Space Exploration Hub

Beirut Arab university, Faculty of Architecture, Tripoli

Project idea

The Lebanese Rocket Society served as the inspiration for creating a space exploration hub in Lebanon. Established in the early 1960s by a group of ambitious professors and students from a university in Beirut, the society aimed to advance scientific research and technology through the development of rockets. They successfully launched a series of rockets, including the "Cedar" series, which marked significant milestones in the Arab world's contribution to space exploration. Unfortunately, the project was halted due to political issues. To revive this legacy, I have initiated a project to create a tourism attraction in Lebanon centered around the Lebanese Rocket Society. This project will feature storytelling about the society's achievements and aims to generate income from studies conducted at an associated research center, promoting both historical appreciation and scientific advancement.

To develop the concept for the space exploration hub, key points were first identified, focusing on viewpoints from the site. An important aspect was the visibility from Tripoli, which is 25 km away from Hamat, allowing people to see the site from a significant distance. Additionally, the tourism potential at the end of the Tripoli viewpoint and the Hamat airport's role in serving the project through remote sensing were considered. Applying Einstein's theory of relativity, these points were strategically placed and connected, deriving the main north axis that represents the light axis into space and its travel through the cosmos. The interplay of light in physical dimensions inspired the design of two main buildings, with circulation between them symbolizing how illumination travels around its axis. These physical dimensions reflect the axis that represents the two buildings. Inside, the building circulation follows a similar light hierarchy, inspired by the light path in outer space. To enhance visual appeal, a simulation was conducted based on these viewpoints, and the building corners were raised to create an attraction visible from a long distance.

Project description

Permanent Exhibition Halls:

Introduction Zone:
Embark on your cosmic journey at the Introduction Zone, where the mysteries of the universe unfold before your eyes. This immersive space sets the stage for exploration, offering a glimpse into the wonders that await within Cosmic Nexus. Engage with captivating displays and interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and ignite the imagination, laying the foundation for an unforgettable experience.

Timeline Display:
Trace the history of space exploration through the Timeline Display, a chronological journey through the milestones and breakthroughs that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos. From ancient civilizations to modern-day missions, this exhibit charts humanity's quest to unravel the secrets of the universe, inspiring wonder and awe at the vastness of space and time.

Spacecraft and Satellites:
Step into the future with the Spacecraft and Satellites exhibit, where cutting-edge technology meets the boundless expanse of the cosmos. Marvel at scale models and interactive installations showcasing the spacecraft and satellites that propel us into the stars, providing insights into the challenges and triumphs of space exploration.

Interactive Displays:
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the universe with Interactive Displays that engage the senses and stimulate the mind. From virtual reality simulations to hands-on experiments, these interactive exhibits invite visitors of all ages to explore the cosmos firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding of the science and technology behind space exploration.

Mars Colonization:
Venture to the Red Planet with the Mars Colonization exhibit, where dreams of interplanetary travel become reality. Discover the latest research and innovations in Mars exploration, from habitat designs to rover missions, and envision a future where humanity takes its first steps towards becoming a multiplanetary species.

Space Art and Literature:
Celebrate the intersection of art and science with the Space Art and Literature exhibit, where creativity and imagination take flight among the stars. Explore works of art inspired by the cosmos, from paintings and sculptures to literature and poetry, and contemplate the profound impact of space exploration on human culture and creativity.

Telescopic Wonders:
Peer into the depths of the universe with Telescopic Wonders, an awe-inspiring showcase of celestial beauty and discovery. Journey through space and time with stunning images captured by telescopes around the world, revealing distant galaxies, nebulae, and planets in breathtaking detail.

Exoplanet Exploration:
Embark on a quest to discover new worlds with the Exoplanet Exploration exhibit, where astronomers search the cosmos for planets beyond our solar system. Learn about the latest exoplanet discoveries and the techniques used to detect these distant worlds, and ponder the possibility of life beyond Earth in the far reaches of space.

Astroscience Research Center:

Laboratories:

Physics and Astrophysics Lab:
Delve into the fundamental mysteries of the universe within the Physics and Astrophysics Lab. Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and research facilities, this laboratory serves as a crucible for groundbreaking discoveries in theoretical and observational astrophysics, probing the nature of dark matter, black holes, and the cosmic microwave background.

