The Grand Theatre Quarter
Experiencing Public Space, Being Inspired by Culture
M. Tiraboschi (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
O Caso – Mentor (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
H.L. van der Meel – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Architectural Engineering)
M. Mateljan – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
MGF Overschie – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Environmental Technology and Design)
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Abstract
The massive blast of August 2020 severely damaged Beirut’s architectural heritage. It is in the very city centre that most of this asset is concentrated, but since the end of the 1975-1990 Civil War citizens have been denied access to this area. Here stands the former Grand Theatre, which will be the epicentre of a new artistic quarter that will allow all Beirutis to re-establish a cultural presence in their city centre. Two layers are analysed during this process. First, the Lebanese theatrical scene, which must rely on the flourishing film industry and tourism to recover. Second, the globalised mainstream of Culture 3.0, that has broadened the basin of culture producers and made casual public space act as a proper theatrical stage.