Rethinking urban densification through a sustainable approach in gated-tower districts : the case of Sector 35, Ras Beirut, Lebanon -

Abstract

Escalating land prices, urban densification and real estate speculation are promoting the agglomeration of small parcels in prominent locations into high-rise developments targeting a privileged segment of society. The resulting urban form consists of individual tall structures acting as gated residential towers isolated both from each other and from their surroundings, and lacking in district scale communal facilities, open spaces and a lively pedestrian realm. This thesis takes as case study Sector 35 in Ras Beirut, Lebanon, an upscale residential district undergoing intensive tower development radically changing its physical fabric and social and economic structure. Starting from the premise that production of exclusive vertical developments by the private sector constitute an irreversible trend in neo-liberal economic contexts, the aim of this thesis is to re-assess high-density urbanism through a sustainable design approach. This is achieved by investigating relevant case studies in international contexts on how to improve market-based development practices by injecting sustainable urban forms. The thesis will provide a set of urban design guidelines and development scenarios for the remaining developable lots and blocks in Sector 35 which are responsive both to market demand and the attributes of place making in terms of district identity, walkability, mixity of uses, and the quality of open spaces.