Bioscience Lab:
Explore the potential for extraterrestrial life and astrobiology in the Bioscience Lab. Here, scientists investigate the origins of life on Earth and search for biosignatures on other planets, conducting experiments to simulate extreme environments and studying the resilience of life in the cosmos.

Space Technology Lab:
Push the boundaries of space exploration and innovation in the Space Technology Lab. From propulsion systems to materials science, this laboratory is at the forefront of developing the next generation of spacecraft and instruments, paving the way for humanity's continued exploration of the cosmos.

Gravitational Wave Detection Centers Science Lab:
Embark on a journey through spacetime with the Gravitational Wave Detection Centers Science Lab. Collaborating with international partners, researchers study the ripples in the fabric of space caused by cataclysmic cosmic events, such as merging black holes and neutron stars, opening a new window into the universe's most energetic phenomena.

High-Energy Astrophysics Labs:
Probe the universe's most extreme environments and phenomena in the High-Energy Astrophysics Labs. Using cutting-edge detectors and observatories, scientists investigate cosmic phenomena such as gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and active galactic nuclei, shedding light on the nature of matter and energy in the cosmos.

Astrophysical Computing and Data Analysis Lab:
Unlock the secrets of the cosmos through data-driven discovery in the Astrophysical Computing and Data Analysis Lab. Here, researchers harness the power of computational modeling and data analysis techniques to interpret astronomical observations, unraveling the complexities of the universe's structure and evolution.

Research Department:

Hubble Dark Chamber:
Enter the realm of cosmic darkness within the Hubble Dark Chamber. Designed to simulate the vacuum of space and shielded from electromagnetic interference, this facility enables researchers to calibrate and test sensitive optical instruments, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of astronomical observations.

Galactic Dynamics Workshop:
Embark on a journey through the dynamics of galaxies in the Galactic Dynamics Workshop. Here, astronomers study the gravitational interactions and evolutionary processes that shape the structure and behavior of galaxies, from the formation of spiral arms to the mergers of galactic clusters.

Astroimaging Techniques Workshop:
Capture the beauty of the cosmos through the lens of the Astroimaging Techniques Workshop. From astrophotography to digital image processing, this facility provides hands-on training and resources for amateur and professional astronomers alike, fostering a community of visual explorers and artists inspired by the wonders of the night sky.

Astrochemistry Synthesis Workshop:
Explore the chemistry of the cosmos in the Astrochemistry Synthesis Workshop. Utilizing laboratory simulations and spectroscopic analysis, researchers investigate the formation and evolution of molecules in interstellar clouds and planetary atmospheres, shedding light on the origins of organic compounds and the potential for life beyond Earth.

Mission Lifecycle Management: Integration and Testing:
Experience the thrill of space exploration in the Mission Lifecycle Management: Integration and Testing facility. Here, engineers and technicians prepare spacecraft and instruments for launch, conducting rigorous testing and verification to ensure their readiness for the harsh environment of space.

Remote Sensing:
Tower Remote Sensing:
Ascend to new heights with Tower Remote Sensing, a vantage point for observing and monitoring the Earth and its atmosphere. From weather patterns to environmental changes, this facility provides real-time data and imagery for scientific research, disaster response, and resource management, contributing to our understanding of global dynamics and climate change.

Planetarium:
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos within the Planetarium. This domed theater offers a truly immersive experience, where audiences are transported to distant galaxies, nebulae, and exoplanets through stunning visuals and captivating narratives. With state-of-the-art projection technology and surround sound, the Planetarium brings the wonders of the universe to life in vivid detail, inspiring awe and wonder in visitors of all ages. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be dazzled as the mysteries of the cosmos unfold before your eyes.

Technical information

The steel structure system of braces is a marvel of engineering ingenuity, designed to provide unparalleled strength and stability to architectural marvels. Consisting of interconnected steel beams and columns, braces form a network of support throughout a building, effectively distributing loads and resisting lateral forces such as wind and seismic activity. These braces are strategically placed within the framework of a structure, often in a diagonal configuration, to maximize their effectiveness in resisting forces from multiple directions. The use of steel in braces ensures both flexibility and durability, allowing buildings to withstand dynamic stresses while maintaining their integrity over time. With their sleek and minimalist appearance, steel braces not only serve a functional purpose but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of modern architectural designs, embodying the perfect synergy of form and function in structural engineering.