Re-Animation: Bayroot

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia

Project idea

Re-Animation: Bayroot project idea refers to the creation of the “new city of Beirut”, rebuilt after the terrifying explosion of its port. Reanimation of the port as the main goal of the project relies primarily on the establishment of the concept of a vibrant city, with the introduction of diversity of facilities and functions of the port, after the restoration of essential ones. An adrenaline shot intended for Beirut not only leads to the awakening of its destroyed port, but also to the rebirth of the whole city. Idea of introduction animation as one of the most important functions of the port is to create a living center of this city that will end periods of suffering and bring joy and togetherness back to its heart.

Project description

The concept of the project is based on a comprehensive analysis of the port area together with its wider environment relying on the current needs and requirements of the mentioned area and its population. The port as a starting point of the project branches to other zones of the city and with its new structure and program content leaves roots in its surroundings. The primary function of the port is being restored, allowing it to regain its importance as a world port, and the introduction of new facilities leads to the creation of tourist attractions and a procreation of a favorite part of the city for its citizens.
The creation of an Adrenaline Park as the main city landmark and the most beloved part of the city brings a completely new nature of the port, without disrupting its functioning in terms of storage and transport. Establishing entertainment content for different groups of users, from children to the elderly, brings not only a new glow and awakening of the port, but also enables a significant economic profit from its operation.
Economic sustainability, in addition to the creation of the park, is reflected in the formation of a new business settlement, intended primarily for the development of the IT sector, as one of the most profitable today. The location of the settlement is planned next to the port, on its eastern side, leaving the necessary space for its functioning, but also for landscaping the city.
The introduction of a large amount of greenery, not only in the newly planned settlement, but also in the entire port area is one of the main objectives of the project, which arose from the analysis of existing pollution. Therefore, ecological sustainability is very important for the project and in addition to landscaping, it is also reflected in the installation of other ecological systems, such as solar panels, rainwater collection tanks, green walls and roofs, etc.
The whole mission of the project is to create a space of better quality of life for the local population, but also for tourists, as well as space that while respecting the memory of all the unpleasant events that took place in the port brings new joy and prosperity to the city.

Technical information

The port is divided into 9 zones, including those necessary for its operation, as well as two additional zones (Adrenaline Park and Place (s) tation). The passenger terminal with its old position is connected to the zone of the Adrenaline Park, providing users with additional facilities during their stay in the port. The Conventional cargo zone together with the Free Zone includes the necessary capacities for functioning, with additional facilities for the ports employees. The Container terminal and the Empty container zone are located next to the Parking zone of trucks, which has been enriched by the introduction of greenery. Port administration is settled next to the mentioned zone.
The port zones have been formed by the introduction of expanded internal port traffic and its infrastructure, and the necessary facilities and capacities have been constructed according to those required for the smooth performance of port functions. In the whole area, the emphasis is on pedestrian traffic in order to create and preserve a healthy and ecological efficient environment. The silos building has been renovated in a new manner, as the central attraction of the Adrenaline Park, which houses the Beirut Memorial Center, while the new silos building is intended for its own purpose.