Common of Memento

Project idea

The first step was the process of deciding on the use of the planning area defined to the competitors. Due to the great potential for Beirut, it was decided to continue the operation of the area of the port part and to open it to the public in the eastern part of the area. While evaluating the current situation within the framework of protection and use, it was set out with the idea of creating an area that would strengthen competition and most importantly benefit the public.

Project description

The biggest reason for choosing the eastern region for the public space was that the focal points of the city were very close to this area and when viewed from the upper scale, the public space was desired to establish a relationship with these spaces. On the other hand, the fact that the Passanger terminal is located in the east of the port was one of the factors that had a positive effect on this decision. The fact that the Passanger terminal function is the easiest to integrate with the public when considering the port has eliminated the necessity of relocation and extra costs.

The first step in designing the park was to construct the roads. In order to create a stark contrast to the harsh vertical lines in the port, organic form was sought. A pedestrian path setup was created, which also takes reference from the orientation of the port. Two carriageway entrances have been given in the area to reach the passanger terminal and Bei-Modern. Apart from this, the main axles seen are designed as service roads.

The entire area was designed as a large public focal point where people would enjoy spending time by being just a memorial site. This setup brought together different functions and 8 basic sub-regions.

Technical information

Subregion 1 : Remembrance Area co-constructed with "Human"
Rather than designing a single space for the commemoration area, it was desired to construct a flow. After entering the park, the main axles take you directly to the old silo that was destroyed in the explosion. As you approach the silo, an isolated "human" structure welcomes you wrapped in the silo. The human figure symbolizes the people who lost their lives in the explosion. All of them are wrapped in the silo and are the protector of the silo against new dangers. When the human figure is reached by following the main axis, it is seen that the figure also acts as a door connecting to the memorial area. The memorial area is reached by first passing through the human and then the silo.
The memorial area is in the form of a circle when viewed from the plan. And it is positioned exactly in the region of the explosion so that half of it remains on the ground and half above the sea. The reason why the circle form is preferred is that the circle form does not have a beginning/end and it represents infinity.
A donut was created using the circle form, and the entire interior area between the floor and the ceiling was covered with a mirror. The basic idea in the use of mirrors is this: It makes the visitor see himself constantly in the space, prompting him to think, perhaps putting himself in the place of the person who lost his life. The aim is not only to remember the event or people, but to instill hope and give life lessons to people.
Subzone 2: Bei-Modern
Bei-Modern is an exhibition/museum space designed to bring both outside visitors and people of Beirut together with modern art. It is aimed to enable both foreign visitors and local people to get acquainted with the unique arts of Beirut.
A circular entrance is proposed on the first floor of the building, which consists of 3 floors. The building, which can be visited on the top floor, is also a view point.
Subregion 3: Co-Working Space Area
The study area is intended to be designed as a part that is both harmonious with the whole of the park and separated from the park, in order to be quiet. For this reason, it was designed as a hard floor rising to the opposite direction of the park and offices were placed under this floor. The roof part of the floor facing the park is designed as a seating area up to a certain level. In order to be integrated with the park, to provide refreshment for to create an ecosystem within itself, a oasis area was designed.

Subzone 4: Passenger Terminal Area
A new structure is proposed, keeping the existing passenger terminal area constant. There are three different hills in three different sizes in the structure inspired by the waves hitting the shore. Glass was used as a material on the roofs to represent water.


Subzone 5: Commercial Area
In order to increase people's time in the area and to create an attraction point, a trade area with food-beverage and shopping units has been determined. The commercial area is located on the lower part of the raised floor to the north east of the park.
Subzone 6: "Lawn" with Folios and Playgrounds
Structural mass recommendations have been made. Each of them has toilets, mobile eating and drinking areas and small workshops. It is placed in such a way that it is scattered throughout the large green areas of the park.
Subregion 7: Sports Ground
Sports area is proposed as a sub-function inside the large green area. There are volleyball-tennis and basketball football fields. A skate park axis has been created connecting the hard floors of these two fields. The running track defines the boundaries of the sports field.
Subregion 8: Memorial Forest
Trees were placed at the junction of the main road and the park. Evaluating this need, these trees became denser in the east of the main entrance (204 in number of people who died ) and a memory forest was formed.

Documentation

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