Port of Beirut – 4 August | Architecture Thesis on Memorials

Site Context

The Port of Beirut is the principal port of 13 ports in Lebanon, located west of the Beirut River on the northern Mediterranean coast of Beirut, in the eastern portion of Saint George Bay. It has long been a major regional trading port and the economic bridge connecting the East and the West. A major hub for the country’s imports, Beirut Port serves as a transit point for a vast amount of goods that are brought into Lebanon. It ranks 38th out of 171 ports globally. It is directly connected to 56 international ports.

Design Process

A memorial landmark is a poignant design that acts as an anchor for remembering a significant historical figure or deceased individual, or a historical event. It enables survivors to recover from their emotional shock in a productive way. This architecture thesis seeks to offer an opportunity to support the ongoing revitalization and reawakening of the Lebanese economy in addition to helping to restore an open port facility. Because of the port’s strategic location for commerce, a memorial helps to restore some of its previous functionality.

The structure of experience of the memorial was anchored on: 

1- Movement: To create a journey that is memorable, careful consideration was given to the building’s approach, entrance, path configuration, spatial relationships, and circulation design.

2- Sequence: To honour the sequence of events, consideration was given to the arrangement of functions, regularity and hierarchy of spaces, and elements like rhythm, composition, pattern, and repetition.

3- Space: To evoke different emotions from the people inside the space, a variety of factors were taken into account, including shape, surfaces, form, colour, texture, pattern, sound, openings, degree of enclosure, lights, and views.

Final Outcome

The final outcome is a memorial landmark intended to honour the lives of those impacted, remember innocent victims, educate visitors about Beirut’s past, and convey a message of hope. The nation’s memorial is dedicated to investigating the day of the explosion, recording its aftermath, and analysing its ongoing significance.

Through the preservation of the demolished silos and their incorporation into the new design, the project aims to honour past architecture. The silos’ remnants were transformed into an interior landscape that serves as a set of vertical gardens that hint at Beirut’s rebuilding efforts. As “The National Symbol of Strength,” the Silos’ remnants are significant for shielding half of Beirut from the explosion and for providing some hope and a sense of continuity to the bereaved families.

The purpose of the memorial exhibition is to honour the innocent people who lost their lives and to preserve the essence of the location. It guides the visitor through Berirut’s tragic present, revolutionary past, and hopeful future on a journey of diverse emotions. The wall of names gallery, the education centre, and the therapy centre are some of the additional supporting features of the memorial.

Offering an immersive journey is significantly enhanced by the design’s integration of natural elements. A visual connection with the sea is maintained for the users to reflect and rethink about the future. The waterfall’s inclusion provides insight into Lebanon’s historical status as the Middle East’s Switzerland. By touching the cedar tree, a representation of standing Lebanon, the journey comes to an end at the Hope Zone.

Conclusion: The architecture thesis links the past to the present and enables people to remember and respect the sacrifice of those who died and fought. It is a breath of fresh air, a reassurance that everything will work out, and a reminder that the helpless souls will always be with us.