Graduation project: Breaking Borders Through Arts

Beirut Arab university, Faculty of Architecture, Tripoli

Project idea

the idea of my graduation project came from the location itself. My site is located near to the one of the permanent soldiers' checkpoints in Lebanon, AL MADFOUN CHECKPOINT, and the removed Barbara checkpoint away 5km from the site. these checkpoints were known as the zone of danger that people till now are scared of. people were afraid to move near this zone, so they don't get kidnaped or violent. so, the idea behind this project is to build a platform where people and artists can interact and express their dialogue through arts and break the memories in their heads that may afraid them of being in this zone and transforming this zone to a creative zone that not only addresses the needs of its users but also enriches the surrounding environment. breaking borders through arts was expressed mentally and visually through the design
In my design I translate the borders as the curved thick concrete walls and the breaking flying units (the arts units) that are extracting or subtracting them.

Project description

The platform concept is envisioned as a dynamic architectural space that serves as a nexus for artistic collaboration, art dialogue, and cultural exchange. Situated at the intersection of diverse communities, it embodies the ethos of breaking borders through arts by providing a platform for artists from various disciplines to converge, interact, and create together.

The vision behind the project is "Fading Layers". which embodies the idea of seamlessly integrating built structures with the natural environment, creating a harmonious dialogue between the two. This vision emphasizes the gradual blending of architectural elements into the surrounding landscape, as if they were fading or dissolving into the earth, sky, and horizon. It celebrates the ephemeral quality of light, shadow, and materiality, inviting occupants to experience a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

the goal is to Provide a platform for artists from various discipline to interact, collaborate, converge and create together.

the main elements of the project are distributed to three main arts: (sculpturing, painting and performing).
the sub-elements are exhibitions, plazas, collaboration rooms, retail shops, rental rooms for artists, classes for each department, auditoriums, and amphitheater.

why these types of arts?
the achievements:
Performing: Cultural Exchange, Interactive Collaboration, Engagement and Empathy
Sculpture: Visual Expression, public art installation, collaboration projects
Painting: visual storytelling, collaborative murals.

circulation: the main entrance of the building is the basement as the visitors gather in a main plaza and then enter the exhibition and from the exhibition, they will move through the main core that connects all the floors together.
and to move from one block to another there are an elevated bridges that connects that units that describe the bridging between the arts.

sustainability achievements:
-social sustainability:
Through open space and plazas in the entrances that create a communal wide space for people to relax.
Through interactive spaces and visual connectivity's, as well as having various clusters that fit everyone’s needs.
-Environmental Sustainability:
Through using E-Glass that doesn’t emit heat during the summers and saves heat during winter, lowering the chances of needing HVAC system. Moreover, the use of pond and water for water system across the building.
Through usage of parametric wall façade that emits less heat to the building and saves the temperature inside the building.
-Economical Sustainability
Through having an ongoing profit from exhibitions and visits from outsiders.
-Through having classrooms and communal spaces that artist can rent or take classes in which is also another mean for profit.
-Through having rental rooms for artist that also generate income into the building.
-Through the energy efficiency of using sustainable material and cautious designing that leads to less HVAC cost due to environmental sustainability.

Technical information

the structure of the building is divided into 4 types
-the piles from the cliff that hold every unit alone
-the curved walls are also the structure of the buildings with thickness 1m
-the cantilevered units are carried by trusses that carry them from the 12m span
-while in the basements I used the column and beams structure

parametric facade selection: Because certain designs may alter their appearance over time or in response to user involvement, parametric facades can give a building a dynamic quality. Architectural experiences that are dynamic and captivating can be produced by this characteristic.
-Enhancement of Aesthetics: Complex patterns, forms, and textures are possible with parametric design, which can improve a building's aesthetic appeal. The facade develops into a distinctive architectural element that draws attention to the building and gives it personality.
-Functional Adaptability: It is possible to create parametric facades that react differently to different environmental elements like temperature, wind, and sunshine. They can include moveable components or automatically adjusting shade mechanisms to maximize occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

Documentation

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