עמק השווה

Over the past few years, the social cohesion of the diverse Israeli population has weakened. Different groups choose to entrench themselves within their own neighborhoods. None so more than in Jerusalem, whose population is divided into a variety of religious- traditional demographics. Whilst this separation allows for access to services relevant to these groups, the geographical situation has been shown to contribute to a lack of understanding- and even hostility. This project aims to develop the boundary area between two neighborhoods which serve different groups, with the intention of encouraging interactions between them. The neighborhoods Bait Vagan (populated mostly by an Ultra- Orthodox demographic) and Kiriat Yovel (populated by a mixed secular- religious demographic) are each located on a hill. Between them is a valley where two schools are situated; the secular Boyer high school and the national- religious Himelfarb high school. My proposal develops the boundary area by creating a public park located in the valley and by transforming Torah VeAvoda Street into a more commercial and industrial area. In addition, the two schools are combined into a pluralistic school district and an Ultra- Orthodox school is added. The school campus is opened for the use of the neighborhood residents and includes public use buildings, such as a synagogue and a library. The new 'middle ground' allows for a shared space which respects and gives space to the different traditions and beliefs of each group.