As a team of ALBA teachers and former students, we are thrilled to share our innovative approach to the extension of the UOB Dekwaneh Campus in collaboration with @1prcntarchitecture.

At the intersection of city and learning, our design merges urban energy with academic tranquility, creating a seamless blend where the campus becomes the city, and the city becomes the campus.

Sustainability is at the core of this project, starting with the strategic north-south orientation of the building. This orientation is key to harnessing natural light and optimizing solar gain, drastically reducing energy consumption while creating bright, inspiring spaces for students and faculty.

The campus itself is thoughtfully divided into two blocks, connected by bridges and ramps, which not only facilitate movement but also encourage natural cross-ventilation. This design ensures a continuous flow of fresh air, reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling and creating a healthier, more comfortable environment.

Our design also includes two central cores that serve as outdoor classrooms and social hubs, surrounded by bleachers where students can sit, relax, and take in views of the city. Here, the boundaries between academia and urban life dissolve, fostering a dynamic, sustainable space where the community and campus thrive together.

The extension of the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA-UOB) into an urban campus embraces a vision that transcends traditional architectural norms. Rejecting hierarchical structures in favor of a decentralized, rhizomatic network, the design reflects the natural interconnectedness and fluidity of life.

Architecture is treated as an equal participant in a larger web of interactions, integrating seamlessly into its surroundings and fostering inclusivity and openness.

The campus embodies third and liminal spaces,
existing between public and private realms.

At the intersection of city and learning, the design merges urban energy with academic tranquility, creating a seamless blend where the campus and city become intertwined.

These transitional zones foster a vibrant, inclusive community where every element contributes to a
dynamic tapestry of engagement and sensory experiences.

The central green core mirrors the region’s forestry, incorporating native flora and extending the natural greenery into the campus. This creates a fluid transition between the outside environment and built space, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community where every element contributes to a dynamic tapestry of
sensory experiences.

Sustainability is integral to the design. The north-south orientation harnesses natural light to cut energy use, creating bright, comfortable spaces.

The campus, divided into two blocks connected by bridges and ramps, enhances natural ventilation and reduces mechanical cooling needs. Outdoor hubs with bleachers serve as social and academic spaces, merging academia and urban life to foster a dynamic, sustainable
environment where community and campus thrive together.