lit when dark?
Are there activities that appeal to a diverse population?
Is the place home to a variety of businesses?
האם קיימות במרחב פעילויות הפונות לאוכלוסיה מגוונת?
האם יש גיוון בסוגי העסקים הפועלים במקום?
האם המרחב מהווה הזדמנות לחיזוק תחושת השייכות לקהילה?
האם קיים במרחב מקום למפגש, לבילוי משותף וליצירת קשר בין אוכלוסיות מגוונות? האם הוא מעודד יצירה עצמאית מקומית? האם הוא עוצב ונבנה בתהליך השתתפותי?
Does the place provide opportunity to strengthen a sense of belonging to the community?
Is there a designated area for meeting, spending time together and connecting diverse populations? Does it encourage local independent creativity?
Does the place create a positive atmosphere and communicate environmental responsibility?
Is there a strict adherence to the use of material that represent care for the environment? Does the design of the place consider the local landscape?
האם המקום מייצר אווירה חיובית ומבטא אחריות סביבתית?
האם יש הקפדה על שימוש בחומרים המבטאים שמירה על הסביבה? האם העיצוב של המרחב מתחשב בנוף המקומי?
