Zaytouna Bay

Designed by Steven Holl Architects + L.E.FT Architects

Beirut, Lebanon

Photographed in 2017

Located in the heart of Downtown Beirut, the Site for the new Beirut Marina extends the existing Corniche along the Seashore into a series of overlapping platforms. The Corniche is inflated to create an ‘urban beach’, with levels subtly articulated to provide outdoor spaces with public areas for artwork.

The concept takes shape from strata and layers in forking vectors. Like the ancient beach that was once the site, the planar lapping waves of the sea, inspires striated spaces in horizontal layers, as distinct from vertical objects. The horizontal and the planar become a geometric force shaping the new harbor spaces. The form allows a striated organization of public and private spaces which includes apartments, yacht club, public facilities, harbormaster, restaurants, and specialty stores.