The main objective is to improve the connection and communication between the port and the city. The strategies to achieve this include a system of parks and promenades that offer public and recreational spaces. A pedestrian bridge links the project area with the urban zone. In addition, a pedestrian street connects this bridge with the Downtown´s central square and, from there, it continues north back to the port, and south towards the Horsh Beirut park. A bikeway follows these paths.
Likewise, circulation systems for public transport are proposed. These include defined routes of buses and trams that leave from the “Charles Helou” main station. The trams are arranged according to 3 lines that run through the city. One of these, has the specific purpose to connect the port with the nearby neighborhoods of Karantina and the Central District. A restructuring of the aforementioned neighborhoods allows the freeing up of space for recreational, commercial and residential areas, as well as tourist activities, school services, offices and hospitals.
Furthermore, the point zero of the explosion and its surroundings have a great symbolic value. That is why, through a memorial, the project seeks to commemorate the event that affected the community in 2020. The remains of the Silos Building, which was the last surviving piece of architecture, and the crater, that was left by the explosion, are preserved as landmarks. These elements invite the public to honor the lost souls and remember their beloved ones. By its side, a public building called “Memory Museum” rises with the purpose to make people look at the future with optimism. This museum represents new opportunities and the possibilities to grow. Its external ramp, that ascends to the terrace, offers a unique view.
Finally, as a result of the reconstruction and reorganization of the logistic sector, the port regains its competitiveness in order to further engage in the world trading markets. This is feasible with the relocation and reorganization of the seven main areas, which include the container terminal, empty container zone, conventional cargo zone, the new silo building, free zone, passenger terminal and the port administration. Moreover, a new area is reserved for a train, which transports the cargo to a station situated in the city.
The port is conceived as economically efficient and sustainable thanks to the implementation of a model of production and consumption called “Circular economy”. Besides, this is possible because of the utilization of management systems based on digital technologies and clean alternative energy sources.
