Ports of Beirut

Project idea

Ports worldwide have experienced a significant transformation in their relationship with the citizens from the past to the present. Ports used to be the centre of the interaction between different cities and people. The existing Beirut Port is a barrier for people to reach the seafront, an edge that only staff could enter and experience. It was on the 4th of August when tons of ammonium nitrate exploded that is stored in a warehouse. It was the day Beirut Port needed a significant transformation. That’s why we searched for a way of proposing a waterfront and port with people’s participation.

Project description

What we propose for the destroyed waterfront is taking reference from the concept of ports. The initial proposal is an interpretation of the concept of a port, more than trade activities which enable citizens to experience the waterfront while facilities continue. In that manner, the ports are thought to be extensions of the existing “ports” in Beirut, like the university, circus, etc. The relation of the ports in the site is based upon the concept of exchange, and relatedly, products, networks and components. Ports of Beirut will be a location where culture, information, products, and goods are exchanged. Those exchanges eventually transform this urban edge into a centre of attraction.
We wanted to keep the silo as a landmark of the explosion together with a museum and structures of passenger terminal. The passenger terminals allow outcomers to experience the remainings of the silo as the collective urban memory. People could experience the explosion area and the silo from different levels; from the sea with lightweight structure and from elevated pathway.
For the container zones, we wanted to keep the existing container terminal. According to the needs, the container zones would expand through the seafront (i.e. expand to the dock 3-4-5 during the festival).

Technical information

Ports of Beirut are designed in relation to the theme of resiliency. The system of permanent and temporary structures provides a resilient design. Temporary lightweight structures work together with permanent components for several activities and different periods. Each port has its components, while temporary structures are plugged in for several occasions.

Documentation

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