Seafood restaurant

Beirut Arab university, Faculty of Architecture, Tripoli

Project idea

Location & Concept:
The seafood restaurant is located in Chekka – Lebanon with an unobstructed sea view. To further reinforce the connection between the restaurant and nature the concept was biomimicry inspired by the movement of two fish in opposite direction creating balance in opposition. The initial idea was then turned into an abstract form distributed over 2 levels since the land has a natural topography from 0m to -7m. With open access from the landscaping to the beach, visitors can walk, sit and eat all while admiring the view of the serene blue waters offering a peaceful and awe-inspiring spectacle that soothes the soul and relaxes the mind.

Project description

The building was divided into 2 main volumes that complete each other creating a void in center establishing a courtyard that enhances the experience of the visitors sitting in the ground floor level and illuminates the basement. To further reinforce the concept a pattern of stone inspired by fish scales was used with a vanishing and scattering effect along with wood vertical elements to attract the viewer’s attention. The entry was dominated by a shading structure that follows the same sharpness used in the plans establishing unity in the project.

Technical information

Ground floor: The restaurant being on the coastal road allows for easy access and visitation is increased with the location being surrounded by many resorts. Upon entry the reception and all services are available for the visitors with direct access to the first interior dining hall that leads to the external dining area. All dining zones are oriented north and northeast for an unobstructed view of the beach and indirect sunlight.
Basement 1: This volume was dedicated for families with an indoor playground visible to the indoor dining area and with access to an outdoor playground shaded by a deciduous tree for shade in summer and warmth in winter. The rest of the topography was divided into several levels with all plants being shrubs below eye level to maintain visual continuity to the sea view on all levels.