The continuous increase of these trends stresses the importance of encouraging public discussion dealing with the quality of urban life and what constitutes improved and superior urban planning. The people of Bat-Yam experience public space daily, as do all other city residents. Every day we encounter roads, sidewalks, gardens, squares, public buildings and facades, beaches and parks, etc. All these are inseparable components of the urban experience.

As a representative of Bat-Yam’s residents whose role it is to guide urban policies for the benefit my constituents, I have improved and promoted public spaces in the city, acting according to the best of my knowledge. Wishing to further advance the issue, I searched for insights and conclusions through research and fascinating, innovative experiments only to discover that public discussion on this subject, so essential and relevant to the quality of life of most Israeli citizens, is still in its infancy.

For Bat-Yam, a city characterized by a highly intensive urban fabric, the development of a better-quality urban space is essential. As a result of this need, the municipality took upon itself to become a significant factor in promoting extensive discussion on the quality of life in urban environments. My hope is that Bat-Yam will become a "hothouse" for creative ideas and change-generating actions, based on teamwork between professionals, residents and the city representatives.

As part of this undertaking, Bat-Yam has taken upon itself to establish an international biannual exhibition dealing with the urban landscape, its planning and design. Our aim is to propose and present new, innovative, intelligent and qualitative models for use of the urban environment to the people of Israel, and to initiate open international debate regarding guidelines for optimal use of cities’ public space.

This issue is of the utmost importance for Israeli society, and I dare even say even a mission of national importance. I would be delighted if you would collaborate with us in our event, for our benefit and for the future of our children.

Shlomi Lahiani, Mayor of Bat-Yam