Reviving Mar Mikhael through arts

Wrinkles can tell a million stories; some try to hide them, others boast about having them. Those seeking a face-lift walk the extra mile but in vain, clutching at straws after what is left of their youth is gone, while the rest age with grace and beauty. Vintagy with a dust of tradition, the old-fashioned buildings of Mar Mikhael stand still through the many phases that came and went along the years. Since the year 2000, the quiet residential neighborhood began to form an alter-ego that would surface at night, making Mar Mikhael the new hub for art and creativity. As soon as pubs started mushrooming in Gemmayzeh, the infection spread to Mar Mikhael quickly. A promising new “lively” and “young” district attracted numerous developments and prosperous projects along with nightlife lovers, even turning it into a must-stop touristic neighborhood in Lebanon.

However, this sudden face-lift didn’t pass by unnoticed by the many long-time orthodox residents. That is why in the hope of pulling the locals out of their despair of losing their beloved home and the feeling of familiarity, GAIA-Heritage and part of the EU funded project MEDNETA, under the patronage of the Minister of Culture Raymond Araiji, have organized ‘In Mar Mikhael’, a week-long event aiming at reinforcing and enhancing art and its role in the regeneration of the old neighborhood. GAIA-Heritage are spreading their studies on many cities around the world; in Italy, Greece, Palestine and Lebanon.

Starting the 17th of January, a diverse schedule, including art exhibitions of architecture students’ projects, urban talks and a workshops will take place at Imad Gemayel’s premises until the 24th of Jan.

(AUB, front, LAU back)

‘This project is in fact created for the residents of Mar Mikhael but to be built in Karantina; that way the neighborhood will be affected without being altered.’ Said Elie El Hajj, LAU student and participant in the GAIA-Heritage project. ‘One district, created with a homely environment, is mainly for start-up companies; while the second is complimentary to the first. It is like a school where you learn and work in synergy with the other district.’ continued El Hajj.

(ALBA’s Project)

While it is still theoretical, architect and ALBA professor Imad Gemayel believes this plan will link Mar Mikhael to its entourage. ‘A part of the plan is to allow people who are concerned to come in and discuss their ideas of improvement or comment on our work.’ claims Gemayel.
As to why Mar Mikhael was chosen amongst other old Lebanese neighborhoods ‘Most artists lived in Mar Mikhael for it was in the heart of the city, a source of creative inspiration, and most importantly affordable’ Imad explains. That’s why the project’s aim is to keep this area booming artistically and financially.

(A Look Into the Future)

Mar Mikhael remains the main target of the study so far, waiting for feedback from the Ministry of Culture, entrepreneurs and residents, to evaluate the results of the work and any future possibility of expansion to other areas.

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