Residential Development by KPF in Lebanon, Middle East
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Building architect:
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Architecture News
Marina Towers, Beirut, Lebanon
2008
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (International) PA
Marina Towers from the harbour
photo © Michel Zoghzoghi
Marina Towers is a luxury high-rise tower in the centre of Beirut. It forms an important part of the ambitious masterplan for the rebuilding of the central city, which is being developed by Solidere, the governmental agency in charge of this scheme.
Side view image of tower fronting corniche of marina
image : Stow Marina
The design is a symbol of the confluence of the sea and land at this site where Beirut first began. The concave shape echoes the form of the harbour that the building overlooks. The fluid form of the top, appearing to have been caught in the wind, creates a vibrant dynamic composition, a powerful gathering from the sea to the city.
Harbour view of Marina Towers
photo © Solidere
The principal factor in the design is the optimisation of views to the sea and harbour for all tenants. The orientation of the apartment tower is therefore set on the radial axis of the harbour. The crescent shape of the apartment plan brings forward the corner living areas to provide dramatic panoramas.
The design uses an ingenious stacking of spaces so that the living areas, which are large and open, are 5.5 meters high, while the bedrooms, more compact in plan, are 3.4 meters high. For privacy and security, the plan features elevator lifts leading to private vestibules with views directly to the sea.
The tower, along with a low-rise garden building, frames a private garden court which is raised above the street and is part of the tradition of lush gardens throughout Beirut. The courtyard is sheltered by a grove of shade trees and cooled by running fountains.
Marina Towers Beirut images / information from KPF 160309
Marina Towers Pictures by KPF:
Plan illustrating corner balconies
Floor plan
Section through tower - illustrating double height living rooms
Project: Marina Towers, Beirut, Lebanon
Client: Marina Towers S.A.R.L. / Stow Securities
Facility: Masterplan, Mixed-use - Residential, Offices
Size: 53,000m²/570,000ft²
Status: 1999-2008
Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (International) PA, London
KPF Team:
David Leventhal, Kevin Flanagan, Jim Outen, Steve King, Raita Nakajima, Gotz Schonfeld, Pedro Font-Alba, Ute Burkhardt-Heinlein, Mustafa Chehabeddine, Andreas Trisveis, Salim Rafik, Karen Goor, Turgay Hakverdi, Elie Abs
Masterplanning: N.G. Architects - Beirut
Building design: DAR- Dar Al-Handasah- Beirut
Project Manager: El Seif Engineering Contracting
Quantity Surveyor: Hanscomb, D.G. Jones & Partners
Structural Engineers: Buro Happold
M&E: Buro Happold
Other Consultants: EC Harris - Cost consultants
Atelier Renee al Kazen - Landscaping
Jean-Louis Mainguy Architecture Interieure S.A.L. - Interior Design
Buraeu Veritas Liban S.A.L. - Technical Controller
Solidere - Landowner
Awards: Finalist - Residential Category, MIPIM 2006
World Buildings
Comments / photos for the Marina Towers Lebanese Architecture page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk
Marina Towers Beirut Building : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt
Buildings by this architect:
ACC Tower Philadelphia
MoMA New York
Victoria Interchange
ADIA HQ
Shanghai WFC Tower
Buildings in the area:
Beirut Apartments
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