2 - Y5 - ETS5 - High Pass

AA Technical Studies

Malek Pierre Arif

ETS5 - Diploma 17 2022-23

Studio Tutors:

Dora Sweidj Theo

Sarantoglou Lalis

Ts tutors:

Javier Castanon

Joana Concavles

Giles Bruce

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction:

- Abstract

- Technical Statement

- Project Location

- Proposed Strategy

- Construction Sequence

II. Context:

- Territory: Problem & Opportunity

- Local Material: Limestone

III. Site Analysis:

- Mar Mikhael station - urban scale

- Existing, Infrastructure & Environment

IV. Preservation:

- Analysis of existing typologies

- Rules of preservation

- Restoration Case studies

- Interventions - Stabilization

- Coverage - Weatherproofing

V. Substraction:

- Steel warehouses - partial relocation

- Unlisted concrete - Demolish/Re-use

- Ground Alterations

VI. Addition:

Infrastructural elements:

. Retaining wall

. Airflow wall

. Tension wall

. Load bearing wall

. Stone vaults

VII.

Proposal

VIII. Conclusion

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

Abstract

Technical Statement

Project Location

Design Proposal

Construction Sequence

Railways connect places together at the macro scale, what was once separate becomes one. Cities, suburbs and their different cultures and identities are bridged together. Here and there are no longer separate.

But at the micro scales of stations and their rails, such infrastructures often divide and split environments in half. Although entire communities form around them, stations are reserved only for transit and departure and are often segregated from the places where they reside. They receive the traveller but leave no space for locals.

The project explores a new type of platform, one that connects at multiple scales, a common land used by both traveller & passer-by. By creating breaks of publicness along the longevity of a station, the void is perforated: Indoor, Outdoor & covered spaces serve as a white canvas for the locals to inhabit as they see fit.

The proposal takes place in the territory of Lebanon, a relatively young state with an abundant history as a crossroads, be it of caravans, railways, or aeroplanes at the mercy of the international games of power politics. Originally known for its lively streets and cities, the country now has a big lack of public space for its people.

Within a nexus of publicly owned lands that the state of governance has failed to make public, lies a derelict fragment of the Damas Hama & Extensions railway (DHP), built by the French during Ottoman rule, part of a larger network that once extended to Asiatic turkey and Europe.

Discussion around the reconstruction of these railways in Lebanon, offers potential for this field of presently connected yet disconnected plots which are scattered across the country; A potential for the creation of new flexible public spaces and facilities for the communities within their radii, which will eventually also become train stations in addition to public spaces.

The revival of the railways might or might not happen. But the project moves forward regardless, to open up these publicly owned lands to the people without removing the possibility for the latent infrastructure to manifest itself.

Historically platforms have always played important social and symbolic roles, which made it a quintessential public archetype today. A platform is a space with a dual functionality, a space that simultaneously facilitates and conditions use, and defines space without enclosing it. The project aims to utilise their transformative aspects to offer spaces that can foster civic life and Ad Hoc local culture which suffers from a lack of publicness today.

The goal of my technical studies is to showcase an example deployment of the project at an urban scale. This will be achieved by conducting technical and theoretical research, fieldwork, surveying, mapping, scanning, and analysis, followed by interventions in three complementary ways:

I. Preservation and restoration of the idea that the stations can be revitalized in the future. Consequently the preservation and inhabitation of the existing derelict and deteriorating remnants of the old railway, which are fragments of heritage today.

II. Substraction of estranged site occupancy that has rendered them inaccessible today and necessary ground alterations for the transformation of the site into a corporeal public space that will engage visitors and allow the blending of diverse uses.

III. Addition of platforms through different ground alterations and material treatments. Stone infrastructure walls that will converse with the ground to form spaces that bleed into each other all while still establishing a strong sense of separation, direction, and organization. The construction of stone vaults to create secondary levels either above or below ground to allow different programs to overlap. Finally, the insertion of light permanent and impermanent shading elements that extend from the added walls to provide various types of light filtering that will bring a serene atmosphere to the spaces and make different parts of the building functional throughout the year.

How does one tread in an in-between state of fragility? Between a derelict railway station that once was and a future one that is not yet. To open up a closed piece of land and provide public space that will eventually include a train platform? What does one preserve, remove or add? Finally, what are the technical challenges that arise from these investigations?

Site 1

Urban - Central

Location: Mar Mikhael

Site 2

Rural

Mount Lebanon

NW SE

Coastal strip Mediterranean

- Mount Lebanon Location: Bhamdoun

The focal point of ETS5 is the Mar Mikhael parcel located in the heart of Beirut where one of the main railway stations used to be. The station connected this neighbourhood to other parts of the country and was a hub of activity that played an essential role in facilitating transportation and commerce in the region. Today, all that remains are its remnants on an inaccessible site located between one of the liveliest streets of Beirut and the country’s main highway.

Mar Mikhael is an important cultural centre in the city, known for its vibrant night-life, restaurants and cafés, and street art. It has become a gathering place for young people and creatives in the city, making it a vital part of Beirut’s social fabric.

The proposal to open up this closed piece of land offers the potential for the creation of public spaces and facilities for the communities within its radius, without removing the possibility of a train station in the future.

PROJECT LOCATION

Retractable Canopy III

Warehouse III

Outdoor Performance

Open Platform

Warehouse II

Lower Ground Galleria

Retractable Canopy II

Warehouse I

Preserved water tower

Preserved office building

Preserved station building

Preserved Graffiti Wall

Retractable Canopy I

Preserved Train house

Mar Mikhael Iteration I

Light and shadow

The proposal for public spaces in Lebanon seeks to create a blank slate for the people to make their own. However, the creation of such spaces requires thoughtful consideration of the local context and environment for its success. Public spaces are used based on the range of activities they offer and the role that sunlight plays in comfort. The proposal addresses this by designing the space in a way that allows for a variety of light conditions throughout the day and year. Permanent and impermanent shading elements are incorporated to ensure that the different platforms are usable in different environmental conditions, encouraging people to use different areas of the site at different times.

Proposal Development Breakdown

Phase I consists of the analysis of the existing buildings on site to Identify: first which are worth keeping, and second which require intervention and how much.

Phase II aims to determine which parts of the site should be substracted. First which buildings should be demolished, Second which could be partially preserved for the benefit of the proposal.

Third consists of determining what parts of the site should be excavated and how according to existing and future constraints.

Phase III involves determining what is added on site, taking previous analysis of constraints (Heritage, Infrastructure, future station, vegetation) and environmental conditions into consideration, to make successful public spaces.

All in all, the additions of a variety of stone steel and fabric elements to create different spacial and environmental conditions for multiple flexible use throughout the year.

This includes walls, vaults, permanent and impermanent canopies; placed and altered in response to analysis and project design goals.

TERRITORY:

Lack of infrastructure

Problems of publicness

Formalized public space

Railways in the middle east

A field of potential

MATERIAL:

Geology of Lebanon

Local quarry legislations

Limestone industry

Characteristics of stone

Local precedents

A Public people with a lack of public space

Lebanon, once referred to as the “Paris of the Middle East”, has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. It used to be a bustling city with lively public spaces, food markets, artisanal markets, and cultural events that brought people together. But today’s Lebanon is plagued with various issues, including political instability, economic crisis, and lack of proper governance, resulting in a significant decline in the number of public spaces available for people.

The lack of formalized public spaces in Lebanon has become a significant problem for its citizens. In the past, public spaces were available everywhere, and people could gather and engage in various activities such as picnics, outdoor concerts, and cultural events. However, today, there are few such spaces, and people have to resort to private venues, which are often expensive and inaccessible for many.

According to studies conducted by the American University of Beirut, there are many publicly-owned parcels in central Beirut that have the potential for transformation into public spaces. However, the government’s inaction in utilizing these parcels has resulted in their remaining inaccessible to the public. This situation exacerbates the existing problem of the lack of public spaces in Lebanon.

The absence of formalized public spaces has had several adverse effects on the community. It has limited the opportunities for social interaction, which is vital for building a sense of community and promoting social cohesion. The lack of public spaces also limits opportunities for leisure activities and physical exercise, which can have a significant impact on mental and physical well-being.

Moreover, the decline of public spaces has led to a rise in the privatization of public life. Private establishments, such as shopping malls, cafés, and cinemas, have replaced public spaces, which has resulted in a decline in the sense of belonging and ownership among citizens. Public spaces play an essential role in shaping a community’s identity and its social fabric, and the lack of such spaces is a significant loss to the country.

The lack of formalized public spaces in Lebanon has had severe consequences on the community. The project proposes the transformation of one of these public owned-parcels in the heart of mar mikhael into open public space to allow people to gather and engage in various activities throughout the year. This will not only promote social interaction but also improve the community’s physical and mental well-being, but re-create a sense of ownership and belonging for the people of Lebanon.

