Hello, this is Sera!
Feb 2018 - May 2018
Design Intern Imad Gemayel Architects (IGA), Beirut, Lebanon
Personal Bio
Table of Contents 1.
As a person who has been blessed enough to have a chance to a proper education while being raised in a conflict area of the world, I have always felt that it is my duty to have a humanitarian conscience in order to use what I've learned to make a positive impact on my surroundings whenever possible. My name is Sera Saad; I’m an architect by training and hold two Masters Degrees in Architecture and Urban Design from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Arts (ALBA) -Balamand University in Beirut, Lebanon. In my final year project I worked on a project titled “7 Km à Ashrafieh” which started as a study on the pedestrian street experience of people in Ashrafieh neighborhood of Beirut. Studying the available public and open spaces in the neighborhood, my analysis later developed into the discovery of non-constructible lands, residual spaces, and missed opportunities at different scales along a 7km walking path in the studied neighborhood.
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URBAN PLANNING &DESIGN ACHRAFIEH A LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOOD
NAHR AL MOT RIVER & COAST R E G E N E RAT I O N
CO N STA N I N E ALGERIA CITY CENTER
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P. 2 0 - 2 1
P. 2 2 - 2 3
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As I graduated with high distinction and ranking first, I got the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience by presenting it in an expo promoting visionary student projects and a conference, where I met different stakeholders and community members from the neighborhood in study. During that same year I participated in the APERAU- Constantine, Algeria challenge and also won a first prize. During my masters I’ve learned a great deal and read a lot about urban design theories with a particular focus on urban morphology, social and ecological integration, urban regeneration, participatory urban research, placemaking, and public spaces. That in addition to being involved in different community based projects and studies, and assisting in the “Urban Morphology” course at my university. Unfortunately, in the city I live in things happen differently. With a privatized city center, "well designed" but completely empty of public life and inaccessible to different social classes, paired with an ineffectual government with different priorities -and as the public sector is usually managed and maintained by the government- opportunities and growth in Urban Design knowledge and practice are scarce. In my work, I have tried to mix my academic knowledge with my social and environmental drive as well was my graphic and visual mapping talents. I hope you enjoy scanning through the following pages, as much as I have enjoyed working on them.
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ARCHITECTURE CULTURAL CENTER IN A TRADITIONAL LEBANESE HOUSE
DATA C E N T E R & TELECOM OFFICE
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NURSING HOME IN THE M O U N TA I N S
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P. 2 6
Mark
Can we still wander in Beirut ? This project started with what seemed to be a basic question that I asked myself: Can we still wander around Beirut? In a city dominated by cars, and with real estate pressure competing for remnant spaces in the city erasing whatever is left of our traditional urban fabric, can we still find non constructed spaces that can accommodate our city dwellers’ need for a healthier more equitable, socially and ecologically just public space? This incited some curiosity to explore the area, followed by some Sunday morning walks around the city with friends and family who had different relationships with the city- some who grew up in it, others who came for work or a visit only by car, enduring heavy traffic- These tours revealed a staggering mixture of dormant opportunities and missed occasions. The result is an urban design proposal based on observations of local people practice of open public spaces in Beirut with a focus on one peculiar neighborhood that is Achrafieh. Beirut’s natural urbanization outside the walls of the traditional city grew along two hills that occupy its eastern and western sides. The two hills, Achrafieh and Ras Beirut overlook parts of the city and the sea from their elevated platforms and steep slopes. Topography has widely influenced the urbanization on the hills, especially throughout the organic and vernacular growth of the city. Achrafieh’s peak, is the sassine square - today, an intersection for through traffic crossing from outside Beirut, into the city. Achrafieh is one of the oldest districts in Beirut. Over the years this geographic landform, the hill, has developed in many directions becoming more congested and even more fragmented. Today, the traditional urban fabric has been cut through by large infrastructural projects (Charles malek avenue, Alfred Naccache road,etc).
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Let’s take a walk !
