New Public Space Brings Walkability And Greenery To Beirut

Delightful news out of the collaborative Beirut Urban Lab as the research space has announced that construction work is set to begin on a new public space in Beirut, in Mar Mikhael specifically. The Piazza Design & Rehabilitation project was one of the last designed by the late Habib Debs, alongside Francis Landscapes and Beirut Urban Lab.

The Piazza project works to bring to life the vision laid out by Debs, as it aims to expand urban walkability in the city while creating new green and public spaces for residents to enjoy. It is a welcome addition to the ever-bustling concrete jungle that is Beirut, and will hopefully create a breathing space for locals and passers-by.

The hope is that this project will be a pilot that can be then redeployed throughout the rest of the area’s streets. The site was heavily damaged following the August 4 explosion, and became a sort of informal focal point for rescue and aid efforts in the weeks that followed. BUL sees this project as “a bold disruption along the Mar Mikhael artery in favor of a people-centered urban design that prioritizes pedestrian and social spaces over vehicular access.”

Debs was known to be one of Lebanon’s most active urban planners, and one of those most involved in local battles over design, practices, and heritage. He was involved in projects ranging from Tyre and Tripoli, to Damascus, Benghazi, New Cairo, and Mecca. Locally, one of his greatest achievements is his contribution to the Plan Vert de Beirut.

BUL launches this week construction works #Mar_Mikhael Piazza Design & Rehabilitation, a project co-designed withHabib Debs & Francis Landscapes. The design is part of a larger vision to invigorate public spaces and urban walkability in #Beirut. pic.twitter.com/PLothGgiWI

— Beirut Urban Lab (@BeirutUrbanLab) March 1, 2023

We are excited to see how it turns out and hope that more projects will be undertaken to bring back public spaces to Beirut.