Thesis project in Architectural and Urban Design
Typology: Urban planning, Waterfront, Public buildings, Public space
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Year: 2021/2022
Thesis research is the result of a multiscalar investigation process, focused on territorial planning. This project stems from the study of the current spatial configuration of the landscape near the coast of the city of Beirut. Interventions in the identified areas of interest within this extensive territorial scope take shape, at a second level of design, as proposals closely associated with their respective contexts of belonging. Each context corresponds to a specific design theme, identified as a result of the urban peculiarities and potentials found in each area: from these, numerous strategies for action have emerged to manage and deepen each project.
The 3rd Corridor, called the "Reconstruction" and part of the greenbelt and greenway planned for the city of Beirut, aims to rebuild the port area devastated by the explosion that occurred in August 2020 and reconnect it with the rest of the city, particularly the eastern part characterized by the presence of the "Beirut" river. The connection is achieved through the overlay of a new sustainable mobility system that integrates with the old railway track, as well as a new green system obtained by revitalizing abandoned or degraded areas and transforming them into new spaces predominantly focused on greenery for the community.
Existing polaritiesPlaces of interest Riverfront polaritiesIntervention area polarities
Green system
system Mobility system GUIDING VISION
LEGEND Project area (port) Eco-stations Primary mobility axes Secondary mobility axes Sustainable mobility Main crossings Existing bridges Insertions Projected bridges Ancient railway track Existing built environment Archaeological excavations Historic center Equipped green spaces Existing green areas Public space Urban parks Private green spaces Tree-lined avenues River park Residential expansion area Agro Park Places of interest River 3.1_Green area filtering the major infrastructure3.2_Sports area 3.3_River park (native vegetation integration) 3.4_Agricultural park 3.5_Sustainable mobility 3.6_Eco-station 3.7_Urban park3.8_Cycle-pedestrian crossing bridges 3.9_"Culture" park (cultural-themed pavilions) “Sioufi” Park Ex stazione ferroviaria Fiume “Beirut” Cimitero Ebreo Università “Saint Joseph” Università “La Sagesse” Museo “Sursock” Tree-lined avenues Private green spaces Green areas Public space
Sustainable mobilityInsertionsMain crossings
Polarity
CORRIDOR
3 “Reconstruction”
areas
MASTERPLAN - The new waterfront of Beirut LEGEND Square Main pathway Secondary pathway Piers Main axis Green areas Agricultural area Project buildings Facilities services Greenhouses Contextual buildings Archaeological excavations Existing polarities Residential area Agricultural area Recreational area Sports area Touristic port Cultural area Commercial port NEW COASTLINE CONNECTIONS GREEN AREASMOBILITY Residences Facilities ServicesCultural centers Commercial/Office buildings PROJECT BUILDINGS THEMATIC AREAS Current coastline Coastline retreat Land reclamation New coastline New polaritiesTransversal connection axes Longitudinal connection axes Main project axis Secondary project axis Tertiary project axis Connections Agricultural greenery Private greenery Botanical gardenEquipped greenery Public greenery Main axis Secondary axis Existing polaritiesProject polarities Thematic areas Centrality Residential areaTouristic portAgricultural Recreational Cultural Sports areaCommercial port
IPOTESI DI BONIFICA CON BIO/FITORIMEDIAZIONE
PHYTOACCUMULATION
Absorption and accumulation in the roots, precipitation, or immobilization in the root zone.
PHYTOSTABILIZATION
Immobilization of pollutants (heavy metals) through absorption into the plant tissue cell wall, limiting their dispersion.
PHYTOEXTRACTION
Extraction and accumulation of pollutants (heavy metals and radionuclides) in plant tissues.
RHIZODEGRADATION
Decomposition of contaminants through the biological activity of rhizosphere organisms (bacteria and fungi).
The project involves the redevelopment of residual and degraded urban spaces, making them greener to improve environmental quality, quality of life for citizens, and maintain a healthier and more active social fabric. The proposed vegetation in these spaces aims to provide protection from sunlight.
The project involves the creation of a large urban park as a new green lung for the city. Located near a road infrastructure, it serves as a sound, visual, and anti-pollution barrier. The proposed vegetation is characterized by tall trees and dense foliage.
The project involves the creation of a large park near the coast to contain urban expansion. The afforestation in this case prioritizes the use of native species to safeguard the coastal habitat and biodiversity.
The project involves the creation of a research and experimentation agricultural park to rediscover local products and enhance agricultural activity. Designed as a large multifunctional space, it provides a range of Ecosystem Services useful to humans, including provisioning services, regulation and biodiversity support services, and cultural services.
The project involves the creation of green areas along the perimeter of the agricultural park, primarily to protect the area from strong winds. Shrubs and tall trees are preferred for this purpose.
The project involves the creation of a public space on different levels with a predominant green character. It features a semi-intensive green cover that brings various environmental, economic, and social benefits.
