For what yet to come
Reem Ayman - Mariam Nada - Nada Waleed
Supervised by: Assoc. Prof. Holger Gladys
2021
The project engages in unconventional and somehow radical methods to reconstruct the post-blast city of Beirut. Our group drew inspiration from the book "For the War Yet to Come" by Hiba Abo Akar, which provided insights on greater Beirut’s patterns of urbanization that shaped the conflict-ridden areas known as the frontiers. These frontiers can be categorized into three distinct patterns: Lacework, which refers to the division of sectarian communities; Doubleness, which refers to the coexistence of ruins opposite to new developments; and Ballooning, which refers to the illegal expansion of certain buildings to serve as battlefields in times of war. The objective of our proposal is to address these frontiers and anticipate what challenges may arise in the future. The visible demarcation line created by the 1975 civil war, although not as prominent today, still instills hesitation among people from both sides to cross, as described by a local. Even years after the war, the distribution of Beirut's population along religious lines continues to highlight the evident division and concentration of each sect on one side of the line. Our focus area is Bachoura, located in the center of Beirut and gradually being eaten by high-end developments. Bachoura exemplifies the three frontier patterns of having war ruins, uninhabited towers, and the demarcation street, all of which are serving as poignant reminders of the bitter memories of conflict.
The design approach was sparked by the fundamental question of how the Lebanese society can endure memories of war and grief. How can a design strategy for these three frontier sites be employed to help people persist in living with them and endure the memories they evoke? By addressing these questions, we aim to propose a design that fosters resilience, reconciliation, and a sense of continuity.
Mapping Beirut Land-uses
Understanding Beirut's urban growth and social complexities
PATTERN I: Lacework
Lacework is the division of sectarian communities and functions into categories and subcategories to lessen friction.
The simple lines drawn to merely zone the city into neighborhoods are then materialized into frontiers and streets of conflict.
PATTERN II: Doubleness
Doubleness is the coexistence of ruins & war-torn buildings with the high-end developments.
PATTERN III: Ballooning
Ballooning is the illegal blow up of certain buildings floor plan areas so that it can be used as battlefields in times of war.
Mapping the city's transportation lines and the three urbanization patterns: Ballooning, lacework and Doubleness
We started the project by mapping the 3 types of frontiers and the existent Transportation lines and bus stops to better understand how
the city is both connected and disconnected.
Understanding Bachoura Neighborhood
The area of focus is Bachoura which lies in Beirut’s center slowly being eaten by high end development. Bachoura manifests as well the three types of frontiers_ Ballooning, lacework and Doubleness: a Tower, demarcation street, and ruins.
CAN WE, THE LEBANESE, ENDURE?
The three sites were chosen in response to the three patterns mentioned by Hiba Abu Akar. The three sites have long stood as a manifestation to the bitter memory of conflict. How can they be used to help people persist living with them and endure their memory?
SITE I: Lacework
The Green Line - The Wall: a living room away from home
Design proposal by: REEM AYMAN
The design approach works mainly on engaging people in a series of different shared activities to reduce the psychological barriers associated with sectarian divisions. Although walls are thought of as an archetype of separation, they are in this context redefined as a tool of connection. The wall is used to stitch two loosely held communities living in Saifi & Bachoura neighborhoods by providing a gradual use of functions from what is familiar to what is unknown. Such connection would be fostered principally by the action of exchange: exchange of material(books, food or clothes) , exchange of ideas & exchange of mutual interests (through interfaith dialogues and cultural events).
SITE II: Doubleness
Burj al-Murr - Beirut's People Parliament
Design proposal by: MARIAM NADA
Instead of erasing the ruins completely, the design embraces the concept of "preservation through integration." The design approach is to emasculate this symbol of force & change the perception of it being a snipper’s inhabitance. The dynamics of the building is modified by using unidentified and irregular circulation that is meant to be misleading & to redirect the visitors away from the windows. Al-Murr tower would be a people’s parliament, an alternative space for reflection, education, and commemoration through inclusive dialogues, arts performances and education.
SITE III: Ballooning
Bachoura Sunni Cemetery - Playscapes
Design proposal by: NADA WALEED
The design approach focuses on redefining this cemetery from a place of conflict to a place of shared hope, reconciliation and resilience. The design incorporates 50 superimposed small connected elements for meaningful meditation, storytelling, and education that represent the 50 Christian killed in the Sunni cemetery located in a Shia district. The concept is to create a space of duality that would foster a dialogue between two complete opposites, remembrance of the dead and cherishing the life of the living.
Posters Layout of the City's Analysis
Posters Layout of the Design Proposals
By providing spaces for reflection, promoting interfaith dialogues and interactions, and repurposing sites associated with conflict, the three design proposals aim to help both individuals and communities endure the memories of war while fostering healing, reconciliation, and the collective memory.
Full Layout