Byblos old souks, UNESCO World

Rachaya old souks, 17th

Tripoli old Souks

Byblos old souks

Tripoli old Souks

Lack of Public Infrastructures of Transport

Lebanon’s public transport infrastructure is experiencing significant shortcomings. The country’s sole public transportation option, the bus, is not well maintained, and it is not an efficient means of transportation. As a result, most people rely on private vehicles for their daily commute, leading to mass congestion on the roads.

The lack of adequate public transportation infrastructure in Lebanon has had several adverse effects on the community. First and foremost, it has reinforced the urban exodus. People tend to live near their jobs in the city, which increases the demand for housing and results in higher real estate prices. Additionally, sitting in traffic for hours every day has led to a significant decrease in the quality of life for residents, which can negatively impact mental health and general well-being.

Today’s infrastructural conditions are a stark contrast to the 1800s, when alternative modes of transport like the tramways in Beirut and the Damascus-Hama Railway Extension were operational. Such modes of transport connected different regions of the country, making travel more accessible and affordable. Due to war, devastation and corruption, these modes of transportation gradually disappeared along with many public spaces, and the country has not developed an efficient public transportation infrastructure since then.

Introducing alternative modes of transport, such as railways, would significantly benefit Lebanon’s public transportation infrastructure. It would reduce traffic congestion, promote sustainable urbanization, and make transportation more affordable and accessible for all citizens. Furthermore, a comprehensive public transportation system would promote economic development by creating employment opportunities and encouraging investment in different regions of the country.

The lack of public transportation infrastructure in Lebanon has resulted in several adverse effects, including urban congestion, high housing costs, and poor quality of life. It is vital that the government invests in alternative modes of transportation such as railways to improve public transportation infrastructure.

Dbayeh main highway

Damas-Hama & Extension Railways

Area map of various railways in the ottoman empire

AREA MAP OF VARIOUS RAILWAYS IN THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

RAILWAYS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Levant State under French mandate: map of communication routes

SOUS MANDAT FRANCAIS: CARTE DES VOIES DE COMMUNICATION

Chemain de fer a voie normale

Chemain de fer a voie etroite

Chemin de fer en projet (voie normale)

Route d'interet general construite

Route d'interet general en construction

Route d'interet regional construite

Route d'interet regional en construction

Pistes carrussable toute l'annee

Pistes carrussable en saison seche

Damas-Hama & Extension Railways

The Damascus-Hama extension railways were built in the late 19th century, during the Ottoman era, with construction beginning in 1899 and completion in 1905. The railways were constructed to connect the city of Hama in central Syria with Damascus, the capital of Syria. The project was funded by the Ottoman government and implemented by a German consortium. The railways played an important role in the region’s transportation and commerce, facilitating the movement of goods and people between the two cities. They also served as a major link between Syria and its neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan.

After World War I, the French mandated territory of Syria and Lebanon took control of the railways, which were then integrated into the French-controlled Syrian State Railways. However, after the independence of Syria and Lebanon, the railways were dismantled and divided between the two countries. By the 1970s, the railways had ceased operations due to a lack of maintenance and investment, with much of the infrastructure falling into disrepair.

Today, one finds 25 derelict railway stations dispersed throughout the country. The right of passage and station plots are still owned by the government, dormant, inaccessible and with no rails to connect them.

The revival of the railway is crucial for the countries development and might or might not happen in some of these public voids. Regardless, the transformation of these plots into much needed public spaces can still move forward while taking the dormant infrastructure into account.

Railways in Lebanon 1856-1948

Beirut-Damascus line (built 1895)

Naqoura-Tripoli line (built in 1945)

Tripoli-Homs line (built 1911)

Main Stations

Surveyed Stations

Smaller Stations

Discussion around the reconstruction of the railways in Lebanon offers a potential for this field of presently connected yet disconnected parcels owned by the state. A potential for the creation of public spaces and facilities for the communities within their radii, which can eventually also eventually become train stations in addition to public spaces.

. Bhamdoun plot . Rural

. Tripoli plot . Urban

. Araya plot . Rural

Mar Mikhael Railway Station

PLOT TYPOLOGIES

DHP stone buildings x7

DHP stone train houses x2

DHP water reservoirs x1

Concrete Buildings x6

Train remnants

Railways

Steel warehouses x2

Site: Sqm

Stone Structures: Sqm

Concrete Buildings: Sqm

Outdoor Space: Sqm

Indoor Space: Sqm

Hard surface: Sqm

Soft: Sqm

Vegetated: Sqm

Dense Vegetation: Sqm

PLOT TYPOLOGIES

DHP stone buildings X12

DHP stone train houses x2

DHP water reservoirs x2

Concrete Buildings x7

Train remnants

Railways

Stone Waste

Site: 51797 Sqm

Stone Structures: 16566 Sqm

Concrete Buildings: 9331 Sqm

Outdoor Space: 12411 Sqm

Indoor Space: 12411 Sqm

Hard surface:

Soft:

Vegetated :

Dense Vegetation:

Riyak Railway Station - Rural

PLOT TYPOLOGIES

DHP stone buildings x8

DHP water reservoirs x1

Concrete Buildings x2

Train remnants

Railways

Unmounted steel rails

Unmounted rail parts

Site: Sqm

Stone Structures: Sqm

Concrete Buildings: Sqm

Outdoor Space: Sqm

Indoor Space: Sqm

Hard surface: Sqm

Soft: Sqm

Vegetated: Sqm

Dense Vegetation: Sqm

Bhamdoun Railway Station

PLOT TYPOLOGIES

DHP stone buildings

DHP water reservoirs

Railways

Site: Sqm

Stone Structures: Sqm

Concrete Buildings: Sqm

Outdoor Space: Sqm

Indoor Space: Sqm

Hard surface: Sqm

Soft: Sqm

Vegetated: Sqm

Dense Vegetation: Sqm

Bhamdoun Railway Station

Araya Railway Station - Rural

PLOT TYPOLOGIES

DHP stone buildings x2

DHP water reservoirs x1

Railways

Site: Sqm

Stone Structures: Sqm

Concrete Buildings: Sqm

Outdoor Space: Sqm

Indoor Space: Sqm

Hard surface: Sqm

Soft: Sqm

Vegetated: Sqm

Dense Vegetation: Sqm

PLOT TYPOLOGIES

DHP stone buildings

DHP water reservoirs

Concrete Buildings

Railways

Site: Sqm

Stone Structures: Sqm

Concrete Buildings: Sqm

Outdoor Space: Sqm

Indoor Space: Sqm

Hard surface: Sqm

Soft: Sqm

Vegetated: Sqm

Dense Vegetation: Sqm

Stone/steel structure

TYPE III

Single level - Stone/steel structure

SITE OF FOCUS FOR TECHNICAL STUDIES

Mar Mikhael plot used to house on the largest railway stations in the country with a footprint of 95 000 sqm. It contains a variety of buildings which were constructed at different periods with different uses for the grounds. The old railway lines have been removed and vegetation has taken up large portions of the site.

The

CONCLUSION

. Bhamdoun plot . Rural

. Tripoli plot . Urban

. Araya plot . Rural

TERRITORY:

Lack of infrastructure

Problems of publicness

Formalized public space

Railways in the middle east

A field of potential

MATERIAL:

Geology of Lebanon

Local quarry legislations

Limestone industry

Characteristics of stone

Local precedents

Limestone Composition

Basaltic Volcanics

Dunes & lake deposits

Coastal and bekaa limestone

Chalks and limestone

Sandstone overlain by thick marine limestone

Thick shelf limestones

Characteristics of Limestone

LIMESTONE CLASSIFICATION

Limestone is a common type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Limestone forms when these minerals precipitate out of water containing dissolved calcium. This can take place through both biological and nonbiological processes, though biological processes, such as the accumulation of corals and shells in the sea, have likely been more important for the last 540 million years. About 20% to 25% of sedimentary rock is carbonate rock, and most of this is limestone.

Most limestone was formed in shallow marine environments, such as continental shelves or platforms, though smaller amounts were formed in many other environments. Limestone is exposed over large regions of the Earth’s surface, and because limestone is slightly soluble in rainwater, these exposures often are eroded to become karst landscapes. Most cave systems are found in limestone bedrock.

Clasts are large grains that can be seen with the naked eye. They include:

Are grains of mud size particles composed of calcium carbonate.

If a limestone rock consists mostly of micrite we say it is matrix-supported. If it mainly consists of clasts then its called clast supported

The distinction between carbonate mud and clasts and between matrix and clast supported rocks is what allows us to classify limestone into many categories.

Bioclasts Intraclasts

Original components not bound together during deposition

Contains lime mud

Mud-supported

Less than 10% grains

More than 10% grains

Grain Supported

The Dunham classification scheme:

Lacks mid and is grain supported

Original components bound together

Depositional texture not recognizable Crystalline carbonate

Mudstone Wackerstone Packstone Grainstone Boundstone Crystalline

TRAVERTINE

TUFA

CHALK

COQUINA

OOLITIC

FOLIFEROUS

LITHOGRAPHIC

Water

Sediments

Sediment

Accumulation

Limestone layers

Water

Sediments

Layer formation

Limestone layers

Water

Calcination of deposits

Fossil Creation

Limestone layers

Top soil

Stratified limestone bed

Precipitation

Water absorption

Limestone deposits

Precipitation

Co2 rich soil

Acidic water

Limestone bed

Air

Layer 4

Layer 3

Layer 2

Layer 1

Limestone layers

Soil cover

Eroded cavities created

Remaining Limestone bed

Quarrying Legislative Process

According to a 2008 study, between 1996 and 2005 the number of quarries in Lebanon rose from 711 to 1278.

