First Draft

PROPOSAL FOR URBAN REVITALIZATION PROJECT

LOD A PEACE CITY

From Ryerson University, Canada

To Municipality of Lod, Israel
April 2
8, 2013
I.

Project Concept and Objectives

The objective of the project is to support a peaceful future and co-existence of Jewish, Christian
and Muslim communities in the multi-cultural City of Lod in Israel; develop common ground for
an attitudinal shift toward old and new cultures for critical mutual understanding; and propose
revitalization plans based on a carefully composed and documented Conservation Plan for the
Historic Core of the Old City of Lod.

II.

History and significance of LOD, its heritage and the community;

Participants, contributors, players

The participation of a group of international students and professors will enhance

the multileveled project of revitalization of Lod; it will enhance the process and
concentrate on historical significance of the city and its multicultural nature.
A group of 14-16 Canadian architecture students from Ryerson University will
participate in the Lod Urban Revitalization and development Project that takes place
in the city of Lod, Israel in May-June 2014.
The group of young Canadians will come to Israel with a goal to share their
Canadian multicultural approach to social life of their country by promoting cultural
pluralism through architectural and urban conservation.
We strongly believe that association with the cultural heritage of ones own past
allows a person to be part of a collective, to identify with shared values; it allows the
person to be a strong and proud individual. Mutual respect based on appreciation of
diverse cultural backgrounds brings people together into a tolerant diversity while
creating equal opportunity.
The group will look at Lod as a city of diversity and of potential opportunity, where
multiculturalism will be celebrated and diversity will be encouraged; where people

with different needs will be supported to live in their communities; where children
and youth will find their surroundings inviting and safe; where elderly will live
comfortably and secure; where all citizens of Lod will feel equally welcome and
proud.
Located in the centre of Israel, Lod with its rich history of several cultures and three
religions that converged through centuries into one urban setting is one of the
places in the world where the memory of people and their age-old diverse traditions
are embedded in the memory of the one old city.
The meaning of Lod as a place is embodied not so much in the heritage value of
individual architectural monuments, but primarily in the context of the urban setting
in which architectural work is found.
III.

Expected tasks and anticipated outcomes

The Canadian Team will generate several design concepts based on the accurate
survey and precise recoding of the significant historic city sites and city historic
layers with the supporting documentation, graphic representation and rendering of
the ideas.
The Team will produce workable design proposals for a number of city blocks,
individual buildings, sites and open spaces that will guarantee augmentation of the
unique character of important heritage sites in the historic Lod.
The team will work with the local community to guarantee that the project is not
promoting gentrification but taking into account best interest of local people and
the future of their community and their city.
The team will prepare documentation for UNESCO designation for two or three
heritage sites in Lod; the project outcome will demonstrate the significance of Lod
as a historical city at the international level. The UNESCO/ICOMOS experts in Israel
and internationally will be consulted to approve and in support of the work therefore
attention of international community will come in to support efforts of the people of
Lod and its Municipality to achieve the important change.
IV.

Obligations and responsibilities

The work performed by the Canadian team will be directed at enhancing and
anchoring progressive initiatives that are presently taking place in Lod
Municipality; propose the new ones in similar directions; and will have a goal of
attracting international support to the change in Lod.
The Canadian Team will perform their work as cooperation of the academics,
professionals and Lod municipality, in a continuous consultation with the citizens
of Lod.

Ryerson University will dedicate a full time involvement of senior faculty

members and a group of advanced architecture students to work on the Lod
project; while in Israel for 6 weeks in May - June 2014 and later to continue their
work in Canada in preparation of follow up presentations, public exhibits and
publications. The presentation of all outcomes of the project will be presented to
the city council and will be donated to the Municipality for the further use and
reference.
Municipality on its part,

V.

will accommodate the Project by acting as a host and a local manager of

the project; it will provide all background information, supply the required
documentation, will organize contacts with local community, will facilitate
contacts with local residents, business owners, community leaders, etc.,
Municipality will designate a liaison person to support the project, whose
duties will be to facilitate the work of the design team and be available to
help with management and organizational matters.
Municipality will help to organize a small steering committee to work on
the Project that will include but will not be limited to: a representative of
Antiquity authorities in Israel; a member of Civic Society; a representative
of a District Planning Committee; a member of the community; and a
member of Local Business Association
Municipality will provide the Team with an appropriate secure work area
with access to internet and other amenities and food for once a day
meals.
Municipality will provide the Team with means of local transportation (a
mini bus) for the site visits and commute between towns and 3-4 field
trips.
Municipality will pay the expenses associated with faculty member, who
will be staying in Israel for 6 weeks while conducting the project.
Final steps.
In the of Fall 2014 Ryerson University will organize a public exhibition and
a presentation and will invite members of Lot community and Municipality
to be guests of the University in Canada.

Timetable Revitalized Lod 2014 Canada Team:

May 5 15

Pre Project
Meetings, consultation, and site visits to proposed infill sites in
Historic Lod City; outlining the sites of investigation and design
with participation of the Mayor, City Engineer, Conservation
Architects, and Professors.
Finalize the list of selected sites, available resources, and list of
consultants to the Ryerson students introductory workshop
during May 16-17.

May 15

Ryerson students arrive in Lod and locate in hotel.

May 16-17
visits.

Initial introductory workshop, include presentations and site

May 18Jun10 Students under the guidance of Professor Etkind will work on the
Project
June 12
June 15
Nov 15

Presentation and Public Exhibition in Lod

Students Guided Tour of Historic Cities in Israel
Post-Project
Publish a Final Report documenting all work done in Lod 2014
Project in Israel; Public Presentation; Public exhibition; Guests
from Israel; Banquette