Urban Renewal: From Neglected Parking Lot to Historic Square
The Aluf Batzalot Square project is located in the heart of Tel Aviv's Florentin neighborhood, along the historic alley of Herzl Market. Over time, the alley had become a neglected parking area, and the project sought to transform it into an accessible public space for the local community while preserving the historic character of the neighborhood.
A New Program Within a Historic Setting: Design, Culture, and Community
The design process was developed in collaboration with local residents, with the aim of creating a shared community gathering space. The restoration of the historic building façades and the exposure of original materials and accumulated layers of time transformed the square into a focal point for community life. The landscape design combines graphic lines and bold colors inspired by the layers of the onion in Bialik's maqama, together with a green garden, shaded seating areas, and contemporary street furniture. The character of the square changes throughout the day, from a calm garden during the daytime to an active social gathering place in the evening. In the next phase, the renovation of the surrounding buildings will be completed with new public programs, including a spacious gallery, a rotating artist studio, and a community lending hub. The combination of open public space and cultural programming creates a new anchor for renewal and community life in the heart of Florentin.
