This project was the winning entry of an invited international competition in the spring of 2010. Situated within the traditional city fabric of Beirut, the building projects a global vision with international standards. In keeping with the rich tradition of Beirut’s streets, public areas are drawn vertically through the building to create a network of common spaces.
The plinth of the building is occupied by a public retail zone that is inspired by the typology of the “souk.” The office lobby rests on top of the plinth, marking its distinction from the retail beneath with an extended floor slab filled with water.
A double-skin façade mediates between the mild winters and hot summers by regulating natural light and ventilation to create a comfortable work environment. The white granite of the retail plinth and the white glass of the office façade express a fresh and modern appearance that enlivens its context by virtue of its contrast.

Location：

Beirut, Lebanon

Completion Date：

----

Building Type：

Office, Retail

Structural System：

Reinforced Concrete, Steel

Number of Floors：

7 Basement Levels + 22 Stories

Site Area：

2,700m²

Building Area：

2,200m²

Total Floor Area：

48,200m²

Architect of Record：

F.M. Consultants

Structural Engineer：

Ove Arup & Partners International / Bureau Rodolphe Mattar

Mechanical / Electrical Engineer：

Ove Arup & Partners International / Barbanel