Illuminated city veins

A thousand steps span the city of Haifa, connecting the Carmel center with the lower city. These stairs traverse several neighborhoods, acting as vital connections between different layers of history, society, tourism, and nature. They serve not only as circulation axes linking horizontal streets at various elevations and public hubs but also provide access to private residential buildings. However, these stairs are underutilized, primarily serving as mere passageways rather than vibrant spaces for social interaction.

Originally designed as an efficient means of vertical movement for the residents of Mount Carmel, the stairs have become a significant aspect of the city’s identity. While wandering through Haifa via its numerous routes is not unique to the city, it plays an essential role in shaping its character.

This project aims to create a complex of landscapes and collective spaces that residents can utilize on a small scale by transforming neglected areas into vibrant community hubs. It will enhance the pedestrian experience from top to bottom, fostering shared spaces for social interaction.

By recognizing the potential of the stairs in Haifa, particularly in the Hadar Carmel neighborhood, the project seeks to establish them as public and spatial generators for urban life, preserving their unique identity and the character of the neighborhoods they weave together.