Beirut Green Necklace

KU Leuven - International Master of Architecture - Campus Sint-Lucas Ghent

Project idea

The port & the city

Souk and port spaces are specialized areas of the city expand according to opportunity and need. The issue arises in how these spaces adapt and transition to its urban context. By implementing a link of green swathes throughout a city, we are able to pinpoint certain routes that the port and the city may align themselves to, thus creating a buffer zone to prevent both encroachments into each other. This proposal seeks to set itself as a new form of frontier to connect the city through its derelict port with sustainable agricultural, souk and cultural programmes.

Project description

The Green Necklace Initiative

This proposal is part of a Future Beirut Strategic Framework designed to increase thresholds of green areas of the city, preserve its lost soul of art and culture, and re-transform the Port of Beirut to accommodate sustainable Agriculture practices. The aim is to create a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious metropolis. To achieve the goals of this transformation plan is a necessity to fulfil demand from domestic as well as regional and international markets. The Green Necklace Initiative will fulfil several core tenets of Beirut’s Future Vision:- Promote sustainability and linking green swathes of the city as an Urban Connectivity initiative- Job creation and Employment opportunities,- Promote a preservation of art and culture,- Empower its citizens and to provide a safe shelter for democratic learning and freedom of speech

Technical information

Sector of Culture and the Arts

The positioning of similar programmes reflects the nature of a traditional souq’s typical arrangement. Cultural and entertainment programmes are highly regarded as neutral or negative programmes that are usually placed near city gates. The main 3.5-acre build-up area is highlighted as the Dance Academy & Cultural Centre (le Joyau du Liban) placed in the center of sector to showcase its prominence and its proximity to the users of the Corniche.