The sites have the following characteristics in common: they are all located in the largest district of Lebanon (Baalbek), where the population density is low; they are close to the Lebanese-Syrian border; and they are far from major cities.

The ministry adopted its own set of criteria:

- Distance from urban areas

- Stormwater drains

- Natural reserves

- Schools & places of worship

- Seashores & environmentally sensitive areas

Ignoring complexities such as the existence of rural dwellings, agricultural plots, and forests within parts of the plan—most notably the towns of:

- Tufail, Ain El Jawza, Ain Bourday, Arsal, Ras Baalbek, and Qaa in the Baalbek District

- Ain Ebel in the Bint Jbeil District

- Aita al-Foukhar and Yanta in the Rashaya District.

The National Master Plan for Quarries relied on a simplified map which did not include existing quarries, as though their absence were sufficient to organize the sector anew. As a result, it did not propose any measures to address pre-existing sites, reduce their impact, or absorb them into new arrangements.

It is safe to say that this sector operates outside any recognizable law

Two overarching reasons for the minimal number of permit applications in the areas allowed by the National Master Plan for Quarries:

1- The geographic distance of these areas from the coast, which increases the cost of transport and export compared to illegitimate quarries

2- The lax implementation of the law on quarries located outside allowed areas, particularly those closest to the coast. Both these factors converge to produce an imbalanced and unfair competitive relationship in favour of the infringing enterprises

In 1993, the government decided to ban the import of cement which led to a market monopoly by three cement companies in Lebanon (Cimenterie Nationale–al-Sabeh Cement; Lebanese Cement Company–Holcim Liban; and Ciment de Sibline sal) and encouraged the sector to spread to meet the needs of the country and the region in (re)construction.

Areas where quarries should be located as designated by the National Plan of sites suitable for quarries 2009

Areas where quarries should be located as designated by the National Plan of sites suitable for quarries 2009

Existing quarries located outside of areas designated by the National Plan

Existing quarries located outside of areas designated by the National Plan

Sites that do not contradict NPMPLT recommendations

Sites that do not contradict NPMPLT recommendations

Sites in close proximity to zones to be excluded from quarrying

Sites in close proximity to zones to be excluded from quarrying

Sites that contradict NPMPLT recommendations

Rivers and streams

Sites that contradict NPMPLT recommendations

Rivers and streams

Comparing Existing Quarry Sites & National Master Plan for Quarrying National Physical Master Plan for the Lebanese Territory - 2009 Study

Comparing Existing Quarry Sites & National Master Plan for Quarrying National Physical Master Plan for the Lebanese Territory - 2009 Study

The limestone industry - Uses

Iron smelting, glass, ceramic and tile manufacture. Flue gas desulphurisation

Animal feeds, asphalt filler, agricultral uses, mine dust

Low value products and fillers

Carpet backing, plastic floor

Medium value products and fillers

Household products; adhesives and sealants, paper filler, low cost paints and plastics

making

Sewage and Water treatment, Soda, Lime, other chemicals

Sugar, Soda ash

Five main groups of uses can be identified:

Ultra-fine fillers and pigments for paint, paper fillers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, food and drink

1.Building and decorative stone – used for its resistance to weather or its aesthetic appeal – walls and decorative purposes. Buildings, walls, paving slabs.

2.Aggregates – stone used for its strong physical properties – crushed and sorted into various sizes for use in concrete, coated with bitumen to make asphalt or used ‘dry’ as bulk fill in construction. Mostly used in roads, concrete and building products.

3.Industrial purposes – limestone can be used for its chemical (mainly alkaline) properties as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in farming and manufacturing industry.

4.Lime burning (calcining) – limestone when heated to a high temperature breaks down into lime (calcium oxide) and carbon dioxide gas. It can then be used as a more powerful alkali than limestone (see above) or used as a cement with sand, to make mortar, or as a soil improver in agriculture.

5.Cement – if limestone (or its variety chalk) is mixed with clay or sandstone before firing, it can produce Portland cement which when mixed with aggregate makes concrete.

BLOCK EXTRACTION

Rock Breaker

Disk saw on rails

Rock breaker

Block extraction equipment

Explosive

Aggregate extraction equipment

Dimensional stone drill rig

Plug and feather

1- Extraction starts with geologists doing core samples that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. They will use a diamond drilling machine to dig straight down to whatever depth is required. To get core samples and see the colour, the fissures and suitability of the material for block extraction. One of the biggest challenges is finding fissure free quarries, they are always full of surprises.

2- Quarries are composed of geological benches that can have a depth of 50 meters. The entire extraction is organized around the benches steep incline which is around 12 degrees. To optimize the materials quality and cut precise marking is carried out by taking into account the sedimentation of the layers, breaks and white vein sections. The sizes of the blocks depends on the quarry. Most blocks can be 10 feet long and 6 feet by 6 feet

3- Bench cutting is initially preformed length wise by a giant chain saw on tracks, the coal cutter. Its 6-meter cutting arm is equipped with a diamond segmented chain the chainsaw cuts the bench by moving up the slope at a speed of around 3cm per min.

The transverse cut can then be carried out with by crawler mounted coal cutter that cuts the benches at a speed of 4 to 8 cm per minute.

4- These blocks around 2 meters wide now cut from the benches are tipped over on a matt and removed from their natural bed. These boulders which weigh around a hundred tons are too bulky and heavy to be transported.

BLOCK EXTRACTION

5- The boulder is thus split into 3 pieces. Using a neumatic drill, the operator bores holes by following the segmentation joint. In second phase the stone cutter places hydraulic spreaders and holes to split the boulder in several blocks of around 40 tonnes each. These blocks are then carefully labelled, throughout production for tracing.

6- All the blocks thus extracted are then conveyed by boulders to a raw materials processing area. Where they undergo measuring, squaring off and selection. Wire cutting has been superseded by a fleet of fixed and mobile machines that cut and square off the selected blocks into the desired sizes. Any blocks that do not meet quality criteria are re-purpose at industrial cutting facilities.

7- The good blocks are sent to sawmills, special vehicles and combi lifts are used to move the blocks around. They accurately place them on loaded conveyors before taking them to the gang saw. That cut through the block using long blades equipped with diamond segments to cut the limestone at a rate of about 30 centimetres per hours.

8- A technique particularly suitable to ensure the evenness of the thick slabs is a single belt cutting, these machines saw of the blocks at 180 cm per hours finally the large circular blades enable to sawing of thick slabs, ensuring the material is optimally enhanced. Throughout its extraction and transformation, water is a key ally for cutting the stone, the stones are then taken to post processing facilities for further subdivision and different finishing.

RAFA stone company is located in the north of Lebanon, on the coastal strip. It was once a quarry for the excavation of limestone and has now turned into a stone cutting factory with a large yard of full latent stone blocks. Today, it is completely deserted as a result of the current economic situation.

The Factory is divided into two areas by a retaining wall made of limestone blocks. On the top level the stone stock is stored, and on the lower level lie the cutting facilities and the storage of smaller processed slabs: It consists of two large steel warehouses and two cranes on rails which are the backbone of the place, used to move the blocks throughout the site.

0.15

0.15

0.15

Gross size

Form of actual block

Trade size

The process of stone block quarrying creates a lot of waste when the extracted product is taken to the factory for further industrial processing. The block has to be squared off to be compatible with the cutting machines, thus the sides which are cut off during that process are wasted. That means that every single block creates 1 to 2 wasted fragments that show qualitative contrast between the natural rough side and the cut side.

1.5 x 1.5 x 2.5m

Tools & Processes

Limestone aggregates are extracted from open-pit quarries using heavy machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, and front-end loaders.

The process involves removing the top layer of soil and vegetation, exposing the layer below. Once the limestone is exposed, it is drilled, blasted, and then loaded onto trucks for transportation to processing facilities.

The extracted limestone is then crushed into various sizes using specialized equipment, such as jaw crushers and impact crushers, and screened to ensure uniformity in size and shape. The different granular sizes are filtered thanks to different sieves and are usually used in a variety of applications, such as concrete and ground treatment.

Fieldwork - Local Limestone Factory Tools

Tadros & Fils is a local artisanal stone factory located in Kfarshima on mount Lebanon. It receives its stone by truck from various quarries in the country. With very little automation the factory is equipped with a gang saw that can cut a large stone block of 1.5mx1.5x2m block into thin 3cm slabs.

The Factory also has various sizes of unidirectional circular cutting blades, with a 360 degrees rotating and pivoting bed, allowing for more possibility for single axis cutting. All company stone waste is simply thrown outside on the side of the street, until a truck comes to dispose of them.

