Protected Spaces in a New Reality: Time to Raise the Flag for the Mamak
Following the events of June 2025 and the recent large-scale military conflict, the topic of protected space design has reemerged—this time with renewed urgency. Calls are being made to redefine and expand the scope and capabilities of in-apartment protected spaces (commonly known in Israel as mamadim).
These new suggestions include larger protected rooms that incorporate bathrooms, storage solutions, advanced technological infrastructure, and even thoughtful architectural design elements. But beyond the wealth of creative proposals, one critical question looms: are today’s mamadim truly adequate in protecting civilians against evolving threats?
The Latest Conflict Revealed a Planning Failure
During Operation “Am K’Lavi,” ballistic missiles directly struck buildings that included standard protected spaces. These incidents demonstrated that conventional reinforced walls may not withstand the impact of heavy warheads (500 kg and above). The Israeli Home Front Command will likely revise construction guidelines—strengthening wall thickness, reinforcement detailing, and connection strategies. Yet even these adjustments will not be enough. Deeper, more systemic solutions are urgently needed.
An Ongoing Threat—And a Planning-Driven Response
The prevailing assessment is that the ballistic threat is here to stay. With no real alternative, Iran and other regional actors will likely continue to develop long-range, high-impact missiles. While additional layers of technological defense may be deployed, no system is ever completely airtight. This makes architectural design the final, direct, and most vital layer of civilian protection.
Back to the Beginning: How the Mamad Was Born
In early 1991, during Saddam Hussein’s Scud missile attacks on Tel Aviv and Saudi Arabia, the Israeli concept of modern civil defense began to take shape. Alongside the development of the “Arrow” missile defense system, the Home Front Command initiated the idea of an in-apartment reinforced room (mamad)—soon becoming a mandatory element in all new residential construction. While these rooms provided adequate protection against Scuds, the threat landscape has grown dramatically more complex.
Introducing the Mamak: A Smarter Response for a New Era
At GMA Architects, we propose a shift in thinking: designing mamakim—floor-level communal protected spaces—as an integrated element in architectural planning. The key advantage of the mamak lies in its ability to be strategically located within the structure and designed for multiple functions. When planned thoughtfully, it can serve as a high-quality, accessible, and functional space in daily life—not just a heavy, sealed room for emergencies.
Instead of creating static and underused areas, mamakim can become dynamic, multi-use spaces that improve both daily living and emergency preparedness.
Economic Efficiency and Regulatory Incentives
Mamakim also enable more efficient design of underground parking levels, potentially reducing construction costs. Today, Israeli planning authorities are considering regulatory incentives—such as an additional 8–9 square meters of building rights per unit—for residential projects that include mamakim. This could be a game-changing shift in the intersection of architecture, economics, and national security.
In Conclusion
A shifting reality demands a new architectural approach: one that integrates safety, design excellence, and systemic thinking. Now is the time to bring the mamak back into the architectural conversation—not just as a security necessity, but as an intelligent spatial tool that saves lives, enhances planning, and drives positive societal change.
