Beyond the salt grass

Project idea

After the massive destruction caused by the explosion making everyone remember the most valuable things in life, the project started by analysing the most basic one of all - water supply. And with a city so defined by its relation to water, such as Beirut, it was necessary to reevaluate those relations and to try to find a way to fix what was destroyed in the past and to improve for the future. Using the research of Beirut's past salt marsh coast and the ways to improve water quality, we can see how those unsung heroes of natural water cleansing eco-systems can help in a sustainable and natural way, bringing back the coast to it's people and helping in greening the city to it's former glory.

Project description

The idea is to introduce salt marsh research facilities as the main points of the project, and to try to connect it to the rest of the port which will be open for visitors. The rest of the project points consist of the market place, memorial park and temporary student housing units which will accompany the research facilities. By analysing the density and organisation of Beirut's souks and street blocks, the provided spatial logic helped in placing and defining the volumes of the buildings. The memorial park is also an important element in the design, as it is surrounding the saved silos building walls that serve as a reminder. The open air green space is reserved for different public space events and gatherings.

Technical information

The construction of the research facility and the student and temporary housing units is made mainly out of reinforced concrete, with supporting concrete columns and beams. Other smaller units such as the library and accompanying program in the park area are also made out of reinforced concrete, just with supporting bearing walls.