בין כיכר למדבר

The project focuses on planning a new urban center in the heart of Mitzpe Ramon — a town currently undergoing a period of transformation and growth. According to the new master plan, the town is expected to triple in size, expand, and incorporate new land uses, with an emphasis on tourism development as a central economic driver. However, the existing plan does not provide a physical connection between the old town and the new neighborhoods, nor between the residential areas, the crater’s edge park, and the broader tourist experience. This situation risks creating a social divide between long-time residents, newcomers, and visitors, potentially leading to an urban identity crisis. Today, tourism in Mitzpe Ramon relies almost exclusively on the crater landscape, making it the town’s sole attraction. Yet, as an urban settlement, it must also offer additional focal points of interest to appeal to a wider range of audiences — allowing for a holistic and authentic tourist experience that is not dependent on daylight or weather conditions. The idea for the project emerged from a reflection on the power of public space to express both social and political tensions, as well as interdependence and collaboration. Mitzpe Ramon, currently absorbing new populations and undergoing significant change, represents a socially diverse and politically charged public realm. The proposed detailed plan introduces a new urban square and municipal building located at the heart of a central activity zone that connects the different parts of the town. The urban square includes, among other elements, a museum of desert art, an auditorium, and a community center, all functioning as a vibrant shared public space. The connection between the town and the crater — and between residents and visitors — is a fundamental aspect of the design, grounded in the understanding that Mitzpe Ramon is not just another urban settlement, but a place of exceptional scenic, cultural, and touristic value.