Beirut Train Hub
The Mar Mikhayel railway station is reimagined as a vibrant hub for creativity and sustainable transport, blending flexible spaces for community activities with tramlines connecting key city areas. This adaptive design transforms the site into a dynamic, ever-evolving destination for all.
Service: Moodboad & Concept, 2D & 3D Visualization
Year: 2020 | Location: Beirut, LB
A SITE OF RENEWAL
The long-forgotten railway station on Mar Mikhayel Street in Downtown Beirut offers a unique opportunity to transform an abandoned site into a vibrant hub for sustainable mobility and creative programming. In the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion on August 4, 2020, which devastated the port and much of Beirut, this location stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal. Its rich history and strategic position make it an ideal starting point for reimagining the city's urban and social fabric.
A MULTI-PROGRAMMATIC SPACE
The vision for the site builds on its recent use as a base for non-governmental “bottom-up” organizations, expanding its potential into a public, multi-programmatic space. By fostering intersections between artists, NGOs, start-ups, restaurants, markets, museums, and more, the area becomes a lively destination for a broad spectrum of visitors and age groups. This creative synergy transforms the station into a “place for the city,” where diverse activities and communities can coexist, collaborate, and thrive.
SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY HUB
A critical component of the plan is the reintroduction of sustainable public transport in Beirut. The design integrates tramlines that follow the old railway tracks, connecting the site to the Lebanese mountains, the port, and iconic streets like Gemmayze and Mar Mikhayel. By merging mobility with creativity, the hub not only revitalizes its immediate surroundings but also acts as a generator of sustainable transport, encouraging accessibility and reducing reliance on cars.
FLUID AND ADAPTABLE SPACES
The architectural language of the project is rooted in “movability” and “flows,” creating a space that is fluid and ever-changing. The existing rails are repurposed as dynamic infrastructure, enabling elements such as offices, bars, and workshops to shift throughout the site. The flexible roof structure enhances adaptability, allowing programs and events to evolve with the seasons or specific needs. This approach transforms the architecture into a playground or stage, where space is not fixed but instead offers endless possibilities for reinvention. In doing so, the site becomes a living, breathing entity, reflecting the spirit of resilience and creativity at the heart of Beirut.
