Elie AlKhoury Architecture Portfolio Vol.2

Elie AlKhoury port folio 2011 2021

Elie AlKhoury

architect•designer contact expertise

Personal Statement.

Passionate architecture graduate with strong cultural and social awareness, underpinned by a promising academic background. Gained skills needed to analyse how the built environment is perceived, inhabited and interpreted, while helping the most I can to improve the strange rock we live on. Technically-savvy, trained on different digital platforms that help me generate any desired inspiration - receptive to new and emerging technologies.

Today most of the new buildings are either avantgarde designs by “starchitects” with sometimes lack of functionality and very expensive, or copy-pasted boxes without any consideration of the site constraints.

The site is the architect

dna - desgin novel architecture october 2019-present

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• experience solely in international and regional projects.

• variety of project in gulf area, differ in scale and functionality.

• valuable team member in the design department

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Professional experience Technical didr - dynamic input design room May 2018 - present Architecture

• multiple dwellings villa in south of Lebanon, Residential extension to an old house in Beit Meri, Vierge de Haramoun in Kawkaba Leb anon, Winery in Ain Bordai-Baalbeck, Private willa in Rasmaten. Interior design

• Residental apartments in Achrafieh, Mar Mkhael, Zekrit, Qoneitra, Rabweh.

• Private Villa in Marjeyoun design

• canopy design for an outdoor parking for a reputable HQ in down town

• custom dining tale made of polymer and stainless steel cast.

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• supported a team of three architects

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collated information regarding design specifications, materials and equipment

Autodesk

Khoury

MANIFESTO: A REVOLUTION PLATFORM

AL BOURJ

I’m politically and socially an unsatisfied young man, and this project is a result of that. This is how it all started, feeling disgusted by the current situation, an idea for a change, with a little bit of poetry, little bit of Pink Floyd, a speech from here, a shameful situation from there and this is how the MANIFESTO was born.

Embodied by Lefebvre, Soja and endless useless speeches heard on the news every night, the womb of the project was characterized first by creating a Revolution Platform in the middle of Beirut, It’s the same site where hundreds of manifestations happened earlier the past decades, same site that used to be the most energetic square of Beirut, the same actual site that was snatched by the same government ruling the country for over three decades. The social and political inertness, as well as the famine and daily commute, banned the citizens in taking a clear stance and remove what used to be the warlords of a shameful 17-years war.

Now, Manifesto is giving the opportunity to manifest.

Simulation

Freely, subjectively, roughly.

of feelings to reach a Revolution

MANIFESTO:

[4] Program

[0] Massing

The project consists of five main labels characterizing the highlighted func tions of the project, each symbolized by a Lebanese revolutionary public figure.

In between the labels, threshold spaces were put to create the necessary col lision between the function, naturally there due to the interlocking of the initial massing.

Walls with no origins, nor directions, absurd position of function, to strongly show how the project is really there to do whatever the users are willing to.

[1] Volume Dispersion

Boxes are dispersed in the narrow site of the martyr square [320m x 30m]

[2] Piercing circulation

Project behaves as a “thirdspace” in the city. Had to connect pedestrian flow within the project. Striking purposely in the middle.

[3] Development of Volumetry

Volumes are handcrafted to become viable spac es, sculpted to be naturally lit and ventilated.

Manifesto is consisted of 5 different labels characterized by different revolutionaries or so called rebellious public figures. Other threshold spaces create the coalition needed between the 5 labels to give the right awareness for the users:

Starting with Youssef bey Karam for the planning, symbolized by free idea and free spaces, Mustafa Farroukh for the Art, Ali Cherri for the Visual brainstorm mapping different stages of Beirut on lithographic maps, Hezbel taleta for improvised and experimental music, and last with Pierre Geagea for the movement and contemporary dance.

[Youssef

Bey Karam - Planning Room]

Situated at the level -7m, Youssef Bey Karam planning room has a void in the middle and a custom made glass table designed and generated on Grasshopper, with its roots hitting the ground on the -11m showing that the discourse happening on the this table, is based on the common ground which we sit on.

The cascading shape volume has different levels, and it’s naturally lit and ventilated. All looking towards the void in the middle, the red spine piercing the architecture of this volume is actually part of the roof of the Youssef Bey Karam - Planning room.

The space is showcased around a Broadcast station, an observatory and a lookout over the underground theater on the -12.9m .