1. EQUIPPED PUBLIC SPACE
1. Shading barrier and permeable paving2. Anti-pollution and noise barrier
4. AGRICULTURAL PARK
5. COASTAL PINETA
6. GREEN “PROMENADE”
2. URBAN PARK
3. COASTAL PARK
3. Reforestation with native species
GREEN “PROMENADE” URBAN GARDENS URBAN PARK COASTAL PINETA AGRICULTURAL PARK EQUIPPED PUBLIC SPACE
4. Rainwater collection basins for irrigation use5. Windbreak barrier6. Semi-intensive green roof
A S E R
GREEN PROJECT AREAS-Sustainable Strategies
“Agricultural Park in Beirut” Between Reversibility and Permeability
The proposal for the recovery and reconstruction of a part of Beirut's coastline, currently destroyed, can be summarized as a new concept of an “integrated urban agricultural park”, where extensive agriculture merges with architecture within a built but integrated territory dedicated to agricultural production. It is a lightweight, open structure that represents a middle ground between an agricultural facility and an urban subsystem. It is a model of urbanization that can be described as “soft”, referring to the concepts of reversibility and permeability typically associated with agriculture. It is a highly attractive place for experimentation, where in addition to hosting laboratories related to green economy, sustainability, and food design, urban-scale organic vegetable production can also take place. It is a place of work, but also a place for socializing and leisure, where one can purchase locally sourced organic products, dine in a cozy restaurant, enjoy musical performances, participate in 'green' cooking classes, visit cultivation greenhouses, learn how to cultivate their own urban garden, and participate in educational events. An agricultural park that can contribute to restoring the identity of this place and provide numerous benefits to the urban system.
Section A-A’
1 Greenhouses 2 Auditorium 3 ‘Farm-to-table' Shops 4 Library/Study Rooms 5 Educational/Experimental Laboratories 6 Local Product Cultivation 7 Barrier Green Area 8 Equipped Green Area 9 Permeable Paved Area Legend SITEPLAN - Architectural Project
The encounter between Architecture and Agriculture:
From an agricultural setting to an urban subsystem
Section B-B’
Faraway, So Close!
Living after the pandemic
Project for Borgo Marino Sud
Typology: Urban Regeneration, Public Housing, Public Space
Location: Pescara (PE), Italy
Year: 2020/2021
Designed during the "Pescara Summer School 2020" architectural and urban planning workshop, the regeneration project for the "Borgo Marino Sud" neighborhood in Pescara aims to construct a new concept of LIVING in residential and public spaces post-pandemic.
The project proposes the creation of a linear park that crosses the neighborhood, identifying facilities, services, and public gathering spaces. It also connects these spaces, organizing them hierarchically and designating two main squares, one public and one private.
Increase green areas through depaving actions. Create a linear park structure. Develop public infrastructure and enhance services and facilities. Demolish, reconstruct, and reposition buildings in a state of severe decay. Upgrade strategic areas.
Optimize vehicular infrastructure and create a pedestrian and cycling path.
Establish and place hedges and green areas.Remove extensions of townhouses and any expansions.
Themes and Objectives Masterplan
1. Urban voids2. Public space3. Public housing
4. Mobility5. Urban voids6. Private housing
Permeabilize
Ground permeability is increased through actions of demolition, depaving, expansion of green areas, and the inclusion of rainwater collection basins.
Reconstruct
The residential buildings are constructed based on a module composed of four types, mirrored along the central axis of the vertical distribution core.
Type 1_Duplex_120 m²
Repeat
The module is repeated in series along defined lines, creating internal courtyards primarily for residential use and a public space as a replacement for the previous square.
Type 2A_75 m²
Third floor_T2BFourth floor_Duplex
Section A-A’
Connect
The junction points between the residential blocks host public functions accessible to all, such as artisan workshops, recreational spaces, and a large double-height exhibition area.
Type 2B_75 m²
Empty
The ground floor of the buildings is emptied to ensure better ground permeability, increased usability, and to accommodate primary and secondary services in relation to the new public space.
Type 3_90 m²
1 Living room kitchen Master bedroom Bathroom 2 3 4 5 6 7 Balcony Double bedroom Single bedroom Storage room Legend 8 Studio Project strategies Typologies“INTERLOCK” First floor_T3Second floor_T2ARecreational area
Plan
Southwest elevation
Block 18, Memory and Future Regeneration Project for Belgrade
Typology: Urban Regeneration, Public Space, Public Building
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Year: 2019/2020
The "Memory and Future" project aims to architecturally and socially regenerate Block 18, a heavily degraded and disconnected neighborhood in Belgrade. We see it as a "fragmented barrier" between a continuously growing and evolving city and a river whose fundamental resource seems to have been forgotten. The title refers to the two fundamental concepts pursued in the neighborhood's regeneration: MEMORY, by preserving the existing as much as possible, and FUTURE, by constructing new perspectives for living. The objective is to reconnect Block 18 with the city and the river by providing it with new private and public functions that encourage participation and shared spaces. In this regard, the redefinition of the urban fabric was crucial, introducing pedestrian and cycling paths intersecting with roads, creating new central areas. Extending these paths leads to the grand green lung, a linear park along the riverbank. This park is also regenerated, incorporating spaces for sports, relaxation, commerce, and public urban gardens. Another crucial strategy is the creation of smaller green areas, such as small parks or urban gardens, distributed throughout the neighborhood as potential spaces for social interaction and gathering. While the linear park acts as the lower boundary along the river, the upper boundary, adjacent to the city, is formed by a residential zone with primary services. These areas are connected by a grand tree-lined avenue, and its intersection with the intermediate horizontal band generates the main square of the neighborhood, a deeply rooted space for community engagement.