In order to better understand the human experience in Achrafieh, I decided to experiment with different walking scenarios. What’s particular about these experimental itineraries is that only local roads were used to go from one side of the hill to the other side, and large regional roads were only crossed. Everytime I went for a walk, I would stand on one side of the hill (Ex. The Jesuit Garden) and try to find my way on foot (using local roads) to the opposite side of the hill (ex. Sioufi Garden).
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The Path For the project, I have decided to work on one of the itineraries taken during my personal city walk.
REDISCOVERING THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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Why this path?
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AN INTERFACE between the
highest platform (Sassine Square /Lazarus school) of the hill and the lowest(Sea, River,Regional Roads)
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SPECIFIC TOPOGRAPHY part
AN EASY WALK the platform is
LANDMARKS Not only make the
LOCAL NETWORKS ONLY the
of the area where the slope is the most steep, less “built” over the years, and rich in green heritage
more or less flat as it circulates Achrafieh without the need to go uphill - An enjoyable walk
path more interesting, but also help in navigation (Schools, hospitals, Cemeteries, Gardens)
belt exclusively uses local streets , rather than regional roads
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NEIGHBORHOODS the belt
passes through different Achrafieh neighborhoods, connecting the hill on physical and social levels.
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Pathway Open Space Perception & Interaction
In order to analyze the different typologies found around the walking path and the sensorial relationship between the human body and open space, a series of mental maps were drafted. One of which is the map above that shows the different layers and perceptions of these spaces observed by an individual who takes the pathway. The map portrays visible, filtered view, and non-visible open space – as well as the physical barriers that exist between the individual and nature (ex. Fence, Overflowing trees, Wall, etc.)
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Analysis Results The morphological analysis unraveled a diversity of existing typologies of built form and open space, that included areas where all domestic openings and different semi- public open spaces (Courtyards, Staircase Landings, Balconies) were directed towards the adjacent street creating “Eyes on the street”, contributing to a sense of intimacy and safety in the neighborhood. In other areas, streets where bordered by fences of private open spaces creating a very visible demarcation disconnecting private and public life. Other discoveries included abandoned open spaces like the Tobaji Garden (an orchard expropriated for the sake of the “Fouad Botrous Highway Project), the abandoned railway area in Badawi, as well as different types of residual spaces found bordering the public right of way that is the street. In conclusion, an abundance of lost space.
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Placemaking as a tool to regenerate lost spaces
Abandoned and residual spaces Potential for extension of public space
Encouraging the integration of public spaces as the core of community life is a crucial tool in urban renewal. The proposal places the human experience in the public space as a top priority, which includes the local residents’ cultural, social, functional, and comfort needs. Therefore, on the larger scale a proposed masterplan using the key principles of placemaking – Sociability, Uses and Activities, Access and linkages, comfort and image – in order to provide attractive and safe public spaces that bring the community together, complement the existing functions of the neighborhoods, connect the neighborhood to the adjacent neighborhoods and the city, and stimulate busy street activity to support local economy. The masterplan also proposes the conception of Pedestrian Friendly streets with bike lanes and traffic calming measures as well as Designated park and ride facilities to liberate streets from unauthorized parking.
Opportunity for small local economy shops
Patches of Green spaces, however small, can make a difference
Parked cars fill the majority of the public right of way width
Stairs as potential extension of the public space
Giving more importance to local streets will encourage local economy
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First Strategic Masterplan
Main Roads
Requalification
Boulevards
Pathway
Access Points
Soft Mobility
Transversal Connections
Pathway/Bike Network
Stations & Public Facilities
300 meter Grid
Pathway
Park & Ride
Temporary Public Space
Critical Pedestrian Crossings
Weekend Focal Point
Green Corridors Green hill Connectors Old Railway Park
Cemeteries
Public Gardens
Abandoned Train Station
Military Green space
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Description
Pilot
3.
1. 2.
Community Garden Urban Orchard Adaptive Re-use of Expropriated lots
Architecture
Urban
Strategy4.I
Description
Domain AccessPrivate to community garden (1) Studio Apartments 60 sqm/ 90 sqm
A
5.
