N.O.A.M. Industrial Park is part of a national vision for the development of the Negev, which led to the establishment of a variety of projects in various government offices, especially the Ministry of Economy, to promote the region as a whole. The approach of the government in relation to the development of the Negev and in relation to economic development is holistic. This approach recognizes the interdependence between life and work, from the physical planning of the built environment to the dynamic between the social and the economic. The planning and development goals of the N.O.A.M. Park followed from this approach. Ways to generate employment opportunities were examined from a wide perspective that sees the park as part of its environment, and the plan for the park aims to improve the quality of life of its employees and local residents through improvements under the umbrellas of education, environment, transport and tourism.
This approach encourages the expansion of the range of activities and experiences available in the industrial park during the day and on weekends, as well as the expansion of the user base – from factory workers to residents of the region. Infrastructure development based on educational and leisure activities intended for all of the residents of the region will promote meetings between residents of different communities, which often differ demographically, socially, ethnically and economically. Therefore, through its design, N.O.A.M. seeks to shift the emphasis in industrial park planning from focusing exclusively on the needs of manufacturers to focusing on accommodations and amenities for employees and visitors alike.
In this context, the strategic plan defines four main goals for the development and planning of the industrial park: (1) the creation of a range of stable jobs for the residents of the western Negev, in particular, and the citizens of Israel, in general, which will, in turn, promote the best conditions for industrial development; (2) strengthening the link between industrial production processes and education, research and science, and publicizing the importance of the industry to empower the everyday life of local residents and the society as a whole; (3) the development of a pleasant environment for employees, especially high-quality public areas, and the integration of the park’s scenic landscape and its agricultural land; (4) the promotion of independent smart management, based on advanced infrastructure.
This document has three parts. The first section presents the strategic plan, including its vision and the principles that should guide the development of N.O.A.M. in the coming decades. The second section, Appendix 1, is a guiding document lists and details recommendations for N.O.A.M. Master Plan; recommendations set forth herein will be processed and reviewed by various consultants on the design team. Part III, the third section and Appendix 2, presents trends in industrial zone or park planning. This appendix includes a general overview of best practices under the umbrellas of: (1) program and use planning; (2) architecture and landscape; and (3) movement and transportation. These practices could help meet the development needs of industrial zones throughout the country.