Rmeil Cluster Design Proposal

Forgotten

Background

Forgotten But Still Breathing

The Rmeil cluster had been forgotten long before the Beirut August 4th blast. The area’s challenging access, and its proximity to a planned and later cancelled infrastructure project makes it a less privileged, disregarded part of the neighbourhood.

On August 4th, the cluster took a huge hit from the blast. 6 months later, the area is still completely damaged, leaving more than 25 families displaced.

The neighbourhood boasts a large 4000sqm garden space, a pocket of nature within the hustle and bustle of the city. The space is currently derelict and overgrown and has great potential to be transformed into a functional space to compensate for the lack of inclusive green spaces in the city of Beirut.

The aim of the project is to create a sustainable and healing multifunctional outdoor community space where different activities can be held. The strategy adopted for the project is “Build Back Better”, promoting flexibility and resilience when faced with future crises.

RMEIL CLUSTER I LANDSCAPE DESIGN

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A Green Opportunity Background

The highway footprint and the resulting residual open spaces provide an rare opportunity for a new network of public spaces in the city of Beirut.

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

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A Green Opportunity Background

The Rmeil Cluster location provides an extension to the Fouad Botrous green corridor proposed to the Beirut Municipality in the "Plan Vert et Paysager de la ville de Beyrouth" by URBI.

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

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RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL Background

Project Phases

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Existing Condition

Site Plan

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

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Existing Condition

Photos

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN

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Trees Existing Condition

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Existing Condition

Topography

RMEIL

Existing Condition

Topography

RMEIL

Existing Condition

Topography

DESIGN

RMEIL CLUSTER

Existing Condition

Accessibility

DESIGN

Design

RMEIL

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Design Approach Proposal

A Sustainable Design & Space

The space must have a positive effect on the environment and promote longevity. Social, economic and environmental sustainability are all taken into account in the proposal. A sustainable approach is provisioned through the use of materials found on site to create furniture, in the choice of material, and in the planting scheme.

An Accessible Space

Virtually everyone experiences a physical disability at some time in their lives; that is to say that their mobility has been restricted. An infant, an adult with an injury, a parent with a pushchair, an elderly person, etc. Public spaces in general should be as barrier free as possible to fulfil the needs of all people equally. The design proposes a retrofitting of existing access points adding ramps and balustrades to allow anyone to circulate independently.

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

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RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

A space for healing

The local residents were among some of the worst affected mentally by the blast and it is important for the space to have a healing and calming effect. Incorporating greener areas and spaces that can accommodate for outdoor activities is a crucial aspect of the proposed design.

An Inclusive Space - Local

Creating a good balance between user age groups by providing activities and spaces that accommodate and speak to all different ages in the neighbourhood.

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RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL Proposal

Landscape Plan

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RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL Proposal

Accessibility

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Proposal

Schematic Sections

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

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RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL Proposal

Schematic Sections

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

RMEIL CLUSTER

Material Selection

Soft Landscape

DESIGN

The selection of plants takes into consideration their behaviour in the local conditions related to climate, soil structure, water consumption, maintenance requirements, and availability in the local market. The softscape plan proposes strategically placed trees and shrubs to accentuate entrances, provide shade in gathering areas, and encourage positive sensory experiences: Nice smells, different textures, vibrant colors.

Trees

Description: Has a unique lavender flower, and a vase growth form.The blooming season for this tree starts in April, and end towards August, The tree has an open canopy, which adds a lot to its aesthetic values, as it is allows some light to pass through, although it acts as a shade tree.

Flowers: Unique lavender flower.

Size: Height: 8 to 15 m Spread: Over 15 m

Water requirement: Moderate Heat tolerance: Yes

Drought tolerance: Yes

Description: Has a unique lavender flower, and a vase growth form.The blooming season for this tree starts in April, and end towards August, The tree has an open canopy, which adds a lot to its aesthetic values, as it is allows some light to pass through, although it acts as a shade tree.

Flowers: Unique lavender flower.

Size: Height: 8 to 15 m Spread: Over 15 m Water requirement: Moderate Heat tolerance: Yes

Drought tolerance: Yes

Jacaranda Mimosifolia

Nerium Oleander

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RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Arbutus Unedo Compacta

Description: Distinctive spreading evergreen shrub or small tree native to the mediterranean region, with green fleshy leaves and reddish bark.

Laurus Nobilis

Description: The laurel tree is a tree famous for the pleasant smell of the leaves, which are used for cooking. These trees grow rather well in shade, and can tolerate urban conditions.

