Residential Development Lebanon - design by KPF in the Middle East
Marina Towers Beirut2008Design: 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 |