BEIRUT SOUKS, CASE STUDY

BEIRUT SOUKS BEIRUT, LEBANON RAFAEL MONEO 1996-2009

EARC 2417 Principles of Design Instructor

: Fahed Baker

A Case Study prepared

by: Bara’a Batniji

INTRODUCTION

The site is huge. Badly damaged during the civil war, the centre of Beirut needed several years of work in order to be completely renovated under the guidance of Solidere, the Lebanese development and reconstruction company. The historic souks are a particularly sensitive area as its remains are an integral part of the city ’s identity.

An international design competition held in 1994 challenged designers to reinterpret the Souks, to reconcile their memory with contemporary needs, tradition with modernity.

A consortium of international designers featuring architects:

Rafael Moneo, Kevin Dash, Zaha Hadid and French landscape architect

Olivier Vidal were allocated specific design projects within a final master plan prepared by Lebanese architect Jad Tabet. Program included:

• multi-cinema complex

• department store

• retail space

• major underground car park with preservation of historic landmarks including:

• the Majidiyeh Mosque

• the IbnIraq mausoleum

• The provision of various squares and public open space.

Location Map

Beirut Souks crystallize Solidere’s vision of Beirut city center as a complete, synergic district. This signature shopping, hospitality, entertainment and cultural meeting place enhances the economic vitality and social vibrancy of the central district.

At the heart of the center, accessible from all regions in Lebanon and connected to the transportation network, port and airport, Beirut Souks link all city center parts together, shaping and defining the city. Within short distance of the traditional Conservation Area, Hotel and Waterfront districts, Beirut Souks are surrounded by upmarket office, residential and hospitality areas, and enjoys easy car and pedestrian access.

AERIAL VIEW OF THE SOUTH SOUKS

The Beirut Souks

A cultural journey through space and time..

IMAM OUZAI SQUARE

IMAM OUZAI SQUARE - Zawiyat Ibn Arraq Beirut ’s only remaining Mamluk structure, built in 1517 by the religious authority Mohammad Ibn Arraq al-Dimashqi. Initially a hospice, it remained a private madrassa (college of jurisprudence) and a zawiya (prayer corner) until late Ottoman times.

JEWELRY SOUK SHOPFRONTS ON IMAM OUZAI SQUARE

JEWELRY SOUK SHOPFRONTS LEADING TO SOUK AYYAS

JEWELRY SOUK SHOPFRONTS LEADING TO IMAM OUZAI SQUARE

JEWELRY SOUK PASSAGEWAY TO SOUK AYYAS

Gloriette:

Part of the Spaghetti Benches, a series of works that French-Argentinian artist Pablo Reinoso experimented with around the world. At the Jewelry Souk, the three benches entitled Gloriette express freedom of movement, branching towards the sky and intertwining.

JEWELRY SOUK SQUARE - EXHIBITION AREA

Al Antabli Fountain

Originally built in the Ottoman period, the fountain became associated with the nearby Al Antabli sweets and cocktails shop of the pre-Civil war era in Souk Ayyas. A new fountain was built at the same location to pay homage to this landmark.

Children

enjoy different activities in the open spaces between the street markets.

The Visitor

In the words of the Belgian artist Arne Quinze,“Stilt houses have the appearance of fragile, vulnerable people, who keep on standing and surviving in every context, despite their thin legs. They are proof of man’s incredible flexibility.”

indoor commercial space

Promenade à l’Hippodrome

Spanish artist Xavier Corbero renders Bab Idriss Square, home to the ancient street that led to the Roman Hippodrome, into an outdoor art museum. The 16 basalt and two cast iron sculptures evoke a group of people on their way to the races.

Medieval Wall and Moat

Built around the 9th century, Beirut ’s city wall was dismantled at the beginning of the 20th century. Souk al-Jamil was built over the backfilled moat, which has been restored and landscaped into a sunken garden.

Medieval Wall and Moat

Byzantine Mosaics

In Byzantine times (5th and 6th centuries AD), the floors of shops and houses in the Souks area were laid with mosaic tiles. Some of these mosaics were salvaged during the archeological excavations of the mid -1990s. One has been reconstructed and laid in the modern souks close to its original alignment within the colonnade of the Roman Street that once led through Bab Idriss.

SOUK EL FRANJ LEADING TO IMAM OUZAI SQUARE

FAKHRY BEY STREET AT NIGHT

FAKHRY BEY STREET DURING DAYTIME

Stairs and Escalators

A street photo taken during the Christmas season.

On Saturdays in Beirut there is a great open air market or souk called Souk El Tayeb.

Cinema Complex – North Souks

Planet Discovery - Children's Science Museum

Adress: Ayass Str, Beirut Souks

Planet Discovery ’s interactive exhibitions and programs contribute to childhood development and encourage selfguided exploration, providing opportunities for children to learn by doing.