B
A
B
Public Plaza Public Program (Library, Cafeteria etc) Cultural center in existing structure
A
use of 30 m right of way in a ntial zone 5.
e impact of large wall in the city Market 6.interesting space public access to uce public cultural functions
7 Garden
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B
Empty lots consolidation for a 7 Public Domain Student Housing project + Courtyard
AAllow social mixity A B & diverse housing
typologies
Parking to filter cars b
8.B
Reuse of abadoned buildings to accomodate the creative community Use stairs as9. old brewery memorial Park& Play : Open space for Schools & Children Activities Parking to filter cars before street
Urban Design
typologies Public Plaza MEDIATION BETWEEN TWO APPROACHES : munity3. Garden Publicinterventions Program (Library, Orchard A. Temporary small scale thatCafeteria are easyetc) to implement in the first phase Cultural center in existing structure of abadoned buildings to 6.form of “Adaptive Reuse�Reuse ve Re-use B. of Permanent Expropriatedinterventions lots in the of existing abandoned structures accomodate the creative community 4. Empty lots consolidation for a s to community garden (1) Use stairs as old brewery memorial Student Housing project + Courtyard Apartments 60 sqm/ 90 sqm Park& Play : Open space for Schools 7 & Children Activities Allow social mixity & diverse housing Plaza5. Parking to filter cars before street typologies Program (Library, Cafeteria etc) Architecture 8. al center in existing structure Make use of 30 m right of way in a Reuse of abadoned buildings to 6. residential zone Private Domain lots consolidation for a accomodate the creative community nt Housing project + Courtyard old brewery memorial A impact ofB Reduce large wall in the Acity Pilot Use stairs asDescription 9. Allow public access to interesting space Park& Play : Open space for Schools Community Garden social7mixity &1.diverse housing Introduce public cultural functions & Children Activities Urban Orchard gies Adaptive Re-use of before Expropriated Parking to filter cars streetlots
8. 2.buildings to of abadoned modate the creative community airs as old brewery 3. memorial Play :9. Open space for Schools dren Activities g to filter cars4. before street
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A
B
8.
Make use of 30 m righ residential zone
Reduce impact of large Allow public access to Introduce public cultur
Make use of 30 m right of way in a residential zone
9.
Market Reduce impact of large wall in the city Allow public access to interesting space Introduce public cultural functions
Garden
Urban Design Market
Public Domain
A
B
Cafe
Garden
B
Access to community garden (1) Make use of 30 m right of way in a Studio Apartments 60 sqm/ 90 sqm residential zone Public Plaza
Cafe
Garden
Market Reduce impact of large wall in the city Public Program (Library, Cafeteria etc) Allow publiccenter access interesting space Cultural in to existing structure Introduce public cultural functions
Sports
Event Space
Empty lots consolidation for a Student Housing project + Courtyard Allow social mixity & diverse housing typologies
Reuse ofGarden abadoned buildings to accomodate the creative community Use stairs as old brewery memorial Park& Play : Open space for Schools & Children Activities Parking to filter cars before street Make use of 30 m right of way in a Cafe residential zone
Cafe
Sports Court
Event Space
Sports Court
Event Space
Bike Stop
Bike Stop
Reduce impact of large wall in the city Allow public access to interesting space Introduce public cultural functions
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Market
Garden
Cafe
Event Space
Sports Court
Bike
Urban Strategy II Scale 1
BUILDING
Theme
Design Intervention Preserve
Building form and occupation
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Convert Add to Subtract From No intervention
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3
BLOCK
STREET
Density Block Courtyard Block Porosity
Public Domain PD vs Private ground floors
