ה"רחבה"

Founders Square in Petah Tikva was known by the first settlers as ‘The Lot.’ It was a square of informal nature, the site where they dug the first water well. As Petah Tikva developed, the “Lot” became a beautiful park; it was the home of the orchestra, and a meeting place for dancers. In the 1960’s, The Lot became a central urban square. A clock tower was erected symbolising modernity, and ceremonies and gatherings took place. Over the years the square declined. Most of the trees were cut down. The clock stopped ticking, it no longer kept time. The orchestra pavilion was replaced by an inauthentic replica, which stood desolate, only symbols of its rich past remain. The urban design of the square reflects social and economic processes that took place in Petah Tikva centre city. Once an agricultural settlement, Petah Tikva transformed into a sprawling city with a deteriorating core. This is proven by net-migration, the closing of cultural and leisure institutions, and the disintegration of public and private spaces. Furthermore, Petah Tikva centre city, which began as an agricultural area, became an area that lacks green spaces. The proposed project suggests revitalisation of centre city through the establishment of a network of open spaces accompanied by public buildings and significant structures worthy of preservation, replacing parking lots. This way municipal parking would return to city hall, the six lanes of Haim Ozer Street would be narrowed in order to create a green avenue, and additional improvements could be implemented. The project proposes investment in rehabilitating Founders Square itself, chosen for its historical significance, as the first site in a new network of open public spaces, and the construction of a cultural centre incorporating the first stone building of which only the wine storage remains. This cultural centre, whose very design would enhance the square, overlooking it and influenced by its design. The network of historical sites was chosen as the planning and design tool to preserve the rich history of centre city. The culture and heritage centre would be surrounded by green and open areas, the roof would have vegetation and would offer visitors open spaces to enhance the various programs. Two inner courtyards would guide the experiential flow of the building and its public spaces.