Burj Hammud, Beirut, LB
Florentia Xanthakou
Burj Hammund is one of the most populated places in the Middle East, as it welcomes people from many unstable regions, such as Africa, Asia, Iraq and Syria. When it comes to Burj Hammud's landfill, it has been said by experts that it was created without an EIA (Enviromental Impact Assessment) causing many serious health problems to the residents. At first the landfill was created as a solution to the crisis of 2015 covering an area of 126,400 m2 at Burj Hammud and 122,700 m2 at Jdeideh. According to Human Rights Watch, the fact that Lebanon was not following a strategy to solve problems with the solid waste, was creating even more damages to the enviroment and to the inhabitats. Something similar also happened in 2017 due to the open waste burning.The landfil cells were full on 30 April 2020 and the rubbish were all around the streets in Beirut, as the landfil could not afford any more waste.The Lebanese Cabinet approved the expansion of the landfill on May 5 as its function is urgent for Beirut and few adjacent areas.
Sculpting the Shore
The proposed design of Burg Hammoud is rooted in joining the ecology, local culture, and the history of the coastline. By weaving together two systems—upland lagoons and an extended pier—we create a new ecology in the city with more diverse landscapes and experiences. Extending the pier inland and placing lawns and trees with a series of lagoons and coastal landscapes, a setting for learning, enjoyment, and increased interaction with the water is provided. This diverse ecology will also help improving water quality in the boat basin through increased flushing. Sequenced along a shaded walkway, visitors will encounter splash pads, viewpoints for observing sea life, boating docks, pile fields, snack bars and bait shops. The end of the pier features a sloping lawn and a bay view amphitheateter to see the sunset and gaze at the stars.
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The proposed design of Burg Hammoud is rooted in joining the ecology, local culture, and the history of the coastline. By weaving together two systems—upland lagoons and an extended pier—we create a new ecology in the city with more diverse landscapes and experiences. Extending the pier inland and placing lawns and trees with a series of lagoons and coastal landscapes, a setting for learning, enjoyment, and increased interaction with the water is provided. This diverse ecology will also help improving water quality in the boat basin through increased flushing. Sequenced along a shaded walkway, visitors will encounter splash pads, viewpoints for observing sea life, boating docks, pile fields, snack bars and bait shops. The end of the pier features a sloping lawn and a bay view amphitheateter to see the sunset and gaze at the stars.
