AL MSEILHA THE FORGETTEM ECHOCS

Beirut Arab university, Faculty of Architecture, Tripoli

Project idea

The Mseilha Fort, strategically located near Hamat village in Lebanon, served as a defensive stronghold during the 17th century and guarded the route from Tripoli to Beirut. Constructed on a narrow limestone rock of 50m heights near the Nahr el-Jawz River. it also featured a bridge from the same period, connecting the fort to the surrounding area and making it as Historic wonder. Moreover, it holds historical significance in the conscience of the Lebanese as it was once featured on the 25 Lebanese pound bill before the civil war and the economical breakdown.
Despite its abandonment, the Mseilha Fort brims with potential as a future tourist hotspot. Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, it eagerly awaits revival. To symbolize its growth and resilience, I encircled it with bubbles. In addition, when tree trunks are cut, age rings appear, reflecting the years passed. However, they still can grow again because their trunks are still pulsing underground. Similarly, Al Mesilla, once bustling with civilizations, now lies deserted. However, by creating an underground project, we preserve its echo of a forgotten life without harming nature in the location. Imagine the unique experience of viewing the fort from below, bathed in subtle lighting.

Project description

After analyzing the site, I've planned three main zones: a Storytelling Complex featuring a visitor center, local market, restaurant, and workshop; a park; and a plaza. These areas will be interconnected by a trail encircling the Mseilha Fort, ensuring a seamless connection throughout the project. Respecting the existing landscape and topography is paramount in my design, which harmonizes with the natural greenery and terrain while emphasizing the fort as the project's focal point. The Storytelling Complex includes five underground bubbles serving as historical exhibitions for storytelling, complemented by a substantial services area. Each of the five bubbles represents a distinct era in the region's history that I divided it into 5 eras. They provide visitors with an immersive journey through time that evoke the essence of each period while ensuring a coherent narrative that resonates with the historical significance of the site. Above ground, the visitor center bubble houses additional facilities like workshops, an auditorium, and libraries. To enhance natural lighting and ventilation, the project incorporates English courtyard-inspired designs with glass openings. These features are strategically positioned to frame views from the base to the summit of the Mseilha Fort, creating a captivating visual experience aligned with the site's historical narrative.

Technical information

STRUCTURALLY the project work
through 3 types:
1.Upperground truss
2. Underground using
2.1 concert slab and columns with steel connection
2.2 retaining wall
▪ In the first section u can see the steel structure
In the Visitor center.( using it for durability and the
flexibility with the shape.)
▪ The second section show that the concrete columns
with the steel connection connected to the roof
formed from trusses.






SUSTAINABILITY in the design :
▪ Rainwater collection to irrigate and the water used for waterfall and
the fountain.
▪ Steps in landscape entrances that generate electricity.
▪ Floor heating for indoor comfort and energy efficiency .
▪ Active chilled beams in false ceilings to maximize energy
efficiency.
▪ Courtyards inside each bubbles for nature integration and indoor
comfort .
▪ Courtyard provide visual connectivity .
▪ English courtyard with glass around the plan to make the floors
mor lighted and ventilation.
▪ Using louver on the skylight in opposite direction to protects from
sunlight.
▪ Ramps can used for completed a full trip in the complex which can
help handicap to integrated in the project.
▪ Indoor safety in any project is important within the building
system. Safety system and technical requirements are found to
ensure the user’s comfort .