Bakhtiar Amir

advisor

MARA University of Technology (UiTM), Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Department of Architecture, Shah Alam, Selangor, Sri Iskandar, Perak

Malaysian

Urban design/ Community Empowerment more

Dear Hanish Durrani and team,

Congratulations on your participation in the Rebirth of Beirut Port proposal. You have done the relevant studies with regards to this project, touching on most of the inter-related issues. From understanding the technicality of port operative mechanisms, to the study of environmental concerns, cultural aspects, emotional and psychological scars due to the explosion, to the study of symbolism in Lebanon. It would be a stronger gesture if you would respond to the studies accordingly, and manifest those thoughts in the design components as well. The works submitted does show certain positive intentions, however I personally feel that the submission was a bit premature. A more thorough description with regards to the design intent and process would benefit the audiences. Considerations of the catastrophe in a humanitarian way would also sync with the studies done. I did enjoy the symbolism expressed in the elemental watercolor illustrations, however again, detailed description would allow audiences to understand the intentions better. As for the Beirut mall, it does appear to be somewhat a commercially driven project which might not be the best option to express ideas of resurrection. However, I do applaud the courage you have to pro-actively participate in such design competitions and I do suggest that you do retain the culture in ideas competition participations. All the best to the team!

Bakhtiar Amir