Antique map of Haifa, Israel, 1937

The Soffer Master Plan of 1937 was a comprehensive urban development blueprint for Haifa during the British Mandate period. Created by architect Shlomo Soffer and officially approved by the British authorities, the plan aimed at transforming the city by expanding its physical size and population.

The blueprint divided Haifa into three distinct zones: a commercial and industrial zone in the south, a residential zone in the north, and an eastward-facing port and transportation zone. It also envisioned the creation of new neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces, enhancing the overall cityscape.

Noteworthy features of the Soffer Master Plan included a significant expansion of Haifa's port, intending to establish it as a key regional trade hub. Furthermore, a new industrial zone was planned in the southern part of the city. In the north, the residential zone was subdivided into separate Jewish and Arab areas to accommodate the city's diverse communities.

The Soffer Master Plan's success was instrumental in steering Haifa's growth amid rapid expansion and served as the foundation for the modern city. Even today, it remains a crucial reference point for current planning and development in Haifa.

The plan was a response to Haifa's exponential population growth during the 1930s and the need for stability amidst the political unrest of the region. The Arab revolt against the British Mandate from 1936 to 1939 threatened the city's security and economy, prompting the integration of communities through the development of new neighborhoods and public spaces.

Covering all facets of the city's growth, the Soffer Master Plan encompassed physical infrastructure, transportation, housing, industry, and public spaces. After its approval in 1937, it was implemented over the following decades, effectively guiding Haifa's development through the era of rapid expansion.