Equipped green area Linear park Urban garden “Folie” Pedestrian zone Limited traffic zones Main road Secondary road Parking area Social Housing Crafts workshops Sports Center Covered market Office-Restaurant-Bars Elementary school Multifunctional area Library Multifunctional Center 1 Neighborhood school and library Residential area Multifunctional center 2 3 4 5 6 7 Equipped green area Main square Covered market Sports center Legend 8 Crafts workshops 9 Urban park Urban gardens Parking area 1 6 7 7 7 7 7 2 4 8 9 5 3
Masterplan
Perspective view
The Glass Box
Project for a Library
Typology: Public Building
Location: Pescara (PE), Italy
Year: 2018/2019
The project for the new library of the "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University in Pescara arises from the need to create new study and recreational spaces for students. The building, located behind the university campus on an irregular plot, has a simple and quadrangular layout that recalls, in shape and inclination, the existing structure. Its position in relation to the surroundings is a defining feature: it stands four meters above ground level, accessible through a staircase, which gives it a monumental feel. The square shape and linear design prevail throughout the entire plan, interacting with continuous voids and solids. The true personality of the building emerges from its cladding: the external envelope is composed of rectangular ceramic elements that wrap around all four facades, protecting the inner core while allowing soft glimmers to characterize the internal atmosphere.
Masterplan
The envelope is composed of a continuous vertical transparent enclosure. It consists of cells bordered with L-shaped stainless steel profiles onto which the glass units are adhered. The glass units comprise a 12 mm tempered external sheet, a 15 mm air gap, and a 6 + 6 mm laminated internal sheet. The joint between the cells is sealed with silicone. The profile allows for the external fixation of the cells to the cruciform pillars. The glazing is externally protected by a system of ceramic elements in triangular, equilateral, and rectangular shapes. When closed, these elements form a square measuring 35x35 cm. The free rotation of these elements not only provides protection against solar radiation for the transparent envelope but also interrupts the continuity of the surface, creating an interplay of light and shadow.
1:200 Scale Architectural construction detail Envelope section First floor plan
Cruciform
fireproof paint
Stainless steel plate fixed to the pillar
Stainless steel plate AISI 316L 4 Ceramic slats (triangular format 35x35 / 35x17) 5 Structural glass system with frameless cell: -12mm tempered glass sheet -15mm air gap -6+6mm laminated glass sheet 6 Iron rod (diameter 24 mm) 7 Shaped plate (thickness 12 mm) 8 Bracing tie rod with iron rods (diameter 20 mm) 9 Tubular beam (diameter 114 mm thickness 5 mm) 10 Steel crown profile 11 HE beam of the roof slab 12 Fixing of glass panels to the pillars Envelope plan 1:50 Scale Section A-A’ 1:200 Scale Scala 1:50 Legend
1
pillar assembled and treated with
2
3
“Comment Vivre Ensable”
Project for a Student Residence
Typology: Public Building
Location: Pescara (PE), Italy
Year: 2017/2018
The project for the new student housing facility for the students of the University of Pescara is located on the G. Matteotti waterfront of the city, in a narrow rectangular plot between Ugo Foscolo street and Alessandro Manzoni street. An unusual but not random position, allowing those who use it to enjoy one of the most attractive points of the location. The building consists of two main volumes, staggered to embrace the entire area without obstructing each other. One has a rectangular shape, and the other an L-shape, communicating through a third volume, whose main function is horizontal and vertical distribution. On the ground floor, there are common spaces (dining hall, gym, bar-restaurant, football/tennis field, and other green areas) that can also welcome external people from the university, making this building a cultural crossroads and a synergistic meeting place for the city. On the upper floors of the rectangular volume, there are accommodations for students, who share restrooms, study areas, and recreational spaces. On the first and second floors of the L-shaped volume, there is an auditorium, a library, and, finally, a semi-covered green terrace.
Isometric exploded view
Section A-A’
ALESSANDRO
UGO
street G. MATTEOTTI waterfront First floor plan
MANZONI street
FOSCOLO
Section D-D’
https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulia-pagliara-82992727b/