Jaffa Housing

Jaffa has long served as a key trade and passage point, and in the 19th century
experienced rapid modernization as Ottoman planning introduced new streets,
infrastructure, and European urban principles imposed onto its traditional fabric.
Reviewing the current zoning plan reveals that internal building lines are routinely
ignored, because the prescribed low densities and preserved courtyards prevent
natural expansion.
This disconnect pushes local residents into informal construction or out of
Jaffa entirely, while formal development often caters to wealthier, incoming
populations. The informal additions seen on-site reflect a broader hierarchical
planning system that leaves marginalized communities - particularly Jaffa’s
Muslim residents - without meaningful influence over their living environment.
The design proposal challenges the existing zoning framework, offering an
alternative that accommodates incremental growth and aligns with the actual
spatial and social needs of the community.