Single Axis gang Saw

Single Axis table saw

AMH Habre is a stone factory located in Kahale, Mt. Lebanon which also received its stone from various quarries and stores them on site. The company is less artisinal than the latter, it has all of the machine previously mentioned, with an addition of several CNC cutters, single belt cutting, water jet cutters, sanding and rounding machines. The use of vector guided CNC and Water-jet machines, allows for more intricate and precise stone finishes, in a faster more efficient way. SNIC is a local provider of stone cutting machines, used by several of the industries visited.

Triple Axis CNC

Double Axis Water Jet

An opportunity for re-use - Fieldwork

Gabion retaining walls are mostly made of large metal mesh cages filled with soils, stones, gravel or waste produced by demolition. The main purpose of the product is to create a barrier controlling land sliding and washouts along road sides, and resist erosion in slopy or stepped outdoor spaces.

The production of metal mesh causes environmental damage, but manufacturers claim that its carbon footprint is 80 percent lower than concrete equivalence. In addition, if plants are allowed to grow on, through gabion walls it actually improves air quality. Metal mesh is easy, fast and pollution free to dismantle, and can be reused, unlike concrete demolition which is time consuming and polluting process.

Gabion retaining walls are considered cost effective, they’re easy to install stacked one on each other extended to any required dimension, long lasting, and can be put up quite fast. Its service life depends on the quality and coating of the mesh, and the type of the filler used.

Smaller scale stone manufacturing processes also generate a large amounts of waste due to faulty piece or accidents. Such waste could be re-used in the treatment of various ground conditions.

Gabion basket filled with reused waste

Coarse aggregate backfill

Geotextile membrane

Backfill

Water drainage pipe

The galvanized steel baskets are gradually filled with offcuts and crushed stone fragments

PARTICLE STACKING

Fine sand Coarse sand

Angular pebbles

Dry sand

Moist sand

Water-saturated sand

If the coefficient of static friction is known of a material, then a good approximation of the angle of repose can be made with the following function:

Where, μs is the coefficient of static friction, and is the angle of repose.

Aggregate Stacking

Try to lay sedimentary stones so their natural bedding planes are horizontal, not vertical with the natural cleft face exposed.

No stone should be laid taller than its long, except at corners. Avoid blocks or running joints only one stone on at least one side of every vertical joint. Avoid blocks or running joints only one stone on at least one side of every vertical joint.

Risers should be evenly distributed throughout the wall. Grouping together of likesized stones should be avoided.

Generally, risers should never touch except at corners and openings.

Don’t allow horizontal joints to run more than four or five feet. if possible, break up the horizontals on short stretches between windows and doors Try to provide a substantial bonding lap. A minimum of a quarter, and ideally a third, of the length of a stone being set should cross the joint between the stones below it.

Stone Stacking

A Culmination of External Influences

529–333 BC

The sanctuary consists of an esplanade and a grand court limited by a huge limestone terrace wall that supports a monumental podium which was once topped by Eshmun’s Greco-Persian style marble temple. The sanctuary features a series of ritual ablution basins fed by canals channelling water from the Asclepius river (modern Awali) and from the sacred “YDLL” spring.

16 BC-AD 60

It is situated at the western end of the Great Court of Roman Heliopolis, on a broad platform of stone raised another 7 m above the huge stones of the foundation, three of which are among the heaviest blocks ever used in a construction.

It was the biggest temple dedicated to Jupiter in all the Roman Empire. The columns were 19.9 meters high with a diameter of nearly 2.5 meters: the biggest in the classical world. It took three centuries to create this colossal temple complex.

1228 AD

The castle consists primarily of two towers connected by a wall. In the outer walls, Roman columns were used as horizontal reinforcements, a feature often seen in fortifications built on or near former Roman sites.

The rectangular west tower to the left of the entrance is the better preserved of the two. There is a large vaulted room scattered with old carved capitals and rusting cannonballs. A winding staircase leads up to the roof, where there is a small, domed Ottoman-era mosque

Temple of Eshum

Temple of Jupiter

Sidon Sea Castle

1572

The Petit Serail was built in an eclectic occidentalist style, mixing baroque architectural elements with more austere features, a style that was predominant in the Ottoman constructions of the 19th century.

The body of the two-story building was raised on a plinth, giving the building a greater stature. The oblong facade was built in Sandstone and is decorated with neo-baroque windows and elements.

1820

The Beiruti house is a unique architectural style exclusive to the Lebanese territory, with its origins tracing back to the Phoenician era and evolving continuously into more recent times.

Over time, this architectural tradition has been shaped by the integration of authentic elements and the assimilation of influences from diverse cultures.

1926

Beyrouth was subdued to the occidentalization and modernization of the ottoman rule followed by the french mandate. Its eclecticism with its particular mixture can be understood by taking into account these currents of colonial cultural influences. This part of the central district was destroyed and rebuilt by the French.

The architecture of Lebanon embodies the historical, cultural and religious influences that have shaped Lebanon’s built environment. It has been influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans and French.

House of Ousman

Place de L’etoile Petit Serail

Beiruti House Case Study

“The central- hall Beiruti houses that survived the development pressures and perils of the following decades stand as monuments for Beirut’s phenomenal rise and multifaceted history in the 19th and early 20th century, persisting as steadfast vestibules of the city’s heritage and memories”

“The consolidation of the social fabric, observing a strict methodology based on the use of authentic material is key to preserving the soul of Beirut for future generations”

Typical Lebanese House Library of typologies

- Ralph Bodenstein -

- Fadlallah dagher -

Axonometric of Bayt Aoun (Saifi 614): example of the gradual extension of a rural līwān house and its eventual transformation into a central-hall house. The process unfolded over the mid- and later 19th century.

From the Iwan to Central Hall House

Openings shaped by structural stone

Old Souks Case Study

Similar stone construction typologies are also found in the old souks. These markets are characterized by narrow winding alleys that are filled with vendors selling a variety of goods, including textiles, spices, jewellery, and traditional handicrafts. The souks are also a vibrant social and cultural centres where people gather to socialize, share meals, and exchange stories.

Byblos old souks, UNESCO World Heritage site

Tripoli old Souks

Rachaya old souks, 17th century

CONCLUSION

Limestone is a fundamental material in Lebanon’s built environment and heritage, with a rich history of use in various fields, from construction to sculpture. Following fieldwork investigations, one reaches the conclusion that the local limestone industry offers many opportunities to explore ways of re using the large amounts of waste that it produces. Local knowledge and typologies should be embraced when designing public spaces that promote sustainability, local innovation, and cultural identity.

CHAPTER III - SITE ANALYSIS

Mar Mikhael Station

Existing (buildings, vegetation, ground conditions)

Infrastructure (Roads, Access, Station feasibility studies)

Environmental considerations (General conditions, Site sun, Site, wind)

Beiruti House Case Study

Qobayat

Stone Buildings

Steel Warehouses

Concrete Buildings

Private Buildings Trees

Qobayat

Main roads

Secondary roads

Pedestrian paths

Potential platform location

Future train platform

BEIRUT CITY: MEDITERRANEAN CLI-

Wintersolstice (December 21)

Temperature: D20 - N14

Daylight: 10 hours

Sunlight: 5 hours

Mugginess: 1%

Humidity: 80%

Chance of rain: 29%

Comfort: Comfortable

Autumnal equinox (September 22)

Temperature: D28 - N22

Daylight: 12 hours

Sunlight: 11 hours

Mugginess: 58%

Humidity: 60%

Chance of rain: 7%

Comfort: Warm

Summer solstice (June 21)

Temperature: D28 - N22

Daylight: 14 hours

Sunlight: 13 hours

Mugginess: 62%

Humidity: 70-80%

Chance of rain: 5%

Comfort: Warm

Vernal equinox (March 20)

Temperature: D20 - N13

Daylight: 12 hours

Sunlight: 9 hours

Mugginess: 2%

Humidity: 70-75%

Chance of rain: 16%

Comfort: Comfortable

Based on the analysis of the climate data, shading should be provided during the summer months, particularly from June to September(28° to 32°), as temperatures can be very high and uncomfortable in direct sunlight during the day; at night open air spaces and thermal mass would help keep spaces cooler.

During the cooler months, from November to February (24° to 17°), the sun can provide a comfortable level of warmth during the day and nights may be cold and could benefit from good thermal mass for interiors.

However, in the rainy season, from October to April (16 to 22%), the area will require adequate shelter to protect from the rain.

In addition, during the muggy months, from May to October (23 to 92%), good ventilation will be necessary to maintain comfort levels.

Overall, the design of the public space should take into account these weather conditions throughout the year and provide a good variety of conditions to ensure optimal comfort for its users.

Existing Site Conditions

During summer solstice, the site receives considerable hours of sunlight with small pockets of shade including foliage. During that period many parts of the site would require shading elements to extend the amount of usable spaces.

During winter solstice, the site receives less hours of sunlight due to surrounding building and existing foliage that begin to cast much larger shadows. During that period, the site would require as much sunlight as possible with some shelter from rain.

