Patterns of City Development
PIs: Prof. Dr. Tali Hatuka, Tel Aviv University
RAs: Roni Bar, Merav Battat, Carmel Hanany, Michael Jacobson, Hila Lothan, Yoav Zilberdik.

Since its establishment, urban development in Israel has adhered to recurring planning frameworks. These models, consistently replicated across the country, have influenced both the physical landscape and broader Israeli society. This project examines planning patterns at multiple levels, spanning residential units, leisure and commercial areas, and larger urban regions, thereby providing a comprehensive analysis of Israel’s cities. Given the continuous expansion of urban areas, the project raises important questions: What drives the repetition of planning approaches? Who stands to benefit from this replication process? Is it a consequence of deliberate, top-down strategies? How do historical circumstances shape and alter these patterns? Should more flexible, adaptive planning methods be considered, and what mechanisms would facilitate such approaches? The discussion is situated within the context of increasing economic, social, and political challenges affecting planning processes, addressing whether these forces contribute to equity or perpetuate existing disparities.
For further reading:
Hatuka, T. (Ed.). (2020). Patterns of city development. Resling. [Hebrew].
