Hebrew Urbanism Design Code

Ten foundational principles for urban planning inspired by Israeli heritage

Human Scale — Up to 5-6 Floors
1

Human Scale — Up to 5-6 Floors

Low and dense construction, enabling eye contact, proper light, and neighborhood life.

Shaded Street as Backbone
2

Shaded Street as Backbone

Trees, arches, pergolas, awnings, deep balconies — pleasant walking year-round.

Living Inner Courtyards
3

Living Inner Courtyards

Shared, protected spaces with vegetation, benches, children, and play.

Deep and Numerous Balconies
4

Deep and Numerous Balconies

Private-public outdoor space creating Israeli identity, family life, and neighborhood connection.

Active Frontages
5

Active Frontages

Ground floor with life: small commerce, cafés, crafts, community education.

Local Stone and Natural Materials
6

Local Stone and Natural Materials

Jerusalem: Jerusalem stone. Galilee: Kurkar/local stone wall. Negev: Earth-toned plaster. — Local character in every city.

Alleys and Short Passages
7

Alleys and Short Passages

Dense street network responding to topography, creating strolls, corners, discoveries.

Mixed Land Uses
8

Mixed Land Uses

Housing + commerce + education + community, to bring 24/7 life back to the street.

Walking Before Cars
9

Walking Before Cars

Narrow streets, underground parking, paths and crosswalks prioritizing people.

Formal and Neighborhood Diversity
10

Formal and Neighborhood Diversity

No more uniform towers. Neighborhood with different builders, different types, different facades — beauty and interest.

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