South West Prevailing Wind Simulation

The existing site does not received very high amounts of wind due to its position from prevailing winds in a dense urban environment. The project will make use of these winds to cool spaces down but also take into consideration the orientation of added elements to prevent any venturi effects that could make spaces uncomfortable.

The presence of foliage (excluded from simulation) would help increase comfort and create a stable micro climate.

CONCLUSION

The proposal will require a large variety of spacial conditions with a level of flexibility to meet the requirements of both warm and cold periods to maintain year long usability and comfort of the public spaces. Several levels of shade will need to be included and wind will need to permeate but not funnel into the spaces that are most used during hot months to cool them down.

Mapping of existing structures to preserve Rules of preservation

Interventions - Stabilization

Coverage - Weatherproofing

Stone/steel structure

TYPE III

Single level - Stone/steel structure

ICOMOS CHARTER PRINCIPLES FOR THE ANALYSIS, CONSERVATION AND STRUCTURAL RESTORATION OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

Ratified by the ICOMOS 14th General Assembly, in Vicoria Falls, Zimbabwe, October 2003

PURPOSE OF THE DOCUMENT

Structures of architectural heritage, by their very nature and history (material and assembly), present a number of challenges in diagnosis and restoration that limit the application of modern legal codes and building standards. Recommendations are desirable and necessary to both ensure rational methods of analysis and repair methods appropriate to the cultural context.

These Recommendations are intended to be useful to all those involved in conservation and restoration problems, but cannot in anyway replace specific knowledge acquired from cultural and scientific texts.

The Recommendations presented in the complete document are in two sections: Principles, where the basic concepts of conservation are presented; Guidelines, where the rules and methodology that a designer should follow are discussed. Only the Principles have the status of an approved/ratified ICOMOS document.

PRINCIPLES

I. GENERAL CRITERIA

1.0 Conservation, reinforcement and restoration of architectural heritage requires a multi-disciplinary approach.

1.1 Value and authenticity of architectural heritage cannot be based on fixed criteria because the respect due to all cultures also requires that its physical heritage be considered within the cultural context to which it belongs.

1.2 The value of architectural heritage is not only in its appearance, but also in the integrity of all its components as a unique product of the specific building technology of its time. In particular the removal of the inner structures maintaining only the facades does not fit the conservation criteria.

1.3 When any change of use or function is proposed, all the conservation requirements and safety conditions have to be carefully taken into account.

1.4 Restoration of the structure in Architecture Heritage is not an end in itself but a means to an end, which is the building as a whole.

1.5 The peculiarity of heritage structures, with their complex history, requires the organisation of studies and proposals in precise steps that are similar to those used in medicine. Anamnesis, diagnosis, therapy and controls, corresponding respectively to the searches for significant data and information, individuation of the causes of damage and decay, choice of the remedial measures and control of the efficiency of the interventions. In order to achieve cost effectiveness and minimal impact on architectural heritage using funds available in a rational way; it is usually necessary that the study repeats these steps in an iterative process.

1.6 No action should be undertaken without having ascertained the achievable benefit and harm to the architectural heritage, except in cases where urgent safeguard measures are necessary to avoid the imminent collapse of the structures (e.g. after seismic damages); those urgent measures, however, should when possible avoid modifying the fabric in an irreversible way.

II. RESEARCHES AND DIAGNOSIS

2.0 Usually a multidisciplinary team, to be determined in relation to the type and the scale of the problem, should work together from the first steps of a study - as in the initial survey of the site and the preparation of the investigation programme.

2.1 Data and information should first be processed approximately, to establish a more comprehensive plan of activities in proportion to the real problems of the structures.

2.2 A full understanding of the structural and material characteristics is required in conservation practice. Information is essential on the structure in its original and earlier states, on the techniques that were used in the construction, on the alterations and their effects, on the phenomena that have occurred, and, finally, on its present state.

2.3 In archaeological sites specific problems may be posed because structures have to be stabilised during excavation when knowledge is not yet complete. The structural responses to a ?rediscovered? building may be completely different from those to an ?exposed? building. Urgent site-structural-solutions, required to stabilise the structure as it is being excavated, should not compromise the complete building?s concept form and use.

2.4 Diagnosis is based on historical, qualitative and quantitative approaches; the qualitative approach being mainly based on direct observation of the structural damage and material decay as well as historical and archaeological research, and the quantitative approach mainly on material and structural tests, monitoring and structural analysis.

2.5 Before making a decision on structural intervention it is indispensable to determine first the causes of damage and decay, and then to evaluate the safety level of the structure.

2.6 The safety evaluation, which is the last step in the diagnosis, where the need for treatment measures is determined, should recon cile qualitative with quantitative analysis: direct observation, historical research, structural analysis and, if it is the case, experi -ments and tests.

2.7 Often the application of the same safety levels as in the design of new buildings requires excessive, if not impossible, measures. In these cases specific analyses and appropriate considerations may justify different approaches to safety.

2.8 All aspects related to the acquired information, the diagnosis including the safety evaluation, and the decision to intervene should be described in an “explanatory report”.

III. REMEDIAL MEASURES AND CONTROLS

3.0 Therapy should address root causes rather than symptoms.

3.1 The best therapy is preventive maintenance

3.2 Safety evaluation and an understanding of the significance of the structure should be the basis for conservation and reinforcement measures.

3.3 No actions should be undertaken without demonstrating that they are indispensable.

3.4 Each intervention should be in proportion to the safety objectives set, thus keeping intervention to the minimum to guar -antee safety and durability with the least harm to heritage values.

3.5 The design of intervention should be based on a clear understanding of the kinds of actions that were the cause of the dam age and decay as well as those that are taken into account for the analysis of the structure after intervention; because the design will be dependent upon them.

3.6 The choice between “traditional” and “innovative” techniques should be weighed up on a case-by-case basis and preference -given to those that are least invasive and most compatible with heritage values, bearing in mind safety and durability require -ments.

3.7 At times the difficulty of evaluating the real safety levels and the possible benefits of interventions may suggest “an observational method”, i.e. an incremental approach, starting from a minimum level of intervention, with the possible subsequent adoption of a series of supplementary or corrective measures.

3.8 Where possible, any measures adopted should be “reversible” so that they can be removed and replaced with more suitable measures when new knowledge is acquired. Where they are not completely reversible, interventions should not limit further inter -ventions.

3.9 The characteristics of materials used in restoration work (in particular new materials) and their compatibility with existing materials should be fully established. This must include long-term impacts, so that undesirable side-effects are avoided.

3.10 The distinguishing qualities of the structure and its environment, in their original or earlier states, should not be destroyed.

3.11 Each intervention should, as far as possible, respect the concept, techniques and historical value of the original or earlier states of the structure and leaves evidence that can be recognised in the future.

3.12 Intervention should be the result of an overall integrated plan that gives due weight to the different aspects of architecture, structure, installations and functionality.

3.13 The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided whenever possible.

3.14 Deteriorated structures whenever possible should be repaired rather than replaced.

3.15 Imperfections and alterations, when they have become part of the history of the structure, should be maintained so far so they do not compromise the safety requirements.

3.16 Dismantling and reassembly should only be undertaken as an optional measure required by the very nature of the materials and structure when conservation by other means impossible, or harmful.

3.17 Provisional safeguard systems used during the intervention should show their purpose and function without creating any harm to heritage values.

3.18 Any proposal for intervention must be accompanied by a programme of control to be carried out, as far as possible, while the work is in progress.

3.19 Measures that are impossible to control during execution should not be allowed.

3.20 Checks and monitoring during and after the intervention should be carried out to ascertain the efficacy of the results.

ICONEM Scanning as Preservation

ICONEM’s support in Palmyra has been found essential in order to document the appearance and state of the sites right after it’s liberation, which is going to be helpful to the scientific community.

The digitalized 3D scanned models are forms of preservation that allow us to observe, study and even accurately restore these antique temples thanks to the precision if their digital selves,

1. The city of Ugarit, Syria

Results of the RIVIVAL project:

2. The temple of bell, Syria

3. Minaret, Syria

Iconem is a company founded in 2013 and dedicated to the conservation of endangered cultural heritage, using high-resolution digitization and outreach programs. Their experienced team of photographers, drone pilots, architects and archaeologists works all over the world. They combine complementary technologies to adapt to any challenge: photogrammetry, laser scanning, largescale scanning via drones. The production and analysis of photorealistic 3D models of some of the world’s most important heritage sites enables their preservation and their transmission to the scientific community and a broader audience.

To answer this need, they have also produced numerous immersive exhibitions across the world. These experiences allow the public to access outstanding heritage sites through VR, AR and the projection of 3D models on large screens, providing a unique experience of these sometimes unreachable locations.

PHOTOGRAMMETRY PRINCIPLES

Photogrammetry is the science of obtaining reliable measurements and three-dimensional (3D) information from photographs. It is based on the principles of triangulation, which involves the measurement of the position of points in space using angles formed by imaginary lines from different positions to the same point. The main principle of photogrammetry is to obtain measurements from photographs by analysing the relationships between corresponding points on multiple overlapping images. These measurements can be used to create 3D models, maps, and other products.

