SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Lebanon faces numerous challenges in achieving this goal, including rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and the impacts of the ongoing economic crisis and regional conflicts. The government, along with local and international organizations, has been working to address these issues through urban planning, infrastructure development, and efforts to create sustainable communities.

Lebanon’s Approach to SDG 11: Tackling Urbanization and Building Resilient Communities

Urbanization and Housing Challenges:

Lebanon has witnessed significant urbanization, particularly in its major cities such as Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon. However, this rapid urban growth has often been unplanned, leading to overpopulated urban centers, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. Informal settlements have proliferated in cities, housing vulnerable populations, including refugees and low-income families.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in collaboration with municipalities, is responsible for addressing housing and urban planning challenges. The government has been working to implement national urban development plans to manage urban growth, improve infrastructure, and promote the development of affordable housing. However, these efforts have been hampered by political instability, financial constraints, and a lack of cohesive urban policies.

The housing crisis in Lebanon is particularly acute, with many citizens unable to afford decent housing due to skyrocketing property prices and inflation. The government has been seeking solutions to provide affordable housing through public-private partnerships and urban renewal projects, though progress remains slow.

Transportation and Mobility:

Lebanon’s transportation infrastructure is in dire need of modernization. Traffic congestion, air pollution, and inadequate public transportation systems are common problems in Lebanese cities, particularly in the capital, Beirut. The government, through the Ministry of Transport, has been working on several initiatives to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion.

Plans to develop a more efficient and sustainable public transportation network, including bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, are underway. Additionally, there are efforts to improve road infrastructure and encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking. The Beirut Port explosion in 2020 severely damaged key transportation infrastructure, further complicating these efforts.

Environmental Sustainability and Waste Management:

Lebanon’s cities face significant environmental challenges, particularly in waste management. For years, the country has struggled with the disposal of solid waste, leading to waste accumulation, illegal dumping, and environmental pollution. The government has been working to improve waste management systems by promoting recycling, waste reduction, and proper disposal methods. However, these efforts have faced setbacks due to the lack of proper infrastructure and financial resources.

Environmental sustainability is also a growing concern in the context of Lebanon’s urban development. The government has initiated projects aimed at greening cities, reducing air pollution, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The adoption of green building codes and sustainable construction practices is part of the government's broader strategy to create more resilient and environmentally sustainable cities.

Heritage Preservation and Urban Renewal:

Lebanon is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is often threatened by unregulated urban expansion and development. Many historic neighborhoods, particularly in Beirut, have been demolished to make way for new construction, leading to the loss of cultural identity. The government, alongside the General Directorate of Antiquities, is working to balance urban development with heritage preservation by promoting the restoration of historic buildings and implementing heritage protection laws.

The urban renewal of older neighborhoods, while preserving their cultural and historical significance, is a key aspect of the government’s approach to SDG 11. These initiatives aim to foster a sense of community while ensuring that historic areas are revitalized in a sustainable and inclusive way.

Disaster Preparedness and Resilience:

Lebanon is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. The government has been working on improving disaster preparedness and resilience through the Lebanese Civil Defense and other agencies. Urban resilience initiatives include upgrading buildings to withstand earthquakes, improving flood management systems, and creating early warning systems.

Additionally, the aftermath of the Beirut Port explosion in 2020 highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness in urban settings. The government and international organizations have been working on the reconstruction of affected areas, prioritizing safety and resilience in rebuilding efforts.

International Support and Partnerships:

Lebanon has received significant international support for urban development and sustainability projects. Organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, and European Union have provided financial assistance and technical expertise for projects aimed at improving urban infrastructure, waste management, and disaster preparedness. These international partnerships are crucial for advancing SDG 11 in Lebanon, given the country’s economic challenges.

Beirut Arab University and SDG 11: Fostering Sustainable Cities and Communities

Beirut Arab University (BAU) is actively contributing to SDG 11 through its research initiatives, academic programs, and campus sustainability efforts. The university is committed to promoting sustainable urban development, environmental protection, and community engagement.

Urban Planning and Architecture Programs:

BAU’s Faculty of Architecture – Design and Built Environment offers specialized academic programs in urban planning, sustainable architecture, and environmental design. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to address the challenges of urbanization and promote sustainable cities and communities.

