The city of Jbeil (Byblos), believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a UNESCO World heritage Site. Jbeil, also known as Byblos is where the first phonetic alphabet was codified by the Phoenicians and "bùblos" was the word used for papyrus by the Greeks.

 

The Lebanese American University commissioned Atelier Pagnamenta Torriani to design a new Library and Central Administration building on their Byblos Campus. The excavated rock and bare mountain above were the first impressions when visiting the Byblos Campus site. The exposed sedimentary rock and the complex, stratified history of the region inspired our design. A second inspiration was the challenge of embracing Lebanon's powerful natural light - in full strength and softened for diffused interior illumination.

The library and the administration buildings are placed adjacent to the excavated rock, forming a public amphitheater, an unexpected and inviting space, created with the rock as a backdrop, juxtaposing the natural with the man-made.

 

The structures are conceived as dynamic forms. Their exterior skins are layered, providing shade and optimizing diffused light inside according to the orientation. The exterior spaces flow seamlessly inside, creating connectivity between the two. 

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The interior spaces of the library are developed around a large atrium that acts like a hub, brings great luminosity, and allows for natural air circulation.  The interior spaces are fluid, open, and transparent.

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Throughout the project, the contrast between solid and transparent is apparent. During the day, the building facades are opaque and become more transparent in the evening. Above the amphitheater, a concrete wall displays the carvings of the four alphabets historically used throughout the immediate Jbeil region.

 

Passive design features inspired from the local typology are incorporated into the design:

the double outer skin allows for shading, ventilation, and light diffusion; the main open atrium acts like a chimney vent; the sunken garden brings light and air to the lower library level; detaching the buildings from the rock allows the sea breeze to circulate and ventilate the outdoor amphitheater and café areas. The solution for natural ventilation and natural light team up together with photovoltaic solar panels to greatly reduce reliance and consumption of electrical energy.

 

The wellbeing of the users, the main goal of both the Lebanese American University and the architects, is enhanced by the diffused light and serene atmosphere, accessibility at all levels, the open views to the landscape, the ample choice of study spaces inside and outside, and the custom-designed furniture crafted by local artisans.

 

The library and ancillary spaces create synergy among scholarly activities and social life while providing common ground for diverse student activities and forms of information: an inclusive space for exchange, communication, learning, and understanding.

 

Atelier Pagnamenta Torriani (APT) is the Design Architect for the project, Rafik El-Khoury & Partners are the Engineers / Architect of Record and local craftsmen were involved in the realization of the project.

 

Publications & Exhibits

• 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale: "Time Space Existence" International Exhibit

• 2020 International Panorama, Vol 1, Art & Architecture Editions

• 2020 The PLAN Magazine, “Lebanese Culture the Focus of the New Byblos University Library and Central Administration”

• 2013 AIANY, “New World Group Exhibit”

• 2012 AIANY, “CHANGE: Group Exhibit”

 

Photographs by Bahaa Ghoussainy