Image 1

Image 2

CAMERA MOVEMENT

3D OBJECT

Identical Feature Points

Image 3

3: Bhamdoun, Mount Lebanon - Scans

CONCLUSION

The photogrammetry followed by animation, documentation and analysis that came out of the fieldwork in Lebanon has made way for a thorough study of the typologies found in the many stations.

Analysing the different buildings in various states of deterioration has permitted me to have a more holistic view of what it would mean to preserve and restore these structure.

The project aims to create one approach to preservation that could be applied on the many different sites. The next steps are to study the buildings on mar mikhael and propose transformations into inhabitable public spaces that could also be deployed elsewhere.

Building I: Train Warehouse Remnant Analysis

Existing Plan

Existing Section A

Existing Section B

Wall Puncture Non structural

Fully Exposed Stones

Water Damage

Deterioration level III - High Priority

The existing train house building is in a state of deterioration. It no longer has its former steel truss roof, it is open to the sky. A hole made by a bomb shell during the civil war requires immediate attention, the wall rendering is progressively eroding off starting at the tip of the walls. Arch opening are in good condition.

The walls require stabilization, small stone scale interventions, and weatherproofing.

Wall Render Erosion

Water Damage

Building I: Train Warehouse Remnant Analysis

Building II: Station Remnant Analysis

Existing Plan

Existing Section A

Existing Section B

Deterioration level II - High Priority

The existing station building roof is in a state of collapse as a result of the 14-082020 Beirut blast. The timber frame roof is unstable and no longer weatherproof. It has been temporarily covered with a PVC canopy tied to the window frames for protection but no further actions have been taken in the past 3 years. Foundations, arch openings and wall renderings are in good conditions.

The building requires a new roof for safety and better weatherproofing to become inhabitable again.

Collapsing Timber Frame Roof

Temporary canopy Waterproofing

Axonometric View

Building III: Station Office Remnant

Existing Section A

Existing Section B

Existing Plan

Deterioration

level 0 - Low Priority

The existing office building is in good condition and is currently used as a “railway office” by government officials. It received roof and window damage during the Beirut blast but was immediately restored. The ground floor coverage has collapsed long ago but the steel structure remains.

The building would benefit from the insertion of a shading element on the ground floor that extends its comfort foot print.

Collapsed Timber Cover

Remaining steel structure

The remaining steel elements will need restoration, if they are to be used as structure for a shading element.

Building III: Station Office Remnant

South Facing Facade Scan

Chemin de fer - de Beirut a Damas - Adrien Bonfils

Chemin de fer - de Beirut a Damas - Adrien Bonfils

Interventions to control building deterioration

Repairing deep and large cracks is done by realigning and packing the edges of the crack. This is achieved by installing wooden keys that are 100cm in length and the width of the crack, with 50cm between each one. The keys are drilled into the wall to reach the middle.

Interventions to improve the connections wall to floor it is achieved via the insertions of ties, confining, rings, bolts and steel anchor plate. Intermediate floors are strengthened first by removing gravel sand and existing wooden planks then installing new rectangular shape bolted planks, laid by a perimeter metal frame.

The water evaporation method offers some potential to control dampness by encouraging evaporation to occur at the lowest possible level. The evaporative zone can be lowered by excavating the trench against the building and exposing the bottom parts of the walls.

The water drainage method is implemented a the bottom of the wall from the outside and aims to drain ground water and remove it from the base of the wall. By drilling a trench along the wall from the outside, placing a PVC pipe with holes and filling the trench with large stones at the bottom and gravel at the top.

On the ground level the scarf joint timber gridder method is used to repair timber beams. The rotten joist is cut of removing quite a bit if timber that is not rotten and an angle cut it made to the bottom of the beam to allow a new part to be added and bolted from the bottom at good distance form the fulcrum point.

The joist repair plate method is used by treating the end of the joint discouraging any further rot. L section galvanized steel plates are used with standard coat screws, They are inserted onto both bottom edges and secure the end of the rotten timber gridders.

Strengthening the walls is done by reshaping straight surfaces with a saw blade, and engrave with a fine chisel and the hammer, depending on the finish of the adjacent ridge in the surface.

In addition fixing a reinforcement of galvanized mesh or synthetic fibre glass on the surface to be relayed with a mesh greater than two centimetres improves the integrity before applying the finishing plaster.

Building I: Train Warehouse Intervention

Intervention Section A

Intervention Section B

Intervention Plan

Intervention level III

The proposed intervention consists stabilizing and repairing failing parts of the existing without being too invasive to preserve it and create an outdoor covered space for the public.

This is done first, by digging a trench along the wall and inserting a drainage pipe and gravel to fix foundation water drainage.

Second by repairing wall fissures and hole with steel keys and stone fillings.

Third by fixing U section steel elements to the foundations and walls with small amount of concrete and bolts which serves as a base to create a moment frame that will stabilize the walls and serve as structural elements for the addition of a roof.

Fourth the addition of steel truss roof that mimics the old one yet controls light levels by adjusting the aperture between wall and roof. Based on sun studies, the geometry curves down on the south side to stop strong direct light form coming in and lifts up on the north side to let more natural light in.

Axonometric View

Building II: Station Remnant - Intervention

Intervention Section A

Intervention Section B

Intervention Plan

Intervention level II

The proposed intervention consists of the removal of the collapsing timber roof that has received too much damage, followed by the insertion of a canopy make an other outdoor covered space.

First, the temporary PVC canopy and the remainders of the existing roof are carefully removed from the building.

Second, although in good condition, foundations are treated for water drainage to make sure they remain in good condition in the future.

Third, U section steel elements are fixed to the stone base and bolted to the walls to create a frame that can support the loads of a roof.

Fourth, A fabric canopy with a skeletal steel structure is inserted and fixed to the new frame. As in the previous intervention, this roof mimics the old roof but a play of aperture between wall and roof allow for a more personalized light and comfortable experience. Thus, a smaller aperture on the south facade and a larger aperture on the North Side.

Building III: Station Office Remnant

Intervention Section A

Intervention Section B

Intervention Plan

Intervention level II

The proposed intervention this building consists of restoring the existing steel elements on the lower level. This means treating the rust or making new ones of need be, and reinforcing bolt connections with the walls.

Followed by the insertion of a draping canopy around the perimeter of the building, which serves a s a canopy that extends the buildings shadow footprint, and re creates a transitional space between the outside and the interior of the building.

In existing site conditions, the stone warehouse was fully exposed to the sun and other elements, the station building was temporarily protected from sunlight and the office building provide well shaded spaces. The proposal resulted in well shaded and inhabitable buildings, with interventions that maximize the amount of light that enters the spaces up to the margins of comfort during summer days, as well as winter ones.

(P) Building I (P) Building II

(P) Building III

Following the heritage preservation chapter interventions. There is an increase in shaded outdoor space on the north-west side of the site which creates a cluster of permanent controlled shade and opportunity for a more dynamic relationship in between the preserved structures to come in at a later stage.

CONCLUSION

The intervention methodology and technique should be applicable on the different site given that the exoskeleton grid follows the building grid and the inserted canopy shape responds to the environmental conditions and it not too restricted by the moment frame it is attached to. The addition of cross bracing could increase the reinforcement that the added steel structure offers.

Concrete Graffiti to Preserve

Steel warehouse relocation

Demolition of unlisted existing

Ground alterations

Buildings & Ground to Substract

Excavation Zone

Concrete Demolish

Warehouse Relocation

Existing Steel Warehouse

Warehouse Partial Relocation Proposal

The site currently includes two large steel warehouses that measure 150 x 35 meters each, with no roof coverage due to the Beirut blast in August 2020. These warehouses are currently being used to store buses and are the reason why the public parcel is completely inaccessible.

To address this issue, a proposal is made to partially relocate these warehouses to a more suitable location for bus storage. Then, the remaining sections of the warehouses on site will be restored and transformed into public spaces that can be used for markets, exhibitions, or sports activities.

The warehouses are composed of steel trusses that are joined together with small welds, nuts, and bolts. They are fragmented into bays and have a component-based structure, which makes them flat-pack and easy to disassemble on site. The disassembled parts can then be transported to a more suitable location for reassembly.

The parcel also contains six dilapidated concrete buildings that are in dire condition due to neglect and disregard. They were heavily damaged by the August 2020 Beirut explosion and have not been maintained since then. Most of the buildings have no roof and have been exposed to the elements for years, making them dangerous and uninhabitable.

As these structures are not considered to be of any heritage value and, on the contrary, are evidence of the misuse of this public parcel, the proposal is to demolish these buildings to free up space on the site and use the resulting demolition waste in the construction of the design proposal.

Following the demolishing of the various derelict concrete structures on site, there is a large decrease in building footprint and increase in open space. The amount of direct sunlight received by the concerned parts of the site has increased making way for new interventions for the creation of more public spaces.

