Hi,
It is week 37 =) that means that the baby can come everyday….
Yes, the due date is only in 3 weeks but only 10% gives birth in their estimated time. So probably he will arrive sooner or later 
. And for something complete different: TAMA 38.
Basically it is a plan to retrofit building against earthquakes. The Israeli code for seismic design became a low only in 1980, and even then it had only basic demands. Buildings built before 1980 are needed to be retrofitted, and in order to make the process profitable – the contractor that retrofit the building is allowed to build another apartments on top of the existing building and to sell them.
The idea is great, but in reality things don’t go smooth and there are many problems: The building that are retrofitted are in the demand areas, while the seismic hazard is mainly away from the center. The utilities needed for the new residents are not taken into consideration. High buildings are built with population that cannot afford to live in those places.
What I got to do with it?
First I retrofit buildings in my job and my thesis work is also about retrofit of old buildings in Israel – I see it from the engineer point of view.
Second because we live in an area that is in the middle of a process of TAMA 38. I also feel it as resident in the building next to a building being retrofitted. I am also a renter in a building that is planned to go through this process.
Third – as an apartment owner. We try to start the process in our house in Haifa. Right now it seems we have stubborn neighbors that don’t want to move.
Original buildings in our neighborhood
A building went through TAMA 38 process
A hugh tower in the middle of the neighborhood. Also as part of TAMA 38, but without any proportion to the buildings around itA hugh tower in the middle of the neighborhood. Also as part of TAMA 38, but without any proportion to the buildings around it
Timelapse of demolition of existing old building and construction of a new building instead as part of TAMA38 plan
Timelapse of retrofit and renovation of existing old building as part of TAMA38 plan
Timelapse of construction of a new building instead of old building used to stand there as part of TAMA38 plan