PORT OF BEIRUT REDIVIVUS

Project idea

The greatest non-nuclear explosion in history occurred in August 2020 at the Port of Beirut, caused by ammonium nitrate stored in a port warehouse. The aftermath of the explosion aggravated the country's economic, political, social and environmental crises, particularly in Beirut. There are several things to consider in the development of the Beirut Port Area include Economic development, port linkages with public activities, and restoring port functions. The design must consider the best use of land as well as the area's long-term viability.

The "Port of Beirut Redivivus" proposes the design of the Beirut Port Area by creating and reviving operations at the port, in addition to mending the impact of the explosion in the port area. The design area is separated into two zones, one for private activities and the other for activities linked to ship logistics loading and unloading. The public zone, on the other hand, features amenities that are the hub of visitor activities. On a local and international scale, the inclusion of building functions and supporting infrastructure for port activities is expected to improve economic value and tourism interest.

Project description

The smart & sustainable concept is a solution to solve current issues and attaining the design's goals. The smart concept in the port area is implemented by creating a data-driven digitizing operating system. Monitoring and the use of clean and renewable energy sources are used to improve port energy efficiency. Strengthening the port network with foreland and hinterland in order for Beirut Port to compete in the international arena. The development of a sustainable concept in the environmental aspect is carried out by applying the principles of green design to the port landscape that is integrated with urban areas. By promoting community empowerment through port management policies and practices, economic sustainability can be attained. The concept of sustainable port development has the opportunity to assist the "Port of Beirut Redivivus" survive and adapt to a variety of economic, environmental, local, and global political challenges.

The smart concept is implemented by developing the concepts of redesigning the Beirut Port region through the electrification of port transportation equipment and tools to minimize pollution and operational and maintenance expenses while also reducing the impact on the environment. Port operational space is provided as a supporting infrastructure for digital data processing in the operational system. The smart transportation system is implemented by applying automatic parking machine technology and driverless electric cars as an alternative mode of transportation that can be used in public zones. High Bay storage system will be used to increase the effectiveness of loading and unloading activities in the container terminal area. Creating technology-based intermodal infrastructure in the form of cargo trains to achieve integration between the port and the hinterland

The sustainable concept is implemented by developing design principles that include the installation of new renewable energy in the form of photovoltaic in the Port area, to mitigate the climate impact of conventional energy use. Environmentally friendly transportation system is provided through transportation facilities with a low impact on the environment. To promote pedestrian activity, the region is equipped with comfortable and integrated pedestrian walkways. Bike sharing features and bicycle lanes are provided to accommodate cyclists. The use of public transportation in the form of a shuttle is also provided as an alternative to environmentally friendly transportation in the area.

The application of sustainable concepts in building design is implemented with a green building system such as the application of roofs and vertical gardens, double skin photovoltaic facades, and the use of porous paving block materials. The development of research and training facilities related to the fishing industry, such as research centres, aquaculture, and vertical farming, as well as the development of new silos with enhanced technology and capacity, is applied as a sustainable solution in handling food issues. There is a recycling centre as an area for waste collection and processing in order to prevent environmental crises. Green and Non-Green Open Spaces are provided in several area as a gathering space for visitor and surrounding community to integrate Port of Beirut and the city, to contribute to long-term economic viability.

Technical information

To promote the concept brought for the new Port of Beirut, several facilities are added to the port such as High Bay Storage constructed by steel to support the automated cargo operation. Considering the condition of the existing silo, a new and upgraded silo is added with more carrying capacity made from steel material. Another support provided to the cargo operational is the addition of railway that will connect Port of Beirut through western part of Asia and Turkey considering there was rail connection from Beirut through Turkey.

Automated parking constructed from steel, automated people mover, and bike sharing will support the sustainability aspect by optimizing energy usage and minimizing the pollution. Buildings are equipped with green roof to lower the indoor temperature and photovoltaic roof or facade which will provide independent electricity. Another aspect of sustainability will be supported by vertical farmings made of unused container cargo.

Documentation

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