Students at BAU are trained to design energy-efficient buildings, create sustainable urban plans, and integrate green spaces into city designs. The university emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, and inclusive urban development in its curricula, preparing future professionals to contribute to Lebanon’s sustainable development goals.

Research on Sustainable Cities:

BAU conducts extensive research on urban sustainability, focusing on areas such as green infrastructure, disaster resilience, and sustainable mobility. The university’s research centers collaborate with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations to address urban challenges and develop innovative solutions for creating more sustainable cities.

Research projects at BAU have explored topics such as energy-efficient building design, the use of renewable energy in urban areas, and the impact of climate change on urban environments. These projects contribute to the national dialogue on urban sustainability and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers.

Sustainable Campus Initiatives:

BAU is committed to making its campus more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The university has implemented energy-saving measures, such as installing solar panels, reducing water consumption, and promoting waste recycling. These initiatives align with the goals of SDG 11 by creating a sustainable community on campus and setting an example for other institutions.

BAU’s Green Campus Initiative focuses on enhancing the sustainability of the university’s operations, improving the efficiency of resource use, and reducing its carbon footprint. The initiative includes projects aimed at greening the campus, such as creating green roofs, planting trees, and promoting sustainable transportation options for students and staff.

Community Engagement and Awareness:

BAU plays a key role in raising awareness about the importance of sustainable cities and communities. The university organizes workshops, seminars, and public awareness campaigns on topics such as urban planning, environmental protection, and waste management. These events are aimed at educating the public and encouraging local communities to adopt more sustainable practices.

BAU also works closely with local municipalities and community organizations on urban development projects. Through these partnerships, the university helps promote inclusive and sustainable urban development in Lebanon, supporting the goals of SDG 11.

Heritage Preservation Initiatives:

In line with SDG 11’s focus on cultural heritage, BAU is involved in heritage preservation projects, particularly in urban areas. The university collaborates with local authorities and organizations to protect and restore historic buildings and sites, ensuring that Lebanon’s cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

BAU’s heritage preservation efforts are integrated into its architecture and urban planning programs, allowing students to participate in real-world projects that balance modern urban development with the conservation of historical sites.

Partnerships for Sustainable Development:

BAU collaborates with national and international organizations to advance sustainable cities and communities in Lebanon. The university partners with the United Nations, the Lebanese Ministry of Environment, and other institutions on projects aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, waste management, and disaster resilience.

These partnerships enable BAU to contribute to Lebanon’s national efforts to achieve SDG 11 and to play a key role in fostering sustainable and resilient communities across the country.

Lebanon faces significant challenges in achieving SDG 11 due to rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. The government, through various ministries and local authorities, is working to address these issues by improving urban planning, enhancing transportation systems, and promoting sustainable communities. However, progress has been slowed by political instability, financial difficulties, and the impact of the 2020 Beirut Port explosion.

Beirut Arab University is actively contributing to SDG 11 through its academic programs, research initiatives, and sustainable campus practices. The university’s efforts in urban planning, environmental sustainability, and community engagement are helping to promote sustainable cities and communities in Lebanon, supporting national efforts to achieve this important goal.

Modern World Heritage at Risk Rachid Karami International Fair Complex at Beirut Arab University

https://www.facebook.com/BeirutArabUniversity/posts/pfbid02qPfPL3j2Evg72P4yFQuheVaFRsyBgf4cfL6gAsSEnZgjDzfpqAsTEK4rX3UA4m9vl

The Faculty of Architecture - Design and the Built Environment at Beirut Arab University, Tripoli Branch, held a lecture on the Rashid Karami International Fair - Modern World Heritage in Danger - What Next!, by the President of the Niemeyer Foundation for Heritage in Tripoli and Professor of Architecture at the Lebanese University, Dr. Wassim Naghi, and organized by Dr. Khaled El-Daghar, Associate Professor of Architecture at the Faculty, within the “Cooperation Project in the Field of Urban Management and Regional Development”, in partnership with the United Cities Association of Lebanon / Technical Office of Lebanese Municipalities, the Municipality of Tripoli, the Municipality of Zgharta/Ehden, and in cooperation with the Union of Municipalities of Dunkirk and the Agency for Urban Planning and Development for the Flanders Region - Dunkirk (AGUR) - France, the French National Union of Urban Planning Agencies (FNAU), and the Port of Dunkirk with support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Read more:

https://www.bau.edu.lb/.../Modern-World-Heritage-at-Risk...