Build in Empty plot Add to Subtract From Activate Open Space Intervene on future regulation Preserve Open Space No intervention
Squares Stairs Street Commerce Intersections Green Corridor
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NEIGHBORHOOD
Green Network Mobility & Accessibility
Main Road Boulevard Soft Mobility Pedestrian Friendly Corridor Street Level Commerce Open Space Park & Ride Facility
INTERVENTION ON DIFFERENT SCALES
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Neighborhood Regeneration Masterplan
Urban Orchard
Apartments for Students/Hospital Residents
“Rizk Tower” Project
Retail/Cafe
Available Small Retail Shops
Church Square integrated in urban life
artist studios
“Mar Mikhael Village” Project
New Public Square
Grocery Shop
Men’s Hair Salon
Diner
Railway Park
RAILWAY PARK
Local Tailor
Small Furniture Store
Veranda House Small Grocery Shop
NEW PUBLIC PARK
Shop
Student Apartements & Air BnB
Local Hair Salon
Architecture
Grocery Shop
Workshop and retail additions
Veranda House
Park Entry
Antique Shop
New Public Square
Weekend Market
School as Temporary Public space
Public Plaza/ Library
Adaptive Reuse of existing structure from the 1930s
Bike Rack, Green Slope
Public Facilities/ Cafe/ Meeting Space
Animated Courtyard / Extension of Indoor Living space
Jesuits Garden
Park n Play
Brewery Converted Old Military function + New Public Function into Museum space/ Workshop Space
Weekend Market
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Block Scale Masterplan
RESI DE AIRB NTIAL/ NB RESI DE AIRB NTIAL/ NB
A
COW SPAC ORKING E
D
KINDERGARTEN
COMMUNAL KITCHEN
VISI TO GAR RS CEN DEN MAN TER AGEM EN
D
T
STUD
IO AP ARTM EN
TS
C
STUDENT HOUSING
RESTAURANT
B
CULTURAL CENTER
C
E
D
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EXPROPRIATED LAND
D
SMALL EMPTY PARCELS
B
PLOTS OWNED BY THE MUNICIPALITY
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PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
C
PRIVATELY OWNED PLOTS
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Street Facade
D
D
C
B
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Case A: The Garden
Citrus Sinesis “Orange”
Musa Sp. “Banana”
Eriobotrya Japonica “Louquat”
[Expropriated Land] - Community Garden and Urban Fruit Orchard Case Strategy - The project proposes the consolidation and activation of this site through its conversion into a public community garden and the re-use of the exsisting expropriated buildings with complementary programs. Also, connecting the space to the surrounding urban setting through passageways and ramps.
INDIVIDUAL SPACES
KEY USE
Urban Orchard
KEY ZONES
Orchard /Production Transformation space Recreational Space Residential Space
ORCHARD (DOUBLE ITS SIZE) 4790 M2 WORKSHOPS COMMUNAL KITCHEN ENTRANCE BUILDING RESTAURANTS SHOPS PROMENADE RESIDENTIAL KINDERGARTEN
RESID AIRB ENTIAL/ NB RESID AIRB ENTIAL/ NB
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1 SUBSTRATES COLLECTION
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COMM UN GARD ITY EN
COW SPA ORKING CE
2 PLANTING
KINDERGARTEN
COMMUNAL KITCHEN
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VISI T GAR ORS CE DEN N MAN TER AGE MEN
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RESTAURATION
T
HARVESTING
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TRANSFORMATION /DISTRIBUTION
Pedestrian Links
Stepping Stones
Area of Intervention Limit
Existing structures to be reused
Children Play Area
Communal Kitchen Outdoor Area
Gardenning Space
Garden Entry Plaza
Existing structures
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STUD
IO AP ARTM
ENTS
Case B: The Plaza [Municipality Owned Plots] - Public Space and Cultural Center Case Strategy - The project proposes the use of the site as a public space, a plaza on 2 levels provides the extension of the pathway public space and that of the 2 existing structures. It provides an extension of the public domain on both streets. The existing topography is used to extend the street wall and street activity on both street levels. The plaza is framed and animated by public functions (Library, Cafeteria, Cultural Center, Auditorium etc.)
