Bugrashov Street Reconstruction Plan

Bugrashov Street is part of the ‘Bitzaron Yam’ axis, which connects the eastern part of Tel Aviv with the sea. As part of this boulevard, are the ‘Yehudit’ bridge, Fourth Street and the Cinematheque, Carlebach, Habima Square and Bugrashov – from the ‘Kikar HaShoter’ (Policeman’s Memorial Square) to the sea. Bugrashov in itself resembles a ‘boulevard’ or a ‘pipe’ to the sea, but at the same time gives space and time to boutiques, cafes and colorful shops that decorate its length. The atmosphere is light and ‘casual’, while the design of the place is based on the eclecticism of the famous ‘Camden’ market in London.

 The street plan initially had two alternatives: an option for one wide sidewalk with a bike lane, and a second one maintaining the sidewalks’ equal length. Since there is abundant commerce on both sides of the street, the question that therefore arises – should there be a preference for the right or left side? So as not to create a commercial advantage for one side over the other, the symmetrical design seemed most fitting. 

Another important consideration was the nature of the shadow on the street from South to North as a result of building heights and the trajectory of the sun. Since the street shadow was very dim, we suggested a design plan that opted to remedy this by planting two rows of trees specifically on the exposed and lit side. By creating an even shadow across both sidewalks (crucial during the hot summer days), we were able to create an even and comfortable walking space on both sides of the street. This asymmetry in landscape came to ‘remedy’ nature, while creating symmetrical equality in the wandering experience.

As part of our reconstruction plan, our office created guidelines for rehabilitating the building facades along the street and allowing them to become part of the street layout and design. We started a process of expropriating private lands taken from the public (such as falafel stands and other commercial ventures), which raised many questions about what was deemed private and public entities. What is the role of the housing yards versus commercial front in defining the public space?

 The Bugrashov Reconstruction Plan was never fully implemented, but the strong premises in city planning that it introduced were clearly reflected in other projects around the city.