Khan Antoun Bay
IGA role: Collaboration on technical, structural and MEP development, management and site supervision
Collaboration: Landscape designed by Proap, Portugal
Location: Beirut Central District, Lebanon
Considered the largest open space in Beirut Souks, the square of Khan Antoun Bey is located at the northern edge, between the old Majidieh Mosque, a restaurant development and Zaha Hadid’s iconic department store.
The design addresses the site complexity, history and location and creates a meeting point and a link between the traditional city and the new waterfront district.
Constructed above a parking lot, the square is mostly intended to host large events and gatherings and has therefore been kept flexible.
At its center, a cluster of water jets animates the square with lights and patterns of intensity and adds freshness during the hot season when no events are taking place. Inspired from the symbolic presence of Beirut’s ancient harbor the water arises as an interactive element.
At the western side, bleachers were created to overlook the plaza and connect the different levels. The bleachers risers are designed in the shape of pigeon holes to camouflage the air exhausts of the basements. Trees were integrated randomly to provide shade over the seating area.