PPL (the Planning Policy Lab) and the Israeli Planning Association host an event which focuses on Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station. The so called “New” Bus Station is constantly referred to as a White Elephant, a juggernaut structure which is one of the biggest bus stations in the entire world. The Station poses many challenges on its surrounding; it is environmentally dangerous owing to high air pollution. It also imposes other externalities on the surrounding neighborhoods, such as high crime rates and a degraded urban environment. Calls to remove the Station are often made by a group of activists who campaign for the its relocation.
The conference discussed a recent documentary film, directed by Lavi Vanunu. Interviewed by Dr. Nir Mualam, Mr. Vanunu told the audience about an intricate web of interests surrounding the Station, and the difficulties he faced when making his film (‘Last Station’ or ‘TAHANA SOFIT’). Dr. Mualam continued to discuss the future (and past) of the station with Orit Siag-Orion, of the City Planning department of Tel Aviv, as well as with a panel of experts: Gil Gan-Mor of the Association for Civil Rights who litigates on behalf of local residents, the historian and researcher Architect Elad Horn, City Council member Shula Keshet, and Nisan Almog-a local activist who has worked to make the Station home to a group of artists.
