Fabrication center

Beirut Arab university, Faculty of Architecture, Tripoli

Project idea

Location & concept:
This project is a fabrication center located in Tripoli- Lebanon specifically in an area called El Mina. Tripoli was chosen as the location since it is known as the capital of culture in Lebanon, its people characterized by their resilience, dedication, and adaptability. Faced with numerous economic and political challenges, they continuously demonstrate an unwavering commitment to achieving their goals and improving their lives. A fabrication center near this communities will provide substantial benefits by fostering local economic growth, enhancing the skill sets of the workforce and encouraging university students to unleash their creativity since it is easily accessible being 2 minutes away from the nearest university. The fabrication center’s form is derived from its core: Workshop tools. The wrench being the reference of choice, it was once an ordinary tool and now turned into a fully functional architectural building preserving and showcasing the talent of artists and student.

Project description

Form:
The center is divided into 3 main functional volumes with different purposes: the first being the entry and exhibition the second being the workshops and third dedicated to the quiet zone with classes . All volumes are oriented north to ensure entry of indirect sunlight enhancing students and workers’ productivity and proper ventilation. The primary elements used to create the composition were a combination of rectangles and curves. Curves being used two times for different purposes the first is at the right side of the building to respect and reflect the chosen concept and the second is at the left side of the building in respect to the shape of the land and to make visitors feel as if the building is rotating with their movement from the main road to the secondary road leading to the entrance. Since people experience architecture in perspective, the entrance was defined by a dominant metal structure reinforced with repetitive elements enveloping the main structure for a strong approach.

Technical information

Ground floor: Upon entry, the reception and exhibition are clear to the visitors with all services such as stairs, elevator and WC placed next to each other to accommodate the visitors’ needs. The exhibition and workshops are connected by a corridor for quick access, both with exterior openings to the outdoor exhibition creating an interactive circulation between them both inside and outside. The outdoor exhibition is also clearly visible from the main road with a captivating sculpture dominating the visible center to attract visitors. The workshops are surrounded by changing rooms, nurse office, staff room and kitchenette accommodating for the students and staff needs easily and quickly.
First floor: dedicated to the quiet zone in which the classrooms, offices and computer lab were placed with access to two terraces one open to the public for activities and the other only accessible by staff for maintenance.
Façade: A modern approach was chosen for the fabrication center with the use of a stripped metal double skin, decorative elements all following different shades of grey for a contemporary outlook.