Rami Harkous Unveils Iconic Tower Immersed in Collective Memory and Semiotic Splendor

Project Info

Project name: Glitch Skyscraper

Architect: Rami Harkous

Program: Mix Use Complex

Design Date: 2022

Status: Concept proposal

Location: Beirut Water Front, Lebanon

The Glitch skyscraper is a visionary architectural design positioned near the Beirut port, where a devastating explosion occurred in 2020. This catastrophic event caused extensive damage to Beirut's urban fabric, profoundly impacting not only the city but also the lives and identities of its inhabitants. In the aftermath of the explosion, the city quickly transformed into a sprawling construction site, with streets and facades hidden behind scaffoldings and ongoing renovations. The previous scenario blocked the understanding of events and left Beirut residents in a state of profound disbelief, as if they were trapped in a perplexing dream, unable to perceive their surroundings with clarity. Observers looked up at the Beirut skyline to see only a Glitch distortion, leading to the populace's disorientation.

The explosion left a significant number of buildings with irregular voids in their facades, prompting the implementation of temporary measures that allowed residents to remain in their homes until proper professional restoration could take place. These temporary solutions ranged from the installation of wooden boxes to the use of steel boards, resulting in a pixelated elevation with a variety of textures, materials, and masses. During this chaotic period, Beirut took on a disorganized appearance that has left an indelible imprint on the memories of its inhabitants, one that is likely to last for a long time.

The primary goal was to highlight the significance of the scenarios and the context of Beirut while also nurturing a sense of identity and belonging among its residents. This was to be achieved through a seamless architectural intervention that took into account the intricate interplay between the city's residents and their physical environment. The architect approached this task with a deep understanding and respect for the symbiotic relationship that exists between citizens and their surroundings, taking into account both conscious and subconscious elements that contribute to this dynamic relation.

Rami Harkous, the architect in question, began a process of abstraction after closely observing the aftermath of the explosion through multiple site visits. He extracted elements, geometries, and masses from this distressing scene. Rami intended to create a visual language that evoked memories of Beirut's urban image on the day of the explosion by incorporating these elements into the skyscraper's elevation. These elements, far from being merely decorative, function as semiotic components, conveying messages and communicating with people passing by the skyscraper.

The skyscraper features a fully glazed façade, allowing people to overlook and relate the events starting from the port and going towards the skyline of Beirut. This design features a continuous grid of vertical sun breakers that are 60 centimeters deep and interlock with horizontal louvers that are 40 centimeters. These elements provide shading and control solar heat gain as a secondary layer to the elevation.

The building's elevation features irregular cubic forms dispersed throughout, which serve the dual purpose of visually closing the voids caused by the city's explosions while also creating shade and shadows that contribute to the structure's overall temperature. The architectural design also includes two large extroverted cantilevering platforms on the north and south façades. These platforms act as a visual connector, establishing a consistent line of sight throughout Beirut and acting as a centralized focus axis to a significant event that occurred in this exact location, mobilizing people from all over Lebanon to demand change with fervent energy and determination. The structural systems used in these public spaces are a composite configuration that combines post-tensioned cables with truss structures embedded through the tower's main structure system and then cantilevering to the outside. This inventive arrangement effectively cantilevers the architectural elements while resisting the significant dead and live loads associated with the bustling activity zones.

This project's mass distribution was carefully planned to integrate with the daily routines of the local populace. During multiple site visits, the architect observed that the chosen plot was frequently used by individuals as a passage from the inner streets to the waterfront. This observation had its way into the design of the project's first levels, where a clearly defined path was established, allowing public access. Furthermore, these levels were enhanced with various shops and recreational spaces, encouraging people to interact and engage in leisure activities.

As one moves up to the upper levels of the skyscraper, the distribution of masses follows a harmonious arrangement, capturing the attention of onlookers and directing their gaze upwards. The vibrant elevation, adorned with pure, luminous colors and sleek finishes, exudes a positive aura, uplifting the overall ambiance of the surroundings. Despite accommodating a wide range of functions such as residential units, offices, public spaces, and a sky bar, the skyscraper's well-defined planning and thoughtfully organized core comply with regulations and effectively fulfill their respective roles, ensuring the absence of conflicting paths between spaces and activities.

To sum up, Beirut's Glitch skyscraper is a visionary architectural design that embodies the spirit of resilience and transformation in the aftermath of the devastating explosion. The thoughtful approach and deep understanding of the city's identity and its residents' connection to their environment taken by architect Rami Harkous resulted in a seamless intervention that pays homage to Beirut's past while embracing its future. With its irregular cubic forms and symbolic elements, the skyscraper's striking elevation evokes memories of the city's urban image, creating a powerful visual language that communicates with passersby. Overall, the Glitch skyscraper represents hope, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of Beirut and its people.