Beirut Port Renewal

Project idea

MAIN IDEA
We analyzed how the blast affected surroundings and in what direction the impact wave has spread with most power. It was somewhat the starting point of our idea - to place memorial structures in shape of the impact and adjust the rest of the space to it. Concrete blocks with visible damage represent the old silo- as they were in the past, they are monumental and raw looking. It helps to tone down the atmosphere in memory of tragic event that took place here almost 2 years ago.

Project description

DESIGN
Shapes of our new buildings were designed with heavy nature inspirations. See was the most necessary one - watery like, smooth shapes led the path for every newly created space in our project. Some of them might be reminiscent of seashore stones, washed out by water, almost perfectly seamless.
Another aspects that inspired us heavily were cultural and social topics, as well as history of Lebanon capital. Beirut as a historic port of ancient Rome was a place bringing together people from different parts of the world, with different social hierarchies and roles. Cultures mixed in this city as it does today. So we wanted to create vast places - squares, where people could meet - both residents and tourists, the elderly and young people, city authorities and the population, following the example of the Roman Forum. We wanted to create a space for mutual communication. We designed it as round squares, connected with each other by a system of paths (both sky-shaded and connecting the port with the city, as well as classic footbridges). The buildings we propose, combining various functions and goals, correspond to the idea of connecting people (including a conference, commercial and cultural center in the main building of the port).

GREENERY
The landscape principal assumptions of our project was based on the desire to maintain climatic comfort; creating numerous shaded green areas that would increase pleasant usability of the area. We also expressed those ideas through the use of fountains and shallow ponds, open to port users. In the area of ​​the project, we proposed natural plants for the Mediterranean climate of Beirut. We used shrubs such as velvet mesquite and trees: pinus pinea or cedrus. The vegetation has been sorted according to height to reveal the viewing axes or views of important places in the field of view or to cover elements that disturb the aesthetics of the site.
The aesthetic qualities of the inflorescences enrich the reception of the port as a friendly and elegant place, inviting people and connecting them during joint meetings. The use of greenery was also very important for us ecologically. As a team, we believe that taking care of modern, functional and environmentally friendly design is a guarantee of useful architecture for people. In our project you can find numerous inflorescences, honey plants, perennials, water reservoirs and other elements creating a microclimate, as well as green roofs and trees ensuring better CO2 exchange.

Technical information

All buildings we designed could be completed and constructed using concrete, reinforced concrete and glass. We thought of long and tall structures of glass walls so all ceilings should be firmly supported by reinforced concrete pillars - the same with interiors. Most of the buildings use large areas as green roofs, so its important to remember about big additional weight and its necessary support. Rooftops without greenery should be using steel lattice constructions. In the project it should be remembered about use of fire protective building materials.