LEBANON
F MZ Architects
MZ Architects Bldg, 1st Floor Kaslik, Keserwan 159 Zouk Mikael Lebanon
, MZ Architects is an award-winning firm with offices in Lebanon, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The company was appointed to design K Galleria, an innovative lifestyle centre on a 2,700m² plot in Kaslik, Lebanon with no architectural concept constraints. The project called for a supermarket, retail zone, bookshop, coffee shops, an indoor and outdoor food court housing various restaurants, a children’s play area and extensive car parking facilities. As the project was very small compared to usual retail centres or department stores, MZ Architects’ main challenge was to design a building that was structurally sound and aesthetically appealing. Generous space had to be allocated to leisure and entertainment
aspects whilst also fulfilling the retailers’ needs and conforming to building code requirements. The vision for K Galleria was inspired by the infamous ancient khan or urban caravanserai, the equivalent of a public marketplace in the Middle East during the Ottoman era. The building presents itself as a solid monolithic cubic element evoking the typical square layout of the khans. This contemporary interpretation of the vernacular is complemented by the choice of natural local white stone as the main building material. K Galleria is set to become the most distinguished urban attraction centre in the area; a community environment where people can gather for social activities rather than just for shopping.
t: 00961 963 6405 e: info@mz-architects.com w: www.mz-architects.com
BEST RETAIL ARCHITECTURE LEBANON K Galleria by MZ Architects 50
Africa & Arabia Property Awards
MZ Architects.indd 1
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