In the heart of Kiryat Yam, which lies along Israel's Mediterranean coast, there is a community that yearns for change - among the echoes of the past, a resounding change in the streets, promising a new future. This narrative of renewal locates the city in the joint effort of visionary and open-hearted people trying to reshape the urban landscape and redefine the essence of community life.
The beginning of this endeavor originates from a meeting between one of these women of vision, Yamit Ezer Shikulovski, CEO of the network of community centers in the city from the National Community Centers Association, and Mali Fintz, an architect with experience, united by a common vision to create a fresh and innovative identity in Kiryat Yam. Context Between the two was forged over years of cooperation, their synergy blossomed into a kind of mission: to give the residents of Kiryat Yam an experience that is second to none, and to rise above the everyday.
With the generous help of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Philanthropic Foundation and with the help of the Kiryat Yam Municipality, the budget for the project was raised, which paved the way for an ambitious implementation. Kiryat Yam, while changing its branding, is dealing with a problematic and shaky past while longing for change And something else. At the center of this change was the internal architecture of the community center, which underwent a fundamental change, beyond mere aesthetics. The project also included the renovation of the facades of the buildings, to breathe life into the architectural fabric that defined the urban fabric of Kiryat Yam. However, beyond the superficial temptation, lies a deeper purpose - to instill among the residents a sense of pride, ownership and belonging.
The ethos that guided this venture was one of inclusion and empowerment. It wasn't just about erecting public buildings or renovating facades; These are in the creation of an urban experience that will resonate with the soul of Kiryat Yam. Every design decision was imbued with intention, aimed at fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built environment, between the public space and its inhabitants. No more "matnas" as it is known in Israel. No more outdated space from the 1980s. The source of inspiration was a public space more akin to high-tech offices or the lobby of an urban hotel on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv. What grew was more than just a physical space - it was an expression of hope, and resilience for the residents.
In the journey of urban renewal, the community center stands as a beacon of progress, a symbol of what can be achieved when passion intersects with a goal. The community center lobby stands as a testimony to the belief that with the help of vision and perseverance, even the humblest beginnings can give rise to the greatest transformations. And when the residents of Kiryat Yam come to this renewed community center, they do so not only as spectators but as active participants in the unfolding story of their city. For in Kiryat Yam, the story of renewal is far from over - it is just beginning.
"The design concept was an inviting, practical and inclusive place, one that would give a feeling of being between a Tel Aviv hotel lobby and a home living room, but still with colorful materials and textures suitable for a public space. We were looking for a design that would be harmonious, able to accommodate the diverse activities that take place in the center and the great variety of The population in Kiryat Yam, both the old and the new," says Pintz, "we made sure to provide solutions and an answer for accessibility to the community center, which engraves on its banner social action and benefits everyone. There is even an illuminated inscription on the brick wall that shows this. The existing elevator was left in place, and the access to the reception area was handled by a ramp.
"We brought the design of the outside inside. The development of the outside, the seating benches went inside with the construction of a wall and the entrance of a special niche for a bench built inside the lobby, where you can sit and wait for the activity. The materiality of the outside also went inside, with the finishing of the wood. The concrete platform of the entrance also goes inside In a concrete-like fusible rubber floor, a floor with advantages for a public building, both in terms of the easy maintenance of the material, and also in terms of a convenient and cheaper installation, which did not require dismantling the existing flooring and stairs, but gluing on top. The materials were adjusted to the budget constraints."
The materials that accompany the project are finishing wood, concrete, iron, bricks from decomposition, and this in order to stay with the natural materials as much as possible. The blue color was chosen to accompany the lobby wall, as an allusion to the fact that the project is near the seashore. Part of the constraints of the project was the city architect's request to try and preserve the facades of the building.
Therefore, the facades were partially covered with wood finish aluminum, and the covering was done on top of a red ceramic mosaic, which was not disassembled, but was hidden. The horizontal and vertical lines of the structure were preserved and even strengthened by the cladding additions. "The effect of the renovation on the population is already noticeable. The residents respond to the space with excitement and positivity," says the architect.
Beyond the tangible changes in architecture and infrastructure, there is a noticeable change in the collective consciousness of the residents of Kiryat Yam. No longer accepting the status quo, they have become masters of their own destiny, architects of change in themselves.
The regeneration of Kiryat Yam can be used as a work plan for communities across the country that are dealing with urban decay and stagnation. The collaboration between desire and passion emphasizes the importance of creativity and community involvement in creating lasting change.
Indeed, the story of Kiryat Yam is not only a story of architectural revival but of social and cultural change. Looking ahead, the urban renewal campaign in Kiryat Yam continues without a break. As new projects take shape and new initiatives get underway, the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines this community remains unwavering. For Kiryat Yam, the hope, the perseverance, and the unshakable belief in the power of a community, are what will revive the city.
