BANKING GREEN IN BEIRUT
10 Aug 2016
A winning design for a financial tower in Beirut will feature rooftop and terrace gardens to serve as a social hub for the occupants and as a symbol of the bank’s stand on sustainability.
Snøhetta has released their winning proposal for the new Banque Libano Francaise (BLF) headquarters located in Beirut. The Norwegian firm’s first project in Lebanon, the architecture for the tower explores the forward-thinking nature for the bank and the city.
"It embodies a new future for the bank, as well referencing the rich history and value set that has evolved over generations," it said.
Snøhetta’s vision involves creating a community within Banque Libano Francaise‘s work setting. The exterior spaces are directly carved from the built volume to form terraces manifested into social hubs. These areas would naturally become a part of the language and organisation of the overall office space.
One of concepts followed is the high degree of permeability maintained at street level. This ensures the wider neighborhood is taken into account and is demonstrated by the ground level which will be connected to the surrounding urban context.
Furthermore, energy efficiency and sustainable methods are adopted economically and socially. The parameters for sustainability will evolve with the user requirements and project specific criteria and ultimately, the project must give back to the city of Beirut and complement the existing urban context.
"In a time of profound change and transformation, the BLF is an ideal partner for Snøhetta with our shared ideals of sustainability, community, and dialogue," said Snøhetta founding partner Kjetil Trædal Thorsen.
While private offices will be situated towards the top of the structure, the ground level will host public services. The goal is to create a community and more than just achieving the required number of work spaces.
