Beirut's Living Room:

Characterized by cultural diversity, Beirut has a multi-religious society, with unfortunately a rampant space shrinkage issue. With in particular the Public domain. Evidenced by limited infrastructure and virtually no affordable housing, the cityscape is strongly demarcated by historic and religiously motivated conflicts. However today, this is all overshadowed by the wide income gap.

The greed for profit on the one hand is opposed by the fundamental desire for housing on the other. The two opposing interest groups have such conflicting needs
that in the past 30 years it has not been possible to balance the requirements in a meaningful way that is acceptable to both groups. Finding a resolution here will have a decisive influence on the future of the city.

Based on the research question “How should affordable housing be designed in a socio-economically segregated context such as Beirut”, an inclusive and high density building with the main aim of affordable and high quality dwelling units was designed. A fundamental role in the design and research process was the chosen location in relation with the urban context and the developed group masterplan.

In total the master thesis shows a new approach the master thesis for a more equitable housing in Lebanon.