Beirut Art Trails

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut Art Trails is an innovative urban design project that weaves art and culture into the fabric of the city through a network of curated walking paths. This comprehensive urban intervention transforms underutilized streets, alleys, and vacant lots into a continuous cultural experience that connects Beirut's diverse neighborhoods and cultural institutions. The project features a series of site-specific installations, murals, and interactive sculptures created by local and international artists, turning the city itself into an open-air gallery. The trails are marked by distinctive paving patterns, lighting elements, and wayfinding systems that guide visitors while creating a cohesive visual identity throughout the network. Strategic "art nodes" at key intersections serve as gathering spaces with seating, shade structures, and information about nearby cultural attractions. The project incorporates green infrastructure elements including bioswales, permeable paving, and native plantings that improve the urban environment while creating pleasant walking conditions. Digital components, including an interactive app and QR codes, provide additional information about the artworks and suggest thematic routes based on visitors' interests and available time. The Art Trails project was developed through extensive community engagement, ensuring that the interventions reflect local identity while fostering connections between Beirut's diverse communities.