Shoreline Walk
Beirut, Lebanon | 2001-2008 | On hold
Shoreline Walk links four new spaces - All Saints Square, Shoreline Gardens, Zeytouneh Square, and Santiyeh Garden – and forms part of the reconstruction of Beirut’s city centre. During the 1975‒1991 Civil War the city suffered and the famous rocky shoreline cornice, with its avenues of palms and cafés, was largely destroyed. As part of Beirut’s new masterplan, it was decided to create a pedestrian route that straddled the old and new city boundaries. The route was to act as a ‘guide’, revealing elements of the changing historical coastline while at the same time, shaping the new character and dynamism of a city that is shared by people of different faiths and cultures.
The resulting Shoreline Walk reflects the site’s history and is epitomised by its double avenue of Royal Cuban Palms. In some areas, lightly coloured paving and trees signify dry land, while open areas featuring dark granite and water features create the illusion that the sea has returned. This new streetscape not only aims to restore the energy and vigor of the old corniche promenade, but its infrastructure also aims to re-establish East-West links and connect a series of new public squares and gardens for the enjoyment of the community.
Awards
2011 Winner, WAF Awards, Category: Future Projects / Landscape