Design District

Beirut, Lebanon

The Design District project envisions the transformation of a post-industrial neighborhood into a vibrant creative hub that fosters innovation and collaboration across design disciplines. This mixed-use development creates an ecosystem where designers, makers, educators, and the public can interact in a dynamic urban environment. The master plan preserves and adaptively reuses significant industrial buildings while introducing contemporary structures that complement the site's heritage. The district is organized around a central design plaza that hosts exhibitions, fashion shows, and public events throughout the year. The development includes a diverse mix of spaces including design studios, workshops with specialized equipment, co-working facilities, showrooms, and retail spaces that showcase locally-produced design products. Educational components include a design academy offering professional courses and workshops, as well as a materials library and research center that supports sustainable design practices. Residential lofts and short-term accommodations allow designers to live within the creative community, while boutique hotels cater to design tourists and business travelers. The public realm features carefully designed streetscapes, pocket parks, and exhibition spaces that display design work and encourage pedestrian activity. The project implements district-scale sustainability strategies including shared energy systems, water management, and waste reduction programs that demonstrate design's role in addressing environmental challenges.