TH CULTURAL CENTER / ANDAKET / LEBANON

Area Approx. 600 m²
Commissioned 2019
Status Under Construction
Client T. Hanna
Architecture, Interior & Landscape Nizar Sabbagh Architects
 

TH cultural center is a proposed multipurpose cultural and community center in the village of Andaket, Akkar, North Lebanon. The main aim of the building is to provide a space for community empowerment, education and establishment of cultural life.

Located in the center of the village within a walking distance from the residential and commercial activities, the center is to be built on a small plot on the main road. The 600-sqm community center adds a new vibrant meeting place that intends to further strengthen the connection between the village and its residents.

We wanted to build an interactive building at the human scale, where the residents are in direct connection with the ongoing activities inside the building. We introduced an outdoor stair that connects the building from the outside permitting vertical access to the different functions independently. This vertical accessibility allows the center to be used for different activities simultaneously. 

Stairs have always been part of the collective memory of the residents, in fact just across the building are stairs that lead to the parish hall and the village church. These stairs have always been a frequent space of gathering for the youth. With our stairs, we aim to revive a collective memory to inspire users to explore all levels and activities of the building. 

With the lack of an architectural identity in the area and unclear municipal regulations that limits building height but does not define building materials, style or color, we aimed to create a robust present building that has a flexible and accessible functioning. As the project is intended for a multitude of usages, the different functions of the building had to be in direct connection and accessible to the main road without an overlap of functions.

The building is shaped while taking advantage of every allowable building space. To maximize functions, the project that looks like a simple house is raised from the floor giving way to transparent multipurpose hall. This space that is interacting with the outside shall raise the curiosity of the passers-by and invite them to explore the happenings within this space. 

The main program of the building was initially proposed by the client based on a vision to promote social change and empowerment. The final program and functioning were developed together with the client. While we cannot directly impose change in the society, we aim to shape it. The building holds an underground theatre, a bright and open exhibition and multipurpose room at the ground floor level, another theatre at the mezzanine level, several classes at the first floor and a rooftop cafeteria and a meeting space overlooking the landscape.

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