A City Surrounded by Hills
The 'green belt' of natural open spaces around the city is designated for conservation, for recreation and escape from urban life. It maintains the clear boundary between man-made and natural environment.
The Jerusalem Forest and Valleys
The remaining area of the Jerusalem Forest is designated as a National Reserve to prevent any further reduction. The valleys that remain unspoiled by unsustainable development are preserved as the natural framework supporting the urban environment.
Urban Green Spaces
Jerusalem parks, gardens and courtyards as well as ecological niches are conserved, whether public or private property. Urban planning allocates a reasonable ratio of green space per capita, according to modern standards; it guarantees the proximity of playgrounds and green spaces in each neighborhood. The existing 'Open Space Plan', with its balance between natural and urbanized spaces, is adopted and put into practice.
Green Issues
The importance of green spaces and environmental issues in influencing the quality of physical and mental health, becomes a central criterion in all development decisions.
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The Jerusalem Scale
The proportion between height and mass in new developments is harmonized with the dimensions of landscape and man. Housing developments integrates the intimate Jerusalem neighborhood scale.
Building Height
The height of new buildings is regulated by a new overall plan, thus conserving open spaces and avoiding anarchic land speculation. High-rise building are banned because of their long-term negative effects on the
environment, the economy and the image of the city. Low-rise and medium-rise high-density buildings meet all development needs: 8 story buildings in commercial areas; 6 stories in residential areas; 4 stories in and around the visual basin of the Old City, and other historical areas.
Public Space
Special care is given to the planning and embellishment of urban public spaces. Streets and squares (including sidewalks, lighting and urban furniture) are designed in harmony with the historic fabric and constructed with sustainable materials. Mature trees are respected, while new street trees are planted.
Urban Design and Stone
The placeless character of our Time should not dominate the timeless character of the Place. Therefore the architecture of Jerusalem creates a dialogue between old and new, taking into account social needs natural topography and cultural heritage. The quality of important projects is increased through architectural competitions, public debates and exhibitions. The existing tradition of Jerusalem stone is reinforced, while energy-saving technologies and materials are given priority. Gross planning errors of the past are progressively corrected and redesigned according to their specific location.
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Outstanding Universal Value
The scenic and historic heritage of Jerusalem is designated as an
heritage of 'Outstanding Universal Value', and actively conserved, with the help of the International Community. The Mayor takes the lead with a dynamic conservation policy, combining public and private interests. International charters relating to historic cities and landscape preservation are adapted to Jerusalem's specific character, their adoption guaranteeing the continuation of the legacy.
The Historic Skyline
The preservation of an open skyline is designated throughout the city, with comprehensive care of the visual basin of the Old City. Sensitive planning prevents further blocking of urban vistas and panoramas exclusive to Jerusalem.
Heritage Sites and Buildings
A full conservation survey of the urban fabric of the Old City is accomplished, thus arresting the ongoing degradation of Crusader, Mameluke and Ottoman architecture. Pre-state monumental sites and vernacular stone buildings outside the walls are preserved and renovated for contemporary needs, or reserved for future generations. The multicultural character of the Jerusalem's urban villages is further reinforced.
Modern Heritage.
A selection of twentieth century architectural landmarks and garden neighborhoods, characterizing Israel's modern architectural achievements, is designated for preservation.
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Mixed land use
Integrating different types of land use and activities in satellite towns and suburbs reduces the need for commuting. Work, education, commercial and cultural opportunities are found within, or close to, all residential areas.
Public Transport.
A direct, comfortable and accessible system of environmental friendly public transport, including new interurban train connections, is given absolute priority and competes efficiently with the use of the private car. Easy access to the city's central areas is achieved through an integrated public transport system, including dedicated lines for non-polluting buses and the light-rail.
Streets for People
Similar to other cosmopolitan urban centers, pedestrian spaces regain popularity as more and more people enjoy walking. This implies quality space for pedestrians, traffic calming measures, and serious prohibition of parking on sidewalks. Careful attention is paid to disabled access, while cyclists enjoy safe routes throughout the city.
City Gates and Roads.
The entrances to the capital are optimized and the safety on existing roads improved. Sufficient 'Park and Ride' facilities are provided where cars can be parked and public transportation continues the journey into town. Road planning respects the ecological balance and the scale of the surrounding landscape. In historical and/or dense populated neighborhoods, traffic flow is adapted to the shape of the streets, and not vice versa.
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Regional Planning
The development of the metropolitan territory is obtained by increasing building densities in existing populated areas while ensuring the protection of open spaces both at macro and micro levels. Housing development for all population groups include educational and commercial facilities, places of worship and culture as well as work opportunities. Preference is given to the development of sources of
income sensitive to the environment and the issue of pollution.
Democracy within the Metropolis
The cultural variety and the municipal independence of the different social entities are guaranteed through democratic participation of the citizens/residents. Interdepartmental cooperation facilitates regional integration of planning and development projects.
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City Limits
As the need arises, the directions of the city's growth are reassessed according to social and ecological considerations, its boundaries and dimensions determined by enlightened planning.
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