REAPPROPRIATE BEIRUT

Project idea

A small percentage of Beirut's neighborhoods include formally designated public space, making it a scarce resource inaccessible to the majority. Following this logic, the proposal includes a series of new spatial networks, which could increase connectivity and accessibility within the city. This urban network concept will reconnect Beirut with the help of micro-interventions that aim to sew public space into the urban fabric through essential infrastructure services. By activating informal intermediate spaces and expanding the formation of formal public space that can help as a catalyst for culture and education in the city. The proposal seeks to create a situation where individuals can maintain autonomy and find refuge within the urban fabric of the port, forming an island/enclave in the heart of the city, carving out a territory from the existing terrain to achieve a separate, isolated zone, displaced from the coastal environment. Programmatically, the island seeks to restore people's access to the coast by forming a series of public spaces dedicated exclusively to the population - thus encouraging civic interaction. In this way, two main axes of the project are created, the second of which is followed by a new multifunctional structure intended for people and their needs.

Project description

The entire structure is divided into two main segments. The first forms a multifunctional center whose program changes horizontally according to the needs of the citizens, and second one that is characterized by other educational contents and housing contents.
The project aims as creating housing typologies that can quickly house residents affected by the blast, the units are very adaptable and suitable for a large number of residents with different apartment configurations. Every floor includes a cafeteria and laundry and storage rooms, as well as diverse common spaces and working spaces for residents.

The new passenger pavilion building is designed as a modern passenger space that will meet the current needs of passengers. It includes new docks for access to cruisers and smaller vessels. As such, it should be inviting, engaging and accessible from the park or water’s edge.

The main form of is transparent, providing a gateway to the water and ease of use to those traveling by cruise or boats. Its entry aligns with the park’s main promenade and without impedance, brings the visitors to the water’s edge adjacent to the main ticketing, retail and waiting facilities of the terminal.

Technical information

The construction is made of skeleton concrete elements, in combination with timber. The use of recycled materials as well as donated materials is also encouraged. With their focus on the community and the planet, the adaptable building would be constructed using recycled and recyclable materials along with cross-laminated timber (CLT). CLT is a solid engineered wood panel that is lightweight, strong and easy to install. It also offers superior fire, seismic, and thermal performance.

Documentation

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