Residents’ reshaping of public space during COVID-19: The case of North Tel Aviv

The functional and structural changes in public space during the COVID-19 pandemic and residents’ perceptions, behavior, and attitudes toward public space in northern Tel Aviv were studied. The research is based on mixed qualitative methods in six different locations in Tel Aviv during and after the pandemic. The restrictions following the pandemic led to rediscovering public space and “actively” rereading its opportunities and potential. Residents became more attached to public space and developed a sense of belonging by using it to satisfy their well-being. In contrast to hedonistic urban images, many adopted ideals of connection to nature and “going basic.” Some changes became permanent. These extreme changes in the experience of the space emphasize its fluid nature. The more abstractly the space was designed, the more residents could “create” their own public spaces.