The International Immigration Conference “FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRIPOLI AND THE NORTH – “YES WE CAN”

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/The-International-Immigration-Conference-FOR-THE-DEVELOPMENT-OF-TRIPOLI-AND-THE-NORTH-YES-WE-CAN-

Beirut Arab University - Tripoli Branch launched the International Immigration Conference for the Development of Tripoli and the North – Yes We Can” in cooperation with “Hommes d'Affaires Libanais de France -HALFA” and “Sunday Cultural Council”.

The ceremony was attended by the Mufti of Tripoli and the North, Sheikh Muhammad Tariq Imam, the Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Joseph Naffa, the Pastor of the Maronite Diocese of Tripoli, Youssef Soueif, the Melkite Archbishop of Tripoli and the rest of the North, Edward Daher, the President of the Maronite League in Lebanon, Ambassador Khalil Karam, the former Minister, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Daher, and the Captain of the Syndicate. Engineers in Tripoli and the North, Engineer Bahaa Harb, members of the Syndicate Council, the global president of the Lebanese Cultural University in the world, His Excellency Mr. Abbas Fawaz, represented by Mr. Elie Al-Turk, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Manla Hospital, Mr. Tariq Manla, and representatives of ministries, municipalities, and cultural and scientific institutions. In addition to a group of businessmen and specialized economists who participated in the conference as speakers from the countries of diaspora: Chairman of the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait, Ali Khalil, Chairman of the Council of Lebanese Executives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Rabih Al-Amin, President of the Global Organization of Partnership Units between the Public and Private Sectors in Geneva, Ziyad Hayek and Dr. Hatem Othman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Viva International in Belgium, Founder and CEO of Isocel Telecom in Cotonou, Benin, Robert Awad, International Consultant Richard Njeim from France, Executive Director of JP Morgan in France, Mounir Chahine, and CEO of Blue Sea Telecommunications from the United States of America.

And from within Lebanon: Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lebanese Investors in the World, Jacques Sarraf, President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, President of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce, Salim Al-Zeani, President of the Economic and Social Council, Charles Arbid, Head of Research and Economic Analysis at Byblos Bank, Dr. Nassib Ghobril, Director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs Dr. Sami Nader, President of the International Federation of Lebanese Businessmen and Women, Dr. Fouad Zmokhal, Dr. Hassan Dennawi, Acting President of the Special Economic Zone in Tripoli, Dr. Claude Hayek, CEO of the Lebanese American Association JOBROOTER, President of the Association of Economic Journalists in Lebanon Sabine Aweys, the CEO of the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies, Dr. Patrick Mardini, the researcher at the International Information Institute, Mr. Mohamed Shams El-Din, Mr. Elie Lebbs, Vice President of the Syndicate of Tourist Guides in Lebanon, and the Executive Director of the Cultural Agenda, Myriam Shouman.

In addition to the partners in the conference, the Lebanese-French businessmen gathered, led by Professor Antoine Menassa, and the Sunday cultural meeting was held by Dr. Ahmed Elmi. They were received by the President of the University, Professor Amr Galal El-Adawi, along with the Vice President, Professor Khaled Baghdady, the deans of the university and its academic and administrative family.

The ceremony started with the Lebanese and Beirut Arab University anthems, then Miss Nala Makkouk, Master of the ceremony, focused in her speech that according to Beirut Arab University’s mission to develop the region around, it hosted and organized this conference in order to revitalize, improve and develop the economic situation and contribute to the promotion of employment opportunities for promising young graduates and stop the drain of emigration.

Professor Amr Galal El-Adawi, President of the University, welcomed the Conference and its substance, looking forward to "the role of young people in Lebanon's revival and work together to achieve it by supporting scientific and professional paths".

He also noted that the University looks forward to contribute into multiple development through its scientific programs and moving through specialized programs to establish a partnership with local communities. "

He also thanked the partners for their preparation and cooperation in organizing the Conference and hoped that "there would be steps to follow up the substance of the Conference and implement its recommendations".

