Samir Kassir Square - Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Aga Khan Development Network
 

Samir Kassir Square

Samir Kassir Square

Location: Beirut, Lebanon (West Asia)
Architect: Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture
Client: Solidere
Completed: 2004
Site size: 815 m²

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Samir Kassir Square Project Brief

Square Four Public Garden acts as a gateway to the Central District of Beirut. Its composition revolves around the framing and highlighting of two ancient ficus trees that ‘have withstood the test of time and witnessed all that has passed before them’. A raised pool, lined with pebbles of marble, introduces a contemplative element, creating a sense of quiet refuge on a small site surrounded by buildings.

  • Samir Kassir Square is a small public space bordered by buildings on three sides and by a street on the eastern side.

    © Roger MOUKARZEL

  • Vladimir Djurovic had to deal with a relatively small plot that slopes down in two directions and in addition, the site includes two large sculptural trees.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • The square is defined by two large ficus, which are amongst the few mature trees in the area, and are large enough to shade most of the space.

    © Roger MOUKARZEL

  • The pool is flanked on the west by a rectangular timber deck that also encircles the two ficus trees.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • The raised wooden deck separates the floor from the root system of the ficus, which is aggressive and can break on-grade pavement made of concrete or stone.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • In the very near future, the site will therefore be completely surrounded by buildings, which will enhance its role as an open space within a built-up urban fabric.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • The raised deck created space underneath for the installation of a mechanical room to house the pumps and filters for the reflective pool, accessed through a trap door in the deck.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • The large ficus trees and the pool create a very pleasant, cool and shaded micro-climate within the centre of Beirut, offsetting the heat of the summer months.

    © Roger MOUKARZEL

  • The reflecting water surface of the pool, which covers an area of about 200 square metres, mirrors part of the surroundings, making the site feel larger than its 815 square metres.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • Samir Kassir Square provides a quiet place of refuge within the busy surrounding urban context.

    © Roger MOUKARZEL

  • Since the site is relatively small, Djurovic emphasised the creation of an intimate and contemplative space, with the reflecting cascading-pool providing an element of separation from the busy street flanking the site from the east.

    © Roger MOUKARZEL

  • A thin strip of blue verbena, a water-conserving plant, is located between the pool and the sidewalk along the eastern edge of the site.

    © Roger MOUKARZEL

  • Solidere has its own in-house maintenance crew, who ensures that pumps and water filters for the reflecting pool are functioning properly, and caring for the strip of verbena flowers, grown in Solidere nurseries, and the dwarf Natal plum that covers the bermed area.

    © Roger MOUKARZEL

  • The garden has an intricate colour lighting system that creates continuous subtle changes in the illumination of the trees for a period of time after sunset.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • The western side is defined by a bermed area that accommodate the downward slope of the site.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • The trees function as a visual and a functional anchor for the design. They help define the square identity and also provide it with the much-needed element of shade.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • Local basalt pebbles are used for the interior of the pool.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • Djurovic's designs are meticulously worked out. In addition to his concern for issues of visual impact, his detailing emphasises durability. He prefers using solid stone blocks for stairs, which allows them to withstand extensive wear and tear.

    © Geraldine BRUNEEL

  • Master plan

    © AKTC

  • Elevation

    © AKTC

  • Section

    © AKTC

2007 Award Recipients