2019 | Production Districts: Eastern Galilei and Kiryat Shmona

This project proposes testing and investigation of a new regional strategy with a focus on new industrial areas in the city and the region, as well as on the residential fabric of the city. This project is a cluster-based and ecologically sensitive development that aggregates the production activities of related industries, while providing economic and environmental resilience.

At the core of the project is the city of Kiryat Shmona, a city which is in many ways poised for growth; with a strong resource base, a growing population, and a vibrant industrial sector. Today, the city is striving to define its relationship with the surrounding region; chart a stable yet dynamic economic future; and preserve its existing character in the face of projected urban growth and change.

In order to support the city in its efforts, this project will approach the issue from three different perspectives:

  • Economic development: How can the city enhance and diversify its existing resources and assets, and create an economic plan that is both resilient and flexible in the face of coming changes?
  • Regional development: How can the city engage with its surrounding region to develop a coherent vision that promises to benefit all stakeholders?
  • Physical development: How can the city strategically approach infrastructure planning and development to achieve its social, economic and environmental goals?

Specifically, this project aims to bring new ways of thinking to the planning of industrial areas where city residents can co-exist with manufacturing through industrial and physical diversification.

Project Team

  • PI: Tali Hatuka, Urban Planning, TAU
  • PI: Eran Ben-Joseph, DUSP, MIT
  • Project Coordinator: Gili Inbar

Students: Annie Hudson (MIT), Neha Bazaj (MIT), Nina Mascarenhas (MIT), Gary Tran (MIT), David Kambo (MIT), Tianyu Su (MIT), Yael Saga (TAU), Nofar Ramer (TAU), Coral Hamo Goren (TAU)

Publication