Lebanon
2024
Needs Assessment & Design
Di-Lab, School of Architecture and Design at the American University of Beirut & Design for Communities
Instructors
Sarah Rita Kattan, Shoghag Ohannessian, Karim Najjar
Architects
Celine Tutunjian , Carl Tabet, Tracy Abou Saab
Students
Mirna Nasrallah, Makram Alameddine, Sirine Najmeddine, Nicolas Hajj
Partners
Di-Lab, Ahla Fawda
The Al-Fawda Eco-Hub in Hamra, Beirut, is an initiative that merges environmental services with educational activities to promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability through its recycling operations and eco-currency supporting vulnerable communities. Designed and developed in collaboration with Ahla Fawda and the local community, the project was shaped through a participatory process that included site surveys and actively engaged with local workers, volunteering to understand the recycling process firsthand.
The final design integrates mobile architecture and sustainable materials sourced by Ahla Fawda, creating a versatile space for workshops and awareness programs focused on eco-friendly practices.
The final design embodies Ahla Fawda’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
By utilizing recyclable materials sourced by the NGO, the proposed project remains both eco-friendly and cost-effective. The hub integrates mobile architecture and sustainable materials, creating a versatile space for educational activities on sustainability for all age groups.
Located in the densely urban Hamra neighborhood, the Al-Fawda Eco-Hub is a multifunctional green space designed in partnership with DI-Lab to promote sustainability, education, and community engagement. The entire parking lot was transformed into a dynamic environment featuring a playground, a thrift shop by FabricAid and Hamra Bella, a coffee shop, a market, an educational space, and a primary recycling operation.
Lightweight structures and repurposed containers were used to create various courtyards, offering flexible spaces for gatherings, events, and community activities. This initiative demonstrates the power of collaborative design in fostering inclusive and environmentally responsible public spaces, ensuring that sustainability is at the core of urban development.
