lebanon dance theater

Concept: The ambition to create an official institution for Lebanese dance and its diverse dancers and audiences manifests in this Theater acting as a catalyst in activating thederelictbeachandpark,onwhichitsits. Resulting in a prototype of non-commercial theatre inclusive of affordable studio spaces for resident companies and for the amateurpublic.

Design: The nearby landmark of the Raouché cliffs inspires the massing, composed of two low-rise limestone monoliths emerging horizontally from the ground. Which invite free appropriation of their surroundings, while counteracting the alienating verticality of the adjacent apartment towers. A slim textile canopy connects the two volumes, providing shelter over the void in between. Locals can gently stroll down to the beach while enjoying the framed view of the Mediterranean Sea, thenaturalbackdropforallperformances.

Construction: Reinterpreting pre-Civil War ‘underground community theaters’ that used to populate Beirut’s streets, part of the building is excavated into the marine limestone grounds, which is sourced to the nearby stone manufactures, who in return provide the translucent limestone panels that render the building facade and can be light-up. D.f.D. conventions inspire technical detailing avoidant of adhesive products and the extensive environmental strategy is incorporated to not disrupt the purity of the of the two monolithic blocks.