CONCLUSION

As a result of the ground substractions in the excavation zone (which was detrmined and shaped according to the location of the future train station and accessibility), a more sheltered platform is created, 5 meters below. The amount of sunlight received in this area has very slightly decrease during the summer and increased during the winter.

These site alterations make way for the next insertion of elements that aim to create an open air space above and a covered

CHAPTER VI - ADDITION (+)

Platform - ground treatment

Infrastructural walls

Stone vault

Walls, Roofs & Canopies to add

Proposed Vaults

Proposed Walls

Proposed Canopies

Blending Ground & Wall

This ground tile is a first attempt at testing one of the project’s ambitions, which is to reassess the relationship that limestone walls have with the ground in local stone typologies.

This model questions the static 90-degree joints found in the local area by re-evaluating the relationship between the two planes and blending them together, blurring the boundaries between them.

The goal is to create a large open space that is subdivided by soft thresholds, yet can still be read as one. This aligns with the intended use of the project spaces, which will be public spaces that can be used for a wide range of activities: Either multiple ones happening at the same time, or only one big activity on special occasions

Gabion Retaining Wall

Balustrade

Limestone gabion gradient

Packed aggregates & soil

Demolition waste gabion

PVC membrane Drainage pipe

Wall Type 1 - Section Gabion Retaining Wall

The project involves several changes in ground levels, resulting in the need for gabion walls to retain soil after excavations.

The proposed design involves using 10mm rods for the gabion cage outline and 5mm rods to create the stone retaining meshes. The front row of the wall, which has a trapezoidal shape, will be filled with a gradient of crushed natural limestone, while the hidden backside of the wall will be filled with on site demolition waste to retain the soil. To ensure the wall’s longevity, a geo textile membrane and a water drainage pipe will be inserted at the back of the wall.

Wall Type 1: Gabion Retaining Wall

Wall Type 2: Gabion Vault

Another proposed element is the construction of a limestone vault with large steel keystones to create a perforation at the top of the vault, allowing sunlight to penetrate. Direct sunlight will come in as strips of light, while indirect light will come through the slit and vault openings.

These types of vaults are commonly found in Lebanese heritage buildings and are often used on the ground floor or to create underground spaces. In this project, they are used to create secondary platforms above or below ground, making it possible to have different programs overlapping.

Following the insertion of vaults in part of the substracted zone, a large foot print of shade is created on the ground level, with a series of courtyard conditions, that allow light to seep into the spaces, directly and indirectly. However a large solid platform forms above, that will receive the greatest amount of direct sunlight on site, during warm, cool and cold periods due to its position and openness.

Type 3: Aerated Wall

An additional proposed element is an aerated gabion wall with gradients of stone sizes, roughly stacked in triangular shapes. The rough stacking is made possible thanks to the stones being contained within a closed boundary (the gabion cage), reducing the cost of stone shaping and laying. The manipulation of the gradient can help control where the wind comes through the wall and at what intensity.

These walls serve as wind barriers, to block and strong incoming wind, yet still allow it to come through at lower speeds, to aerate the spaces and reduce air humidity on hot muggy days.

Wall

Load Bearing Wall

Wall Type 4 - Section Load Bearing Wall

Sunlight

Stacked Limestone Drystone

Steel UB Beam

Gabion Cage Foundation

Wall

Furthermore, the project requires more permanent internal spaces that can be used year-round, which is why a load-bearing wall that can withstand the forces created by a roof is essential.

The wall is segmented into gabion cages, into which limestone blocks are hand-shaped using a local technique called “ashlar.” This technique involves closely dry-fitting the stones together to compose a structural stone wall. The trapezoidal shapes of the wall make it resistant to shear forces.

Type 4: Load Bearing Wall

Stabilized Existing Wall

Wall Type 5: Preserved Existing Wall

The proposal also includes the restoration of deteriorating heritage buildings due to a lack of care from the state. Many of the building’s timber frame roofs and floor slabs have collapsed, causing defects in their limestone walls such as water damage, eroded render, mortar cracks, and failing arches.

To partially restore and preserve these structures for habitation until they can be fully restored, U-steel sections are used to form moment frames around the walls and stabilize them where necessary. These sections are also used to stabilize arches, and small precise interventions are carried out such as steel keying for cracks, and stone replacements and concrete injections for concerned parts of the wall.

The resulting moment frame is then used as a structure to insert a PVC canopy to cover the building footprint and protect it from rainwater and sunlight.

Wall Type 6 - Section Tension Wall Section

Sunlight

Steel cable to truss connection

Canopy to steel profile connection

PVC fabric canopy - Open

PVC fabric canopy - Closed

U section steel truss

Gabion cage

Limestone aggregate gradient

Bolted rods

Foundation

Finally, the project aims to provide large open spaces that can be utilized during hot, cool, and rainy days, which are common in Middle Eastern climates. Therefore, a flexible shading system is necessary to meet the changing weather conditions throughout the year. The proposed solution is a retractable canopy system that can span over large areas and can be opened or closed as needed.

To support the tension cables required for the retractable canopy system, a trapezoidal gabion wall capable of withstanding the forces generated by the cables is proposed. The wall will have concrete foundations, with U-shaped steel trusses embedded into them to support the tension cables. Gabion cages are then inserted between the trusses and filled with limestone blocks, which will compose the wall, resist any shear forces from the trusses, and increase the wall’s strength with weight.

Wall Type 6: Tension Wall

Canopy Details

(+)

(-)

Retractable Canopy

Canopy Details

Imbeded Steel Truss

Screwed Connection Plate

Turn Buckle Rigging Stainless Steel Cable

DIY Jaw

Limestone Gabion

Cable to Steel Truss Joint Retractable Canopy

Stainless Steel Cable

Stainless Steel Pulley

Stainless Steel Buckle

Stainless Steel Clamp

Wrapped Hollow Steel Profile

Kedar Joint

High Frequency Welded & ReinforcedPVC

Canopy Details

Fabric to Stainless Steel Cable Joint Retractable Canopy

Retractable Canopy

Types of Fabric - Serge Ferrari

Retractable Canopy

Outsourced Manufacturing Services Ltc, Bristol Table Cutting CNC

Outsourced Manufacturing Services Ltd, Bristol, UK Table cutting CNC

Pen For guidance during high frequency welding

Cutter Accurately cuts the PVC membrane using CAD coordinates

Cutting surface: 8x4m

Technical Studies - Material Joinery

High frequency welding is a manufacturing process where two plastic parts are welded together using an electromagnetic field. The resulting joing can be very strong - often close to the original strength of the materials joined. In some scenarios the weld can be even stronger than the original material.

High frequency welding is a manufacturing process where two plastic parts are welded together using an electromagnetic eld. e resulting join can be very strong – o en close to the original strength of the materials joined. In some scenarios the weld can be even stronger than the original materials.

Material Test 200cm

High frequency welding is a manufacturing process where two plastic parts are welded together using an electromagnetic eld. e resulting join can be very strong – o en close to the original strength of the materials joined. In some scenarios the weld can be even stronger than the original materials.

Using a high frequency electromagnetic field, the material is heated and pressure is added to melt and fuse the two parts together. No outside heat is applied. Instead the heat is generated within the materials. During cooling (under continuous pressure), the 2 parts are fused together and a weld is created. This results in a very strong bond between the two parts.

Using a high frequency electromagnetic eld, the material is heated and pressure added to melt and fuse the two materials together. No outside heart is applied. Instead the heat is generated within the materials. During cooling (under continued preassure), the materials are fused together and a weld has been created. is results in a very strong bond between the two parts.

Using a high frequency electromagnetic eld, the material is heated and pressure added to melt and fuse the two materials together. No outside heart is applied. Instead the heat is generated within the materials. During cooling (under continued preassure), the materials are fused together and a weld has been created. is results in a very strong bond between the two parts.

Water Weight vs Stretch Test 67

Technical Studies - Material Joinery

Technical Studies - Material Joinery

RIFLEX bag succesfully contained 150L of water. The bottom buldged more than the rest due to high pressure and no stitch pattern control.

Ri ex non reinforced PVC bag material and welded joinery test Assembled at Outsourced Manufacturing service Ltd, Bristol

Grommet guide joint punched into riflex to create connection point for hanging. The hole most be punched out not cut , otherwise a tear will easily extend and rip the bag when exposed to high pressure.

Grommet guide joint punched into ri ex to create joints in order to hang it. e hole must be punched out not cut out otherwise a tear will easily rip all along the bag when exposed to high pressure

Patterning and Connection Processes for PVC

Soil

Gravel

Ground Drinage

2% Canopy Inclination

This drainage method involves lowering the canopy by 2% on the shortest span side. The system allows for this by moving the cable joints along the height of the trusses to follow the angle of the canopy.

Since the canopy is used solely for shading, it remains closed during the winter months. With this method, any water collected in the wider part is directed towards the most tightly folded segment, which then falls into a planted area with appropriate drainage or a ground channel covered by a grill.

Since drainage is only needed when the canopy is closed, the water is funneled to the smallest segment of the folded canopy, and not the entire open canopy, reducing the required drainage area.

