Beirut
An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about Beirut
Project • By Bernard Mallat Architects • Urban Green Spaces
the Backyard
Cluster H - The Backyard, Hazmieh - Beirut The human mind is forever inclined to order and organize objects into patterns in an attempt to create easily recognizable, navigable environments. However, unplanned human settlements clearly show more random configurations that cluster around various attractors; typically, natural resources and mercantile spaces. Beirut, displays such an unruly pattern. Being an ancient city it has fallen subject to the influence of numerous cultures and has altered itself to adapt to its occupiers. Layers have accumulated and recent wars compounded by explosive growth have seen it engulf the suburbs. The lack of proficient planning and a succession of conflicts have driven the residents and their city to be... More
Project • By Bernard Mallat Architects • Offices
Nestlé Waters Beirut Headquarters
Nestle Waters Beirut Headquarters:
The NestléWaters’offices & warehouse are located on a lot near the Beirut River. It is a project intended to function as a logistical platform for the company; a head office that doubles up as a primary storage and distribution site.
The scheme yields to the highly functional aspect of the warehouse by letting the vehicle path and turning radii carve its mass and produce a volume that maximizes size without losing efficiency. The office block acknowledges the importance of uninterrupted flow & sits atop the warehouse cantilevering above the access andcreating a grand gate for the ubiquitous delivery truck.
It is composed of three blocks stacked to pay homage to the storage function below. The bui... More
Project • By STAR strategies + architecture • Cultural Centres
House of Arts and Culture
The House of Arts and Culture appears at exactly the right moment to boost the already sizzling creativity of Beirut ever since the end of the period of violence in Lebanon between 1975 and 1990. Beirut never ceased to be a place of freedom of thought. Beirut was home to the first universities of the Middle East and was the birthplace of modern Arabic literature. The sultanate of Oman granted USD 20 million to help funding the House of Arts and Culture.
Caption
After studying the brief of the competition, it was a surprise not to encounter the word Icon once. The brief talks about a strong presence, a recognisable character, an exceptional architecture …but also about banning words such as: rigidity, routine, or static. The cur... More