Profile: American University Campus, Beirut

Each day for the next couple of weeks, we will profile one project that has been nominated for the 2010 Aga Khan Awards for Architecture.

Today's project is The American University Campus in Beirut:

The master plan for the American University of Beirut was developed to shape and guide the development of the university’s century-old campus over the next 20 years. Situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, the existing campus is composed of more than 80 academic, residential and administrative buildings, primarily of neo-Moorish and modern design that represent different eras of architectural development. The master plan provides architectural, landscape and urban design guidelines to serve the existing and future needs of the university. It articulates an integrative landscape plan that demonstrates a subtle use of topographical conditions to enhance the existing landscaping, in particular that of the green and wooded middle campus at the heart of the university with its lush environment and dramatic views towards the sea. The plan addresses improvements to the campus infrastructure, proposing new facilities such as classroom buildings and parking structures. It covers the renovation of existing buildings and preservation of historic structures; the expansion of the medical campus and its integration with the main campus; and the building of a new sports centre and business school. Pedestrians have replaced cars almost everywhere, with roads giving way to promenades, plazas and new green spaces designed to link the upper, middle and lower campuses. The generation of the master plan was a truly participatory process, successfully engaging the large number of beneficiaries including the entire university community.

Click here for more information on the Aga Khan Awards for Architecture.

Aga Khan Award for Architecture  / Yasser Mahgoub

Aga Khan Award for Architecture  / Yasser Mahgoub

Aga Khan Award for Architecture  / Yasser Mahgoub

Profile: Souk Waqif, Doha

Each day for the next couple of weeks, we will profile one project that has been nominated for the 2010 Aga Khan Awards for Architecture.

Today's project is the Souk Waqif, in Doha:

The origins of the Souk Waqif date from the time when Doha was a village and its inhabitants gathered on the banks of the wadi to buy and sell goods. The revitalisation project, a unique architectural revival of one of the most important heritage sites in Doha, was based on a thorough study of the history of the market and its buildings, and aimed to reverse the dilapidation of the historic structures and remove inappropriate alterations and additions. The architect attempted to rejuvenate the memory of the place: modern buildings were demolished; metal sheeting on roofs was replaced with traditionally built roofs of dangeal wood and bamboo with a binding layer of clay and straw, and traditional strategies to insulate the buildings against extreme heat were re-introduced. Some new features were also introduced, such as a sophisticated lighting system that illuminates the market’s streets. In complete contrast to the heritage theme parks that are becoming common in the region, Souk Waqif is both a traditional open-air public space that is used by shoppers, tourists, merchants and residents alike, and a working market.

Click here for more information on the Aga Khan Awards for Architecture.

Photograph © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

Photograph © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

Photograph © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

Photograph © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Ziyad Shawkat

Profile: Wadi Hanifa Wetlands, Riyadh

Each day for the next couple of weeks, we will profile one project that has been nominated for the 2010 Aga Khan Awards for Architecture.

Today's project is the Wadi Hanifa Wetlands, in Riyadh:

Located in the middle of the Najd Plateau of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Wadi Hanifa (or Hanifa valley) is the longest and most important valley near Riyadh, a natural water drainage course for an area of over 4,000 square kilometres and a unique geographical feature in this dry region. Until recently, many segments of the valley had been exploited in an aggressive and environmentally destructive manner. In an effort to redress the balance between the resources of the wadi and the people living around it, the Arriyadh Development Authority has implemented a comprehensive development strategy, a programme of works that aims to restore and develop Wadi Hanifa as an environmental, recreational and tourism resource. Project works so far have included the introduction of landscaping, the conservation of the natural environment, the development of recreational areas for the people of Riyadh, the enhancement of agricultural land in the wadi and the creation of an environmentally sensitive wastewater treatment facility that provides additional water resources for the rural and urban inhabitants of the region.

Click here for more information on the Aga Khan Awards for Architecture.

Photograph © Aga Khan Award for Architecture  / Arriyadh Development Authority

Photograph © Aga Khan Award for Architecture  / Arriyadh Development Authority

Photograph © Aga Khan Award for Architecture  / Wael Samhouri

Photograph © Aga Khan Award for Architecture  / Arriyadh Development Authority