[Moustafa Farroukh - art]

It’s a space that is based on a very vivid color schemes, reviving the art of Mustafa, which has always been keen on creating a strong bonding between his art and the users. On the level -5.2m, this space was there to strongly affirm the sense of belonging that the users should embrace to start this revolution in the first place, and end with it, to start fresh with what this country means to the user.

Threashold spaces surrounding this volume are the naturally lit theater, the foyer interconnected with the next label, and introducing the relation with salt water at the level -15m underground.

[Ali Cherri

- Visual Brainstorm]

Ali Cherri is a contemporary artist that worked on different lithographic old maps of Beirut. This intrigued me to backup the heoretical approach during the process of the thesis.

The art platform sits on the level -7m connected right next to entrance, with two slandered walls grasping the natural light, and channels it to the map that is hung onto the two steep walls, and the reflection on the maps will generate a copy of the latter onto the ground on the -11m

It’s where users can explore different stages of Beirut and its evolution, specially the harassment generated by Solidere.

Check visual [1]

[Hezbel Taleta - Improvised music]

Hezbel Taleta is a Lebanese band who was known for improvised music right on stage. Their edgy sounds drove the crowd usually to an Utopian state of mind.

Due to the interlocking volumes at the beginning of the process, this volume took its shape due to the “improvisation” of masses that generated an incredibly experimental space for music, acoustically isolated but still open to natural light and ventilation

Level -12.9m

Its bottom is adjacent to a public bathhouse.

Geagea - Experimental Dance]

Pierre Geagea, deaf-born Lebanese artist, is a Dancer/ Actor specialized in contemporary dance, uniquely combines dancing and sign language in his work.

This volume is the only one popping on the street level. The idea is to hide the hidden agenda behind the project and ensure that the subliminal messages are hidden underground for the users to explore, and “fool” the government with a fake program and not intended for a revolution.

The gigantic and massive volume is cladded with mirror from the inside, and the red spine piercing the volume is roofless, so users on the promenade can be intrigued bu the activity happening in the experimental room due to the reflections of the dancers on the mirror.

Check visual [2]

[1][visual brainstorm]

Slandered walls with lithographic maps of Ali Cherri hung in between.

[Pierre

[1] Space Volume

Floor plate is hitting the massive structure on the minimal surface of contact.

Separation wall with the broadcast station.

[2] Space circulation

Massive inclined structural wall with floating stairs connecting the upper street area with the underground units and functions.

[2][Planning room] Cascading like volume with a void and a table in the middle custom made to fit the void and hit the ground on the -11m.

[3] Space organization

Cascading the plenum of the planning room radially around the void, adding services.

[4] Space requirements

Furnishing the podium with cheap wooden desks, showing the limpidity and integrity of the discourse to the users.

[5] Spine

The red main spine be comes part of the roof of the planning room, pierc ing the volume and going through to other functions.

[5] Envelope

Embracing the volume try with in situ concrete, with the roof of the plan ning happening to be the ground level, accessible for people as “the new thirdspace” in the city.

[3][mixed bathhouse]

The last social contact before the revolution, a mixed bathhouse ensures the mixture in culture and social stratas needed. Once we reach this mindset, the project reaches its goals.

Street Level Elevation

[6] Experimental Dance

Function is visible from the street level, easily accessible from the sidewalk. The red spine piercing the volume is open and shines under the mirror of the volume.

[7]

Lithographic maps

Between the slandered walls, the maps are hung on the wall for the clear brute sun path to hit the maps.

[8] Planning room

Cascading-like volumetry led for the void to be the focal point on which the function revolves: Clear discourse.

[9]

Ruins

A special space is located underground and connected to the actual remains of the petit serail is under the glass national protest lane.

[4][Ruins]

Unpreserved ruins, an abyss for trash and hidden agenda is located at the end of the site. Therefore an underground connection was dug between the ruins and exposed ruins within the project. The connection is through a tunnel made of rough corten materials.

[5][art]

Sense of belonging. This space dedicated for mustafa farroukh is at the beginning, yet at the heart of the project. it resembles the vivid colours and weird color scheme used by the artist to always emphasize the importance of the belonging to the motherland.

has ... ... been awarded the ... ... participated in ...

... been published in ... ... participated in ...

PLATONIC TOWER IN BADARO - BEIRUT

A recognized brand in the world of music and sounds has called for a HQ tower in the heart of Badaro, on a triangular shape plot adjacent to a vast site used as a parking lot to the congested area of Sami Solh.

is a pilot project in Studio 5, to be replicated on different plots in Lebanon, each on a controversial plot, economically, socially, environmentally. The plot is situated on the crossroads between Sami Solh and the Damascus street, both accused for generating a high pass of sounds and polluting the residential neighborhood surrounding the site.