Dr. Bassem Bachache, from Sunday Cultural Council, delivered a speech, noting "the tragic conditions in which the country is passing and the Lebanese feels frustrated, that is why we have to work to grow some hope in the hearts of desperate people, by joining forces with emigrants and people who are living in Lebanon."

He continued “Countries are not measured by its area, but by the amount of their giving and Lebanon is great by its creative sons". He also refused to name the diaspora for immigrants, but as members of diaspora and adhere with them because they made sacrifices and turned to be the lungs of the homeland.”

Mr. Antoine Menassa, President of Hommes d'Affaires Libanais de France -HALFA, also spoke, thanking the President of the University and everyone who contributed to the success of the conference, considering that this is a great opportunity for us to meet in Tripoli in Northern Lebanon to look together for how Lebanon can benefit from the enormous resources and the willingness of the Lebanese expatriates to support their country of origin...

He continued, “I tell you that it is our duty to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, especially in this global and regional crisis we are facing. We have a great cause to work on to support making tomorrow a better place for our youth in Lebanon.

Times are changing, and we are on the verge of a new phase. It is true that we are suffering from monotony and stagnation, where many of our institutions are far from modernization, but fortunately, despair is not a destiny.

For that, we need to create another model to get out of the crisis and to better secure the future. We need to rebuild on new foundations and redefine a new pattern that reorganizes the country’s finances, to ensure the continuity of the country and the future of our youth.

Thus, Unity is a necessity, and it is our duty to propose tangible measures, within a realistic program, that simulates the size of the current crisis and to rebuild according to a unified plan and program, in addition to restoring legitimacy.

Sometimes, one needs a different reading and that we listen to each other without sensitivity. I refuse to feel defeated because success is an unstoppable goal, and I am proud of being from an immigrant family, just as I am proud of being Lebanese..."

Mr. Rami Baitieh, who is an emigrant, gave a speech about the title of the conference recalling his experience since he migrated, overcoming obstacles and moving to France. He mentioned also his excellence there until became the chairman of the Board of Directors of one of the world's largest companies, Carrefour. He drew the attention that he abided by impulsiveness and sincerity in work, and what he achieved depended on "belief in God and the satisfaction of parents and creative work by fulfilling what is required, and on conditions based on a heartfelt desire for work, rejection of the work we do not like, and learning from mistakes and not repeating them".

At the end of the opening ceremony, Professor El Adawi, President of the University, presented the University’s Memorial Medal as a tribute to the participants in the opening session. Dr. Ahmad Alami was also honored on behalf of “Sunday Cultural Council”.

The Conference was concluded and resulted the formation of a unified program of work for cooperation between businessmen and their councils in the North, countries abroad and universities, which will:

• Follow-up to organize periodic conferences that works on creating remote employment opportunities, prepare young people and build their capacities to enter the labour market and attract foreign investments.
• Launch of the e-platform “Career flow” to link job opportunities available in investor companies of expatriates inside and outside Lebanon with young graduates from Tripoli and the North who are wishing to work as well as train them.
• Establish a task force who is responsible for information management and feeds in addition to control them.
• Contact companies and Lebanese business owners abroad to feed the electronic pages with information and publicity to those companies.
• Communicate with universities to provide online preparation and training programs
• Develop a strategic media plan about Tripoli to give the true picture and not the stereotyped one
• Develop a plan to build behavioral and cognitive shells for university and school students
• Develop a plan to improve technical shells in line with the future labour market.
• Encourage expatriate capitals to invest in Agro-Tech industry, knowledge industry, creative industry, creative industry, fashion, act, and movies industry), health industry and engineering in collaboration with stakeholders
• Support the economic zone so that it will change from dream to reality.
• Make Tripoli a distinctive brand in cooperation with stakeholders.
• Establish committees to implement recommendations and monitor them.

Opening of The Museum at Beirut Arab University

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Opening-of-The-Museum-at-Beirut-Arab-University

Earlier today, Judge Mohammad Wissam Al-Murtada, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the opening event of The Museum at Beirut Arab University, which is officially listed in the list of national museums as per the minister’s speech. The event was held in the presence of BAU President Professor Amr Galal El-Adawi, members of the Board of Trustees, as well as a crowd of political, diplomatic and educational representatives.