Flowers: Small white flowers opens during autumn

Size: Height: 8 to 15 m Spread: Over 15 m

Water requirement: Moderate

Heat tolerance: No

Drought tolerance: Yes

Description: One of the most beautiful flowering trees in the world. The leaves has a feathery look as they are double pinnate. A dry period is needed for the flowering. It is known to be drought and salt tolerant.

Flowers: Orange, red flowers.

Size: Height:8 to 15 m Spread: 10 to 15 m

Water requirement: Moderate

Heat tolerance: Yes Drought tolerance: Yes

Flowers: Yellow flowers, not easy to see and with no scent, spring

Size: Height: 8 to 15 m Spread: 5 to 8 m

Water requirement: Low

Heat tolerance: Yes

Drought tolerance: Yes

Description: Large evergreen tree. The essential oil ‹camphor› is obtained from its leaves and twigs.

Flowers: White flowers, spring.

Size: Height: 8 to 15 m Spread: over 15 m

Water requirement: Moderate

Heat tolerance: No

Drought tolerance: Yes

Delonix Regia

Cinnamomum Camphora

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Cestrum Nocturnum

Shrubs Soft Landscape Selection

Cistus x Purpureus

Description: The purple rockrose is a compact, shrubby perennial with narrow soft green leaves. In spring and early summer.

Flowers: Single papery lavender pink flowers appear.

Size: Height: 1 to 1.5 m Spread: 0.5 to 1 m Water requirement: Moderate

Description: The plant is a fast growing slender shrub. Leaves are thin, simple leathery. In the evening the fragrance becomes almost intoxicating. This is a popular landscape plant in warm climates.

Flowers: : Long tubular bell-shaped green flowers of Night. Blooming Jasmine open at night to release their perfume

Size: Height: 1.5 to 3 m Spread: 1.5 to 3 m

Water requirement: Moderate

Strelizia Reginea

Description: An evergreen clump forming perennial. Its large, bold dark gray green leaves contrast nicely with its unusual crested flowers. The hard, beak like sheath from which the flower emerges has orange and blue petals. The plant does well in full sun to semi shade. The plants are also wind resistant and grow well in coastal gardens.

Flowers: Orange and blue petal It flowers periodically throughout the year.

Size: Height: 1 to 1.5 m Spread: 0.5 to 1 m

Water requirement: Moderate, Low

Description: It is generally a woody shrub, or a climbing or trailing vine. Jasmine leaves are evergreen. The plant can be used as a hedge, along fences, walls or pergolas.

Flowers: Bears white flowers which are 3 2 cm. Petals have strong and sweet fragrance. Flowering takes place in summer or spring, usually six months after planting.

Size: Height: 8 to 15 m Spread: 3 to 5 m Water requirement: Moderate

Description: This beautiful evergreen shrub or small tree with a round, compact and spreading shape is a true Mediterranean species. It has been cultivated since Biblical times. It has a small, pointed, glossy bright green leaves are held on a dense, twiggy structure. When clipped, the leaves release fragrant oils.

Flowers: Myrtle blooms in early summer, bearing abundant, small, white flowers with beautiful fluffy stamens.

Size: Height: 1.5 to 3m Spread: 1.5 to 3 m

Water requirement: Moderate, low

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Rynchospermum Jasminoides

Description: This twining woody vine has small, shiny, dark green leaves which provide a very dense screen or cover. The intensely fragrant, pure white flowers abundantly produced in April and May, extend well beyond the leaves. Once established no water need during summer time.

Flowers: Abundant white flowers, strong smell (usually in June and July)

Size: Height: 8 to 15m Spread: 5 to 8 m

Description: A native of the Mediterranean, zaatar is indispensable in Lebanese cuisine and is used medicinally.

Flowers: Purple, white or pink, bloom in summer and have a spicy scent.

Size: Height: 1 to 1.5m Spread: 1 to 1.5 m

Water requirement: Moderate, Low

Jasminum Officinalis

Myrtus Communis

Origanum Syriacum

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RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Pennisetum

Description: This ornamental grass is very popular as it can stand heat drought even salt. Fountain grass has an upright to arching clumps. From mid summer to fall it produces long, dropping plumes or flowers.

It grows best in full sun and with a bit of irrigation. Perfect for perennial border or hedge.

Flowers: Dropping plumes or flowers brown color

Size: Height: 0.5 to 1m Spread: 0.5 to 1 m Water requirement: Moderate, low

Description: A key ingredient of a Mediterranean style garden. Low growing and spreading evergreen shrub with strongly aromatic, needle like leaves, about 5cm long. Commonly used as a culinary herb.