Shared Street - Lack of curbs - Right of way pedestrian during events Decorative paving to define space (Avoiding zone barriers and feelings of restricted access) Raised Intersection to protect pedestrians and slow down cars Paving for traffic calming Warning strip marks threshhold where pedestrian and vehicule conflicts might occur Paving patterns blend into adjacent public spaces extending the public domain to activity spaces
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UNIT
Residual Space Intervention
O APA
NTS RTME
HE P
CT CASE
/ PUB
A
IAIRC
C ST UBLI
TUDI SE - S
COMM O T S CCES LIC A
AL MUN COM EN H KITC
STUDIO APARTMENTS
A
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Ambience Photos
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Ambience Photos
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way
7 KM À ACHRAFIEH Achrafieh is one of the oldest districts in Beirut. Over the years this geographic landform, the hill, has developed in many directions becoming more congested and even more fragmented.
Today, the traditional urban fabric has been Event Space cut through by large infrastructural roads. The initiative aims to allow people to rediscover the neighborhood through its old street network, by highlighting a walkthrough and creating a public space and activity space network. Sports Court way
6 EDL
Sacre Coeur School
Sports Court CD To B
Bike Stop
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3
Go around the block to discover Monot street
S MALEK
CHARLES MALEK AVENUE
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T H O SPITAL STREE
C HA R L E S M A
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Spinney’s
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L E K A V E NU E
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Mar Mitr Cemetery R R OA D
Trail/Loop- Shared Street Cut the loop to discover other neighborhood gems!
ud
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The white pavilion project constructed for refugees during the french mandate
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Karm el Zeitoun Neighborhood
Lazarus School
ABC Mall
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SASSINE SQUARE
I N D EP E NDE N CE ROA D
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Access the Lebanese University sports courts on the stair landings
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Culture & Architecture Route 1. Sursock Museum 7. Military Barracks 2. Villa Audi/ Sofil 8. Grand Lycee School 3. Orthodox Hospital 9. Nazareth School 4. Lazarus School 10. Beit Beirut Museum 5. Mar Mitr Cemetery 11. USJ Huvelin 6. EDL 12. USJ
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Climb up the stairs for a view of all the greenery leading to Horsh Beirut
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USJ Grand Lycee Franco-Libanais AL
Urban Stories & Discoveries Route 5. Old Train Station 1. Monot Street 2. Fouad Botrous Project 6. Abandoned Railway 3. School Courtyard 7. White Pavilion Project 4. Old Laziza Site 8. Karm el Zeitoun Keep an eye/ear out for
EE
Fouad Botrous Linear Park starts here!
Stop by for ice cream from “Hanna Mitri”
Green Spaces & Biodiversity Route 1. Sursock Garden 8. Railway Park 2. St. Nicolas Garden 9. Lu sports courts 3. Fouad Botrous Park 10. Sioufi Garden 4. Tobaji Orchard 11. Maronite Cemetery 5. Jesuit Garden 12. Cemeteries 6. William Hawi Garden 13. Church Garden 7. Military Garden 14. Gebran Tueni Plaza
R ST
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2
AVENUE
IA
To Bo urj Ham 7 mo
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2 CHARLE
AR
N ME
ORTHODOX
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1 Bike Stop
Climb up the stairs to discover the Tobaji Garden
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Join neighborhood kids for a soccer match
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M A R MI T
way
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FR
ED
A CC NA
CH
V EA
U EN
E
To Ad lie h Park and ride
Stairs
Soft Mobilty Path
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Nahr Al Mot River & Coast Regeneration Between a congested knot, consequence of partially thought-out infrastructure, a waterfront separated and inaccessible to the public, a discontinuous and fragmented urban and natural landscape, and a district of wastelands in mutation, suffering from an existential crisis, the problem of the Nahr el mot coast spreads out on 4 different scales.
