The 2020 Beirut explosion changed the lives of an entire community. Many residents have lost family members and places to live. The tragedy in Beirut caused among others major housing shortages, increase of unemployment as well as many shortages that affect the wellbeing of many people. The catastrophe should not be forgotten. The purpose of our project is to create a place that provides an opportunity for residents to unite.
Our main goal was to develop new workplaces, housing and public spaces that will attract visitors to the port. We desire the port to be more vibrant and become a new highlight of Beirut. In our proposal we are aiming to provide a self – sustainable system of the port.

Important topics:

Residentional area and temporary housing (for refugees)

There is a need for temporary housing for those residents that have lost their homes as well as for the refugees that are seeking for a place due to the conflict in their country – temporary structures, adaptable. These temporary structure should be adaptable so that they could be transforben in the future into different types of housing or working spaces.

Workspace

Due to the high unemployment rate and the lack of local production present in the city coupled with the destruction and the hindrance of the port operations, exacerbated by the explosion, we are proposing to create working spaces.

Our first decision was placing the memorial area on the spot of the old silos. Part of the silos will be preserved and secured. Creating the memorial in the “heart” of the port, will ensure that the catastrophe is not forgotten. Adding other functions will ensure that the facility is visited. That is why we decided that part of the old silos and memorial area will be connected to an art gallery. Pavilions, greenery and a marina were placed around the building. The development has been aligned to the viewing axes in order to make the memorial visible.

Residential and office buildings have been placed on the site of the old warehouses near dock number 10: office buildings on the south, residential buildings on the north. Water channels have been introduced between the plots. This solution provides a natural cooling system and semi-private spaces for the residents.

Our proposition is to connect container terminal, administration and parking with fish and food market on the east side of the plot. Fresh produce will be provided and sold, encouraging residents to visit this location of the port.

The location of the passenger terminal has been retained to the west. Our proposal is to create a station at this location as well, to facilitate communication with the city.

Residential and office buildings have been placed on the site of the old warehouses near dock number 10: office buildings on the south, residential buildings on the north. Water channels have been introduced between the plots. This solution provides a natural cooling system and semi-private spaces for the residents.