Flowers: Clusters of pale blue flowers appear in spring and summer, occasionally in fall.

Size: Height: 0.5 m Spread: 0.5 to 1 m

Water requirement: Low

Pittosporum tobira nana

Description: Pittosporum is an evergreen shrub with fragrant creamy white flowers grouped in clusters that bloom from April to June. It grows well in all types of soil, even in dry and sandy soils, and it is one of the most salt resistant shrubs. The plant can tolerate urban pollution and has been a popular shrub in the Mediterranean coast, often used in landscaping as hedges and screens in patios, balconies.

Flowers: White flower

Size: Height: 1.5 to 3m Spread: 1.5 to 3 m Water requirement: Moderate

Description: A cultivated version of the Gaura lindheimeri the crimson butterfly is named so because of the flower that sway in the wind resembling butterflies. It can be used in containers and does best in sunny conditions. It attracts bees and butterflies

Flowers: Pink or white flower, spring, summer and fall

Size: Height: 0.5 to 1 m Spread: 0.5 to 1 m

Water requirement: Moderate

Rosmarinus Prostrata

Gaura Lindheimeri

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

TAgnus-Castus hymus Vulgaris

Description: Thymus vulgaris is native to Southern Europe. It can tolerate drought and rocky soil, as long as it is exposed to full light and is put in alkaline to neutral soil. Oregano or thyme is an herb its evergreen and its leaf represents the edible part.

Flowers: The flower is fragrant, lavender blooms upwardly.Blooms in summer

Size: Height: 0.5 to 1 m Spread: 0.5 to 1 m Water requirement: Low

Vitex

Description: Chastetree is a fast-growing, small tree or large shrub native to southern Europe and western Asia. The sage scented gray green leaves of Chastetree are shaped liked a hand, or palmate, and were once believed to have sedative effects.

Flowers: The flower is fragrant, lavender blooms upwardly pointing, placed in terminal panicles and quite attractive to butterflies and bees. Blooms in summer

Size: Height: 3 to 5 m Spread: 1.5 to 3 m Water requirement: Moderate low

Carissa Grandiflora

Description: Carissa is a subtropical shrub with vigorous spreading growth. The leaves are evergreen glossy, leathery.Flower appears all year around but the high peak is from May September. The flowers are white, fragrant. The plant can be used for massive barrier hedge.It prefers full sun but can grow even in shade, any soil type but cannot survive water logging.

Flowers: Flower appears all year around but the high peak is from May September. The flowers are white, fragrant.

Size: Height: 1 to 1.5 m Spread: 1 to 1.5 m

Water requirement: Moderate, low

Description: Evergreen shrubby vine with spiny branches.

Flowers: The flowers are small cream color found in the center of 3 colored bracts

Size: Height: 3 to 5 m Spread: 1.5 to 3 m

Water requirement: Moderate

Bougainvillea Glabra

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Material Selection

Hardscape

The selection of the materials for the hard landscaped areas is made mostly of concrete pavers, exposed aggregate, and natural stone which allow a great variety in dimensions, colors and textures. The materials selected are used to accentuate the existing village-like architectural and urban character of the site, and highlight the identified passageways leading towards the neighbourhood and the orchard. Due to the possibility of producing and suppling them locally, these tiles are considered to be of low ecological impact, cost efficient and aesthetically complementary to the site

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Hardscape

Concrete Tiles

Durable products that are designed to hold up to chips, scratches, moisture, dirt, and foot traffic.

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Hardscape

Exposed Aggregate

Due to the possibility of producing and outsourcing it locally, this material is considered to be of low ecological impact, cost efficient and aesthetically pleasant.

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Hardscape

Road Tiling Basalt

Basalt outdoor tiles for driveways are popular materials especially for fast and easy installation.

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Hardscape

Concrete Passage

Concrete is used to mark residential passageways and entry points.

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Hardscape Stone Parapets

Stone parapets are used to complement the existing traditional architecture. For sustainability and cost efficiency, existing stone walls are re adjusted and the remaining stone elements are used to cover the new parapets.

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

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Proposal Lighting Analysis - Site in Relation to User

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

RMEIL CLUSTER I URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL

Proposal

Proposal

Proposal Moodboard

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RMEIL

General Mood Photos of Reference

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Urban Furniture Photos of Reference

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Photos of Reference

Signage