Library Park by TSTR Landscape Architecture

A Neighborhood Park Reimagined as a Literary Landscape

The Library Park in Be’er Sheva is a striking example of how thoughtful landscape architecture can transform an overlooked urban space into a vibrant cultural and social hub. Once a narrow, underused strip of land dotted with mature trees and surrounded by modest homes and public institutions, the site has been reimagined as an immersive outdoor library—a poetic tribute to literature and community.
Covering approximately 40 square km (7.4 acres) in Be’er Sheva’s historic Neighborhood B, the park was designed not on a “blank page,” but as a narrative woven into the existing urban fabric. Drawing inspiration from its name—Sderot HaSofrim (Writers’ Boulevard in Hebrew)—the design team envisioned a space that captures the spirit of a library: a place of exploration, curiosity, quiet reflection, and shared discovery.

Design Concept

The competition’s goal was the rehabilitation of Writers’ Boulevard Park, with a directive to draw the core of the design concept from its name and the network of surrounding streets—each named after a prominent writer from Israeli history.
The Be’er Sheva municipal library is located in this neighborhood, alongside educational institutions and synagogues. Due to its proximity to Ben-Gurion University, the area is popular among students, creating a diverse demographic that includes students, families, and older residents.
These conditions led to the central idea of creating an outdoor library—a kind of “extension” of the municipal library building—which could serve as a cultural and social attraction for the neighborhood’s varied population. Rather than relying on symbolic gestures, the park’s design embodies a poetic interpretation of the literary experience. The central motif— “bookshelves”—is expressed as elongated landscape elements that cut through the soft, flowing topography. These features define entrances, frame seating areas, and shaded activities and reading zones. The effect is a seamless blend of structure and openness, where each line invites both contemplation and activity.
At the heart of the park lies an open-air library with varied seating and reading nooks, encouraging both individual and communal engagement. These “bookshelves” canopy elements also serve multifunctional purposes: a stage that may transform into a yoga platform, a football pitch, or a skating area—offering flexible programming for diverse users.

Impact

The park opened in early 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing influence on how society engages with shared public spaces. During a period marked by strict lockdowns—when access to outdoor environments was not only permitted but encouraged—the park quickly became a vital gathering place for the local community.
Since its transformation, the Library Park has evolved into a dynamic hub for students, families, and community groups. What was once a neglected site is now filled with daily activity, cultural events, and grassroots neighborhood initiatives. The surrounding area has seen the rise of small businesses and cafés, and property values have noticeably increased. This revitalization underscores the profound ability of public space to spark urban renewal—without the need to alter a single building.

Project Details
Winner of a Public Design Competition, 2016
Planning Team: Michal Turner, Eliran Malka, Dorona Yogev, Netanel Laloum, Shiri Yarkoni
Client: Be’er Sheva Municipality
Location: 31°15’21.3″ N 34°47’25.0″ E
Area: 10 acres
Signage: Archigraphia
Lighting: Noa Lev Lighting Design
Supervision: Guy Dahari, Lodan Infrastructure
Execution: Reanan Katz, Shtang Company
Photos: Nir Kafri, Studio Diego Mittelberg, Ricardo Wolokita
Completed in 2020

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