From Leftover to Lifeline: 
Reimagining Natural Systems as Public Space in Haifa

From Leftover to Lifeline: Reimagining Natural Systems as Public Space in Haifa investigates how ecological risks—such as wildfires, flooding, and habitat loss—can be addressed through spatial design. Set in Haifa’s Neve Sha’anan neighborhood, the project focuses on the fragmented interface between dense urban areas and steep natural slopes. The research asks: How can we integrate unmanaged ecological edges into the city’s public realm while improving resilience and livability? Drawing on case studies and site analysis, the work proposes three design principles—limiting access to natural areas, reimagining risk zones as shared space, and introducing a new public space morphology. Through localized interventions and a scalable green loop strategy, the project envisions Haifa as a city where environmental function and daily life coexist.