Post by Rayane Zeaiter
Beirut Shared Shore: Between the Right to Public Space and Privatization Dynamics explores the tension between public access and private control along the waterfront of Beirut. The project’s main goal is to reclaim the shoreline as an inclusive public space that responds to the needs of the city’s residents. Its importance lies in addressing a critical urban issue: the lack of accessible open spaces in Beirut and the growing privatization of its coast. Located in the Biel waterfront area—largely shaped by private development—the site has become physically and socially disconnected from the city, despite being informally and continuously used by people from diverse backgrounds.
The design is driven by a human-centered and context-responsive approach, inspired by observations of how people already occupy and use the space. Rather than imposing a rigid structure, the project evolves from existing behaviors, needs, and surrounding focal points. It organizes the park into a series of flexible zones that accommodate social interaction, relaxation, and public activities. These zones create a gradient between open communal areas and more intimate spaces, allowing diverse users to coexist. The project reconnects the urban fabric with the sea, establishing visual and physical continuity while reinforcing the idea of the waterfront as a shared civic landscape.
Movement through the park is fluid and informal, reflecting natural patterns of human behavior. Users navigate freely across open paths, gathering nodes, and shaded areas that encourage spontaneous interaction. Transitional spaces—such as seating edges, platforms, and soft landscape thresholds—enhance the experience by creating moments where people can pause, observe, and engage with others. The design prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that the space remains open and welcoming. Ultimately, Beirut Shared Shore embodies its vision by restoring the relationship between the city, its people, and the sea, transforming the waterfront into a democratic and vibrant public realm that celebrates collective urban life.