The Museum contains some 200 rare books and manuscripts, and the collections entail civilizations that have existed throughout history, particularly the Pharaonic-Egyptian civilization, Assyrian civilization, Phoenician civilization, Byzantine civilization, Persian civilization, Roman civilization, Babylonian civilization, Aramaic civilization, Arab & Islamic civilization, and Ottoman civilization.

These rare collections date back to the eighth century AD until the nineteenth century, noting that the rare books and manuscripts are unique copies that are not available elsewhere.

In celebration of the opening, Minister Al-Murtada delivered a speech, highlighting the importance of the role of universities as research centres as dynamic drivers in the development and evolution of knowledge.

In his speech, Minister Al-Murtada discussed the need for an Arab Union, pointing to the importance of Arab League Summit in Algeria. He said, "As we are gathering here today at the opening of this museum at the Beirut Arab University, Arab leaders are meeting with at the Arab League summit, endorsing the mere hope of reunion. Our hope for this summit is that Arab leaders can work hard on developing synergies among one another, successfully bringing Arab countries together in union. This reunion between Arabs will prove of great interest in culture, education and university research and will vastly impact the youth of these countries.”

Minister Al-Murtada continued, “Beirut Arab University is not just a university, and its museum is not only a display of historical ornaments but also an essential reminder of how this university shapes the future of education and culture. If museums are created to honor the past, universities are created to build the future. "

Minister Al-Murtada praised in his speech Beirut Arab University, saying, “BAU is an ambassador of education and knowledge enriching brain forces in the land of Cedars all the way from the Nile River. Today, the establishment of The Museum reminds us of Egypt’s richness lying in its history and culture and spread from the Valley of the Kings to the Delta, from Alexandria to Cairo, and from Sinai to the Upper Nile.”

In his speech, Minister Al-Murtada shed light on the importance of an educational development plan, where he said, “I make use of this occasion to emphasize that some Arab countries lack educational justice, because of many circumstances. Educational justice is a term that means securing the means of knowledge, especially modern ones, for every individual in Arab terretories. This requires national action through an inclusive educational and cultural development plan, which all our states should collaborate in writing, approving, funding and implementing. Will that take place in the near future? It is worth noting that the abundance of schools, institutes and universities alone does not secure such justice, unless accompanied by developing curricula and a deep understanding of the university's role as a research centre primarily, not only as a teaching centre, as well as of the role of education in the preparation of brains not only distribution of certificates.”

Concluding his speech, Minister Al-Murtada congratulated BAU for the opening of its museum, which he described as a cultural bridge between the past and the future.

In his speech, BAU President Professor Amr Galal El-Adawi, thanked Minister Al-Murtada for supporting this initiative, highlighting the university’s cultural and pioneering role in society. He said, “For the establishment of this museum, we complied and restored scarce manuscripts and books according to special heritage standards. These manuscripts are attributed to 17 civilizations and will be displayed alternately with respective electronic copies to allow researchers and students to discover their contents."

The ceremony host, Ms. Rima Chehab, mentioned that after long anticipation and delay due to the health and economic crises in the past years, the university’s museum of rare books and ancient manuscripts is finally ready for display, highlighting the fundamental role of the President in the founding of this historical and cultural project.

After the opening, Professor El-Adawi presented the university honorary shield to Minister Al-Murtada as a token of appreciation. At the end, attendees toured around The Museum.

Cycling for a better Tripoli

https://twitter.com/wasilcourier/status/1631349591453859840

We are delighted to invite you to our event "Cycling for a better Tripoli" with our partners @nlinlebanon and @BeirutArabUni, a mix of a conference and a bike ride. This March 11th in Tripoli, at 9:30am, see you!

Arab League Museum in Beirut: Knowledge within everyone's reach

https://twitter.com/almodononline/status/1588510376668241921

Beirut Arab University Museum: Rare Books and Manuscripts [5]

https://www.almodon.com/society/2022/11/4/متحف-الجامعة-العربية-ببيروت-المعرفة-بمتناول-الجميع

In this afflicted country, even a narrow segment of the educated are still interested in beautifying the cultural face of Lebanon, despite all the distortions that have affected it over recent years. Although the role of universities has been absent in the recent period, due to economic, social and political conditions, Beirut Arab University has managed to make its way beyond these obstacles, preserving a cultural heritage that would have collapsed had it not paid attention to.

