Tel Aviv Port Public Space Regeneration

Situated on one of Israel's most breathtaking waterfronts, the Tel Aviv Port was plagued with neglect since 1965, when its primary use as an operational docking port was abandoned. The recently completed public space development project by Mayslits Kassif Architects, managed to restore this unique part of the city, and turn it into a prominent, vivacious urban landmark.

Master Plan

The architects viewed the project as a unique opportunity to construct a public space which challenges the common contrast between private and public development, and suggests a new agenda of hospitality for collective open spaces. The design, a winner of an open competition held in 2003 (entry submitted by Mayslits Kassif Architects in collaboration with Galila Yavin) was quickly brought to life by a new management, with locals and visitors flocking to the revamped port even before the project was completed.

Photos : Daniela Orvin

 
(Left) Photos : Daniela Orvin, (Right) Photos : Galia Kronfeld


Photos : Albi Serfaty

Remarkably, despite city planning being dominated by market forces, and because of its immense popularity among the public, the project has been able to circumvent massive development schemes intended for the port's 5 hectares area. The suspension of all the area's rezoning plans set a precedent for creating an urban transformation not propelled by building rights, but rather by a unique design strategy, which renovates the existing hangars and invests in the public space regeneration.

 
(Left) Photos : Tamar Navon, (Right) Photos : Adi Branda

 
Photos : Daniela Orvin

The design introduces an extensive undulating, non-hierarchical surface, that acts both as a reflection of the mythological dunes on which the port was built, and as an open invitation to free interpretations and unstructured activities. Various public and social initiatives - from spontaneous rallies to artistic endeavors and public acts of solidarity - are now drawn to this unique urban platform, indicating the project's success in reinventing the port as a vibrant public sphere.

Photos : Iwan Baan

 
Photos : Adi Branda

Nowadays when approximately 2.5 million people visit the Tel Aviv Port every year- a record number for a metropolitan area spanning 1 million residents, in a country of 7 million - the port's public spaces renewal is considered one of the most influential project of its kind in Tel Aviv. Alongside receiving international recognition and several prestigious architectural awards, such as the Rosa Barba European Landscape Prize for 2010, it receives great affection from the public and is ranked as the most beloved recreation space by the inhabitants of Tel Aviv's metropolitan area. Being a new urban landmark which revives the city's waterfront, the project became a trigger for a series of public space projects along Tel Aviv's shoreline which altogether revolutionize the city's connection to its waterfront.

Photos : Daniela Orvin

Architects: Mayslits Kassif Architects
Design Team: Ganit Mayslits Kassif, Udi Kassif, Oren Ben Avraham, Galila Yavin, Michal Ilan and Maor Roytman.

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Site Area: 55,000 m2
Program: Design and Strategy for Tel Aviv Port's public spaces

Client: Marine Trust Ltd.,
Graphic Designer: Hila Ben Navat

Date of project: 2003-2008
Status: Complete - 2008

Awards:
2003- First Prize in the Public Competition for the Renewal of the port's public areas. Proposal by Mayslits Kassif Architects in collaboration with architect Galila Yavin.
2007- Israeli Design Award for the best Urban Architectural Project in Israel.
2008-Rechter Award for an outstanding architectural achievement by the Israeli
Ministry of Culture.
2010- Winner of The Rosa Barba European Landscape Prize and the Audience Choice award in The 6th European Biennial of Landscape Architecture.

Photographers: Iwan Baan, Adi Branda, Galia Kronfeld, Daniela Orvin, Albi Serfaty.