Emergence of public places in para-open spaces : the case of Haret Hreik

Abstract

With the formation of suburbs around Beirut in the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War (1975), a clear territorial configuration was prevalent in the Lebanese geography. Haret Hreik, a part of a specific geographic dominion -Beirut southern Suburbs- or so-called Dahye, which extends south of the capital city, is highly urbanized and politically asserted. Being one of the main targets of the 2006 Israeli war on Lebanon, Haret Hreik demonstrated a fragile re-planned infrastructural setting, specifically with the reconstruction of several bridges connecting different areas and the rapid re-built of residential and commercial buildings. The case here assembles by targeting these under-bridge spaces and their surroundings to act as catalysts in the formation of public places for residents of the area. Ultimate sensitivity to how the proposed design will not culminate more political hatred among the Lebanese communities is to be remarkably considered. With the deeply engrained cultural notion in the society’s lifestyle, and with the urgent need for the provision of public places in a highly congested area of immense population density, the project thus aims to foster the emergence of public places in para-open spaces, with an ultimate connection to the socio-spatial patterns of the neighborhood.