Water Drainage Plan 2% Inclination

Retractable Canopy

Large Span Fabric Curtain Valley Curtain - Christo

Counter Weight System

Walker Guest House - Paul Rudolph

Following the insertion of 11 infrastructural wall on the ground level of the site, there is little change in terms of direct sunlight on site. But the placement of these walls divide the site into various pockets of use opportunities and the possibility of inserting shading elements in between these walls, where shading is required.

CONCLUSION

The series of shading elements are added on site to provide a wide variety of spacial characters for use throughout the year.

First, the preserved parts of the steel warehouses are covered with a new roof which provides opportunity for use all year long in these large open covered spaces.

Second, 3 retractable canopies are inserted between the walls: Two between the existing buildings, resulting in shaded spaces that connect there usage together during warm periods and one on the east side of the site as a slightly secluded optional shaded spaces, which creates opportunity for activity there.

Retractable Canopy III

Warehouse III

Outdoor Performance

Open Platform

Lower Ground Galleria

Warehouse II

Retractable Canopy II

Warehouse I

Preserved water tower

Preserved office building

Preserved station building

Preserved Graffiti Wall

Retractable Canopy I

Preserved Train house

CHAPTER VII - PROPOSAL

Proposal I

Tectonic components

Shadow qualities

Proposal Development Breakdown

Phase I consists of the analysis of the existing buildings on site to Identify: first which are worth keeping, and second which require intervention and how much.

Phase II aims to determine which parts of the site should be substracted. First which buildings should be demolished, Second which could be partially preserved for the benefit of the proposal.

Third consists of determining what parts of the site should be excavated and how according to existing and future constraints.

Phase III involves determining what is added on site, taking previous analysis of constraints (Heritage, Infrastructure, station, vegetation) and environmental conditions into consideration, to make successful public spaces.

All in all, the additions of a variety of stone steel and fabric elements to create different spacial and environmental conditions for multiple flexible use throughout the year.

This includes walls, vaults, permanent and impermanent canopies; placed and altered in response to analysis and project design goals.

Iteration 1 - Light/Shadow Study - Summer Solstice

Winter Solstice (December 21)

Hours of Analysis 6 am to 8 pm

The resulting proposal offers a wide range of lighting conditions on site, providing multiple opportunities for use throughout the year. The first iteration includes three spaces with retractable canopies that filter the light, creating possibilities for soft filtered light or full exposure. Additionally, there are two spaces with soft, controlled lighting in the existing buildings, along with one standard covered space. Furthermore, there is a lower ground open space that is shaded year-round with little direct sunlight, and an open stone platform that is fully exposed to the sun year-round. The proposal also includes three warehouse spaces that receive a decent amount of direct sunlight during warm and cold periods. Lastly, the preserved vegetation and trees provide a soft, varied, and natural lighting that creates a small micro climate on site.

Iteration 1 - Light/Shadow Study - Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice (December 21)

Hours of Analysis 6 am to 8 pm

The resulting proposal offers a wide range of lighting conditions on site, providing multiple opportunities for use throughout the year. The first iteration includes three spaces with retractable canopies that filter the light, creating possibilities for soft filtered light or full exposure. Additionally, there are two spaces with soft, controlled lighting in the existing buildings, along with one standard covered space. Furthermore, there is a lower ground open space that is shaded year-round with little direct sunlight, and an open stone platform that is fully exposed to the sun year-round. The proposal also includes three warehouse spaces that receive a decent amount of direct sunlight during warm and cold periods. Lastly, the preserved vegetation and trees provide a soft, varied, and natural lighting that creates a small micro climate on site.

Bifurcation Wall - Retractable canopy

Load Bearing Wall - Slanted Roof

Seel Exoskeleton - Fabric Canopy

Proposed Shadow Plan

Proposal Development Breakdown

Phase I consists of the analysis of the existing buildings on site to Identify: first which are worth keeping, and second which require intervention and how much.

Phase II aims to determine which parts of the site should be substracted. First which buildings should be demolished, Second which could be partially preserved for the benefit of the proposal.

Third consists of determining what parts of the site should be excavated and how according to existing and future constraints.

PROPOSITION PHASES

Phase III involves determining what is added on site, taking previous analysis of constraints (Heritage, Infrastructure, future station, vegetation) and environmental conditions into consideration, to make successful public spaces.

All in all, the additions of a variety of stone steel and fabric elements to create different spacial and environmental conditions for multiple flexible use throughout the year.

This includes walls, vaults, permanent and impermanent canopies; placed and altered in response to analysis and project design goals.

SCAN FOR WALK THROUGH ANIMATION

This ETS5 document is about preservation and revival, In once instance, the preservation of something that is fading away with time, both physically and in memory. In another, the revival of its remnants with careful addition and substraction of elements within it and around it. These fragments of time are re introduced from a context of segragation to one of integration and immersion.

It seeks to understand the material, technical and enviromental intricacies that goes into dealing with such fragile site. Through fieldwork, analytical and data collection, I learned to use the technique of photogrammetry as a tool to scan and understand the existing remnants that I am tackling and the necessary interventions, in this in bewteen state of fragility between a derilict site and a future station, which are necessary to insure its continuity until necessary restoration is made.

It also seeks to understand the strong corrolation between occupancy and the enviornmental condiitons in public spaces through the torough analysis of the site and every step of change made in the project as a way to study the consequences of any site alterations, and be able to make informed decisions at every substraction or addition, that are overlayed on top of eachother until a web of spacial variety is created.

The response to the need for variety resulted in the proposition of a nexus of elements, that intertwine to tackle the different enviromental challenges to achieve year round comfort in the public spaces.

This study was stimulating, as an initial insight into the technical demands of such a space. Many aspects of it are yet to be explored and developed. I look forward to delving further into details of the technical environmental performance of the proposal as the use becomes more specific, as well as an in depth development of every proposed element and how they form preformative taxonomies of publicness.

The valuable insights gained from this technical study will serve as a guiding force, shaping the architectural design of the upcoming proposal.

Fundamentals of public spaces in the Middle East

Waste rails for preservation

Rules of a train platform

Case studies

Fundamentals to consider when designing a successful public space in Lebanon

1. Understanding the cultural and social context: A public space in Lebanon should be designed to reflect the cultural and social context of the area. This includes understanding the values, customs, and traditions of the local community.

2. Meeting the needs of the community:

The public space should be designed to meet the needs of the community it serves. This includes providing amenities such as seating, shade, and lighting, as well as considering the types of activities that the space will host.

3. Incorporating local materials and designs:

Using local materials and designs can help integrate the public space into the surrounding environment and promote a sense of place.

4. Fostering a sense of community:

The public space should be designed to encourage social interaction and foster a sense of community among the people who use it. This includes providing spaces for people to gather and socialize, as well as considering the needs of different user groups.

5. Considering the climate: Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The public space should be designed to provide shade and protection from the sun, as well as drainage for rainy periods.

6. Incorporating flexibility:

A successful public space in Lebanon should be designed to accommodate different uses and activities. This includes incorporating flexible seating arrangements, movable furniture, and adaptable spaces that can be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs.

7. Enhancing accessibility: The public space should be easily accessible to all members of the community, including people with disabilities. This includes providing accessible entrances, ramps, and pathways.

8. Promoting sustainability:

A successful public space in Lebanon should be designed with sustainability in mind. This includes incorporating sustainable materials and technologies, as well as promoting energy efficiency and water conservation.

These fundamentals for designing a public space in the middle east can serve as guidelines to asses and measure the success of the project from technical and analytical points of views. (At this stage of the project development and at its completion)

Riyak Railway Station - Stock of Steel Rail Remnants

In the Riyak railway station located in the Beqaa valley, lies a large stock of U section rails that have been preserved for several decade. Most rails were stolen when the railways stopped operating because the price of steel was very high at the time, but these have survived within the boundaries of the inaccessible plots.

Such rails cannot be re used for a new future railway system and thus are currently waste on site.

A further, more emphasized study of the preservation and restoration of existing building on station plots would explore the possibility of re-using these rails for the proposed moment frames that stabilize existing walls and serve a structure for inserted canopies. This would include:

. Research around the rust treatment of the rails and stress tests to determine how they can be used structurally

. The development of details, to fix rails to existing stone walls, foundations and roof structures.

Charing Cross Train Station London

Regional Railway Station

Stages of Traveling & Circulation Rules

Amin Taha - 168 Upper Street Islington

Tadao

Ando - Punta de la Dogona Museum

Amin Taha - 15 Clerkenwell

Stone aggregates - Walls & Grounds

Micheal Heizer - City Sculpture

Enric Miralles - Igualda Cemetery

This is an installation for Amman Design Week 2019. It is a work made of consolidated gravel, which attempts to blurs the boundaries between architecture, landscape, sculpture, archeology and the expression of mundane construction material. The work addresses the theme of possibilities as a result of merging multiple disciplines and references.

Sahel Hiyari - Untitled Installation

Status: Part 2 - Tier 4 (Student Visa)

Email: malekpierrearif@gmail.com

Phone: +44 7743 772 858