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The National Scale
THE SEA
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The Greated Beirut Scale
THE TRANSPORT NODE
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The Urban Landscape Scale
THE TRANSVERSAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE CITY & THE SEA
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The Block Scale
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
JAL AL DIB BSALIM
BEIRUT
BOURJ HAMMOUD
SIN EL FIL
JDAIDE
SAD EL BAOUCHRIYE
Tracing of the privatized coastal embankments on Greater Beirut waterfront BEIT MERI
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Strategic Masterplan
Liberated Waterfront
Built - Newly Added
Regional Train
Green Space
Built - Existing
Bridge
Open Space
Built - Converted
Interchange
Mineral Space
BRT / Elevated Metro
By deconstructing the existing mall structure, a rehabilitation of the old valley leading to the old house today surrounded by the mall becomes possible. Dynamic corridors (Green, Commercial, Sports) connect the city with the newly liberated coast.
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ETAT DE S LIE UX C
City Center Regeneration Study Constantine, Algeria
C1
APERAU 2018 Competition Winning Entry C2
PUBLICS
Y BE M OU SS GE RE UA SQ D HE AC IR SID NT PO
E AN MD RA
Our urban design proposal focuses on the consolidation and requalification of these fragmented public spaces. It develops physical connections between the different voids and envisages them as shared landscapes where the human scale and right to inclusive and sustainable spaces draws the character and the image of the city.
N IO RE UT TU L L O CU EV LA AR E L D DE IS LA DE A PA AN PL ES
AD HM EA AC PL
Evolving from an ancient core “the Medina”, the old city of Constantine have known many historical and spatial mutation resulting in a network of fragmented open spaces, the case of the city center. Today, the city center emerges as an administrative hub attracting a huge traffic favoring cars over pedestrians and public transport. However, with a footprint ratio of 70% CONSOLIDATION ET REQUALIFICATION URBAINE DES ESPACES vacant/constructed, the center’s symbolic significance is compromised by its inability to provide an inclusive, attractive, and well-equipped public space that reflects the CASecological DU CENTRE VILLE DE CONSTANTINE image of its community and its city.
E E BR TIC EM US V J O DE RN AIS 1E L U PA ED AC L P
D OU HM EL MA OT OU OV EZ LN UM TE BO HO HE RC MA
Constantine, a city erected on a rock overlooking a series of striking picturesque landscapes, and linked to the rest of its territory with a number of modern and historical bridges, has more to offer than meets the eye. Its peculiar landform marked by steep slopes has significantly influenced the form and character of its urban fabric.
IR CH BA ER AC RS Y NN RT BE MA RE ES UA ED SQ AC PL
In order to promote walkability, traffic-calming interventions are used to prioritize pedestrians over cars. Accordingly, the project places the human experience in the public space at the crux CHALLENGE APERAU (AMO) ROUA RAWASS of our proposal, CONSTANTINE, thus integrating locals’ cultural, social, functional needs and well-being. This ALGERIE SARA SAAD was possible by reflecting and2018 trying to integrate the key principles ofENCADREE placemaking NOVEMBRE PAR as DR.put HASSÃN BITAR forth by Project for Public Spaces (PPS). As such sociability, diversity, accessibility and image where the design driving forces to draw attractive and safe spaces that could bring the community together, complement the existing functions, connect the city center to its dual urban cores, and stimulate socio-economic activity.
INTERSECTION
FLUX VEHICULAIRE
E CH OU IR AM EL ON OL EC AC PL
CIRCULATION & INTERSECTIONS
BORD
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Concept Intervention Moodboard
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From abandoned Lebanese home to community cultural space Located in one of Beirut’s historical districts, the project is an extension of an existing typical Lebanese house. The project recreates the “Central hall” from typical Lebanese architecture in a void that extends the exhibition space in the old house. The public library serves as a signal and has its own private entrance. All functions in the extension building are oriented towards the existing house as well as the central void.
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Data Center & Telecom Office Building
TYPICAL OFFICE FLOOR PLAN
ROOFTOP DIRECTOR’S TEAM OFFICE
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Nursing home in the mountains As people in nursing homes spend most of their time in their personal rooms, the main objective of this project was to focus on the most appropriate and healthy orientation for the bedrooms, in order for them to enjoy natural light as long as possible. All other common areas are placed underground in the natural slope of the site and lit through a series of open air courtyards.
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