So how to generate a design that suits a headquarter and be friendly with the surrounding?

AbsorBOSE applies the technology of absorbing the sound generated by the loud context and transforms it into energy, but creating a tower that is accessible for all the people, as well as the users of BOSE was quite the challenge. It consists of a large podium perforated to absorb the sound waves surrounding the site on the low levels, as well as wind tunnels and reverberation panels all along the tower on higher floors.

Different green platforms cut the tower to breathe, and welcome users that lack a green space in the city, despite having the largest public space in Lebanon right next to them, but closed for years.

Retail and commercial shop on the lower level, Spa and medical center on the quite back side, large tower entrance, with an easy In/Out circulation, to dilute the existing traffic crisis around the site.

exruded masses setbacks and site constraints program matrix and functions distribution voids and massing sculpting

[3]wind poles high metal allow poles, generates power by vibrating over the high wind.

[1]corridors sound absorbing paths aiding in gathering frequency information

[4]vibraition power pole metallic posts embracing the poles creating an Eco-conscious system that generates power.

[2]wind tunnels massive steel structure crowning the tower, channeling the air to the poles

[5]reverberation panels corrugated and perforated metal sheets that absorb the sound from the context.

[6]tower plan layover tower floor plan is designed mostly efficient to absorb the sound using the reverbation panels, architect is aiding in absorption by going in and out, extruding and protruding the floor plate to get the needed corners for efficient sound absorption.

[7]branding and open public spaces the podium of the tower is always open to public, even the upper public hubs, the orange window frames are part of the branding of the tower, that bose took in 2014

[8]public hubs and roof

different public hubs are dispersed in between the tower floors, helping the private and public users to blend with nature, mostly needed in the city. roof is crowning the tower with massive wind tunnels, music pods, eco wind poles and green patch.

reverberation panels glow in the dark and create sort of landmark for the bose company. Orange metal frames slightly glow due the panels flux.

This project has been selected for showcase at the End of Year Exhibition 2016 at Notre Dame Univeristy ...

[Photo by dylan mcleod]

- KSA

movies & leisure

proffesional work at DNA since October 2019 till present.

signed consent over confidentiality, therefore some blurry parts on the renders.

proved a strong stamp in the MENA region over the years with exuberant designs and functional spaces that go along the Saudi codes and regulations.

The projects differ from commercial spaces in malls, to built hotels and multi-use compounds.

turning a sandy soil into a breathtaking forms in Saudi Arabia is the goal.

bin khaldoun

khurais - KSA

no.5

no.5 is a plugin in different disciplinary sites located in different geographical locations around the world. working in contrast with the fundamental pillar of modern architecture: respecting the site.

The main idea behind the project is to enjoy an exquisite scenery in a space designed for only one person, where it becomes like an axis-mundi only in relation with the user.

Solely a place to rejuvenate and quench the daily stress lived nowadays, the architecture helps the user to experience spaces were once a simple narrative in old houses, accessing the roof, outdoor bath, ellipse vistas surrouding the house.

AL13

AL13 is a custom scenery for a prestigious client in Rabwe - Lebanon. Divorced client, living by herself, asked for an eclectic yet modern dining area that will reflect her personality.

As an architect, it is inevitable to work without getting to know my client first, which has become a dear friend right after the first meeting. The choice of materials was very simple, but the processing was quite the issue.

Stainless steel with preserved polymer cover, custom rug, art piece and a minimal lighting, created the perfect combination of them all.

beit mery farm house exten sion

Beit Mery farmhouse extension is a hidden lodge in the heart of “bsetin” Beit Mery.

A wealthy friend allowed himself to buy more than 60 lots surrounding his haven house, to enjoy the serenity around him, whilst experiencing a double era controversial architecture, between the old house (nearly 70 years old) and the new extension, this allowed me to propose a wide program with different units - plugins to enjoy a common outdoor areas for gatherings and family reunion facing an immense, sublime panoramic view.

photography

[Photo by robert shunev]

Roman ruins - Beit Mery, 2019

Roman ruins - Beit Mery, 2019

Salon D’agam - Marcel Broodthaers - Centre Pompidou - Paris 2019

Chambre d’Urgence - Marcel Broodthaers - Centre Pompidou - Paris 2019

Philharmonie De Paris - Jean Nouvel - Parc de la Villette - 2019

EYE Film Museum - Delugan Meissl- IJpromenade - 2019