Agha Citadel Cultural Nexus

Beirut Arab university, Faculty of Architecture, Tripoli

Idea projektu

The historic Barbar Agha Castle in IAAL, Lebanon, once a cherished symbol of the village’s cultural heritage, has unfortunately faced significant neglect and deterioration, affecting the surrounding community. Recognizing the castle's historical and cultural value, the Agha Castle Cultural Association has been established to address these issues with a vision of restoration and revitalization.
The association's primary goals are to preserve the castle’s historical significance by adapting it for modern use, create a cultural center that will foster diverse artistic, philosophical, educational, and historical expressions, and set up a dedicated space for archiving and restoring priceless documents. Additionally, the project aims to transform the castle into a prominent cultural and tourist destination, broadening its appeal beyond local and regional boundaries.
By engaging with the community and revitalizing this important landmark, the Agha Castle Cultural Association seeks to enhance cultural appreciation and ensure the preservation of this invaluable historical asset for future generations. This initiative represents a significant step towards cultural enrichment and heritage preservation, making it deserving of recognition and support.

Popis projektu

The center consist of 4 main zones
The Exhibition and Galleries will highlight the castle's historical and cultural narratives, utilizing adaptive reuse techniques to preserve the architectural integrity while integrating contemporary display methods. These spaces will immerse visitors in the castle’s story and the broader cultural heritage it represents.

The Archiving Center will serve as a repository for historical artifacts and documents, offering both physical and digital access. This ensures the preservation of invaluable records while providing resources for research and education.

The Cultural Center will act as a community hub, hosting workshops, performances, and events that celebrate local and global cultural expressions. This space will foster creativity, collaboration, and cultural dialogue.

Lastly, the Administration area will be strategically integrated into the castle, prioritizing functionality while respecting the historic architecture. These spaces will support the hub’s operations without overshadowing its public and cultural functions.

Technické informace

This project revitalizes an old castle into a thriving culture and social hub, combining historic preservation with innovative construction techniques. The design focuses on maintaining the castle’s historical essence while ensuring sustainability and modern functionality.

The wood frame structure is employed to support lightweight construction, offering flexibility in adapting the castle’s interior for new uses. This system respects the original architecture while providing an environmentally friendly and efficient construction solution. Meanwhile, the hollow core system ensures durability and cost-effectiveness for flooring and structural components, creating open, adaptable spaces that cater to the hub's diverse functions.

The Exhibition and Galleries spaces will creatively showcase the interplay of old and new, blending historic stonework with contemporary wood finishes. These areas will narrate the castle's story while offering a platform for art and cultural expression.

The Archiving Center and Cultural Center will utilize the structural adaptability to create spaces that are functional yet deeply rooted in the site’s identity. The Administration will seamlessly integrate within the design, ensuring operational efficiency without compromising the overall aesthetic.

This concept balances heritage conservation and modern engineering, ensuring the castle remains a functional and symbolic landmark for generations.