נמל הזמן

Transportation systems are a fundamental component in shaping urban life. Beyond their functional role, they foster human interaction, connect the city’s layers, and shape the dynamics of public space while influencing its character, rhythm, and processes of urban renewal. Train stations in the 21st century are not only transit points, but can serve as city ports and hubs of culture, commerce and leisure. In Haifa, due to its unique topography and active maritime port, a multi-layered transportation network operates, combining maritime, land-based, and aerial systems. However, the connections between these systems remain partial and underutilized, leaving open the potential for a high-quality urban interface linking the port, downtown city, and the mountain neighborhoods. Downtown Haifa reflects a rich historical stratification, shaped by three eras of rule – Ottoman, British, and Israeli. It is characterized by a diverse cultural, architectural, religious, and social fabric. Today, large parts of downtown Haifa, particularly along HaAtzmaut Street, stand neglected, with many historic buildings standing empty. Once a vibrant urban and social axis, the street now holds significant potential for urban regeneration and for reestablishing the link between transportation, culture, and public space. Port of Time project proposes an integrated transportation hub that connects maritime and land-based systems- both elevated and underground alongside public programs including an academic campus and museum, as well as residential and hospitality uses. Designed through the dimension of time, the project builds upon existing infrastructures and historical structures, responding to present-day needs while integrating with Haifa’s future urban plans. Its goal is to create Haifa’s new civic square- an open, accessible space that blends movement, culture, and human encounter, reviving the city’s historic fabric and reinstating downtown as the beating heart of Haifa. ‏