For this reason, Beirut Arab University opened a few days ago its museum, which was included in the list of national museums and cultural institutions recently, and which includes a collection of rare books and unique and diverse manuscripts dating back to the beginning of the eighth century AD.

The restoration phase

In his interview with Al-Modon, the President of Beirut Arab University, Prof. Amr Jalal Al-Adawi, describes the stage of restoring rare books and manuscripts, as they were collected from the university's libraries, and sent to the Restoration Center at the University of Kaslik, which is concerned with the restoration of manuscripts, and then scanned and converted into a digital record, and placed on small electronic screens. The museum was then designed to display these books and manuscripts in a suitable environment, in order to preserve them from damage.

According to Al-Adawi, the main objective of the museum is to learn about civilizations, learn about other cultures, and preserve the value of these rare books and manuscripts, which reflect many civilizations that have passed through history. There is no doubt that this museum is an opportunity for researchers, university students and anyone who is familiar with the history of civilizations and their development over time, to complete research related to civilizations or history, whether they are students from inside or outside the university.

New Project

Given the Beirut Arab University's interest in providing a bright future for its students and professors, Beirut Arab University is also working on a project that will see the light of day in the coming weeks, called "Renewing Hope", an idea inspired by international universities. An opportunity will be provided to university students and professors to launch and present their creative projects, while the university will provide them with all the required assistance from a group of experts, with the aim of developing and achieving this project.

Rare copies

The museum includes about 200 rare books and historical manuscripts belonging to more than 17 historical civilizations, including: Egyptian civilization, Arab and Islamic civilization, Ottoman civilization and many others. This collection dates back to the eighth century AD to the nineteenth century AD. Especially the advantage of this museum is that it includes rare and unique copies of some books and manuscripts, and no other copies are available around the world.

According to Hassana Mohieldin, a university doctor specializing in information sciences and libraries, these rare books began to be collected since the establishment of Beirut Arab University in 1960 until 2017, and after the completion of the restoration and processing process, the university was not authorized to open the museum in 2019 due to the conditions of the country and the Corona pandemic, but it reopened it this year.

Special criteria and circumstances

Mohieldin continued that this museum was built according to special standards and international specifications to preserve these books and manuscripts from damage, as attention was paid to securing the permanent electrical supply to the museum, withdrawing moisture from books and manuscripts, displaying them in thick glass panels, in addition to securing a constant temperature for them, due to the importance of preserving this heritage.

The museum is open weekdays for students and visitors. The university administration has allocated an employee to help the researcher or student use digital screens to browse books or images electronically, and the rest of the books and manuscripts were placed in numbered cabinets along with a group of valuable books that were distributed on the shelves of the museum.

Today, Beirut Arab University has proven its enlightening role through this museum in preserving the heritage that is considered the memory of peoples, making it an inextensible treasure, and a means of transferring knowledge to future generations.

Dealing with the past memories for Future Rights of Enforced Disappeared Persons Play

https://twitter.com/BeirutArabUni/status/1437653429934084108

(HRC-BAU) invites you to attend a play that is part of a project entitled entitled "Dealing with the past memories for Future Rights of Enforced Disappeared Persons" to highlight on the consequence of this outcome and promote the right to freedom.

In Beirut, a BAU exhibition revives damaged architecture for Lebanese children

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/beirut-bau-exhibition-revives-damaged-architecture-lebanese-children

At the heart of a historic area damaged by the Beirut blasts, the “Beirut Miniature Model Art Exhibition” of the Beirut Arab University has revived the Lebanese capital by reimagining its colors and memories over the course of 3 days, at the Saint Nicolas stairs in Gemmayze. It allowed children to enhance awareness to their cultural heritage and develop their emotional attachment to the territory of Beirut, by exposing them to miniature Beirut buildings developed by BAU students, and through the construction of cognitive maps and the use of spatial maps designed in a game environment.

The exhibition is an outcome of the initiative led by the BAU faculty of Architecture-Design & Built Environment to develop children's emotional attachment to the city of Beirut following the blasts, and is supported by UNODC, UNESCO and UNFPA, as part of UNODC’s Education4Justice program and UNESCO's Li Beirut initiative.

Partners, NGOs, students, teachers and parents gathered in Gemmayze to discover the colorful displays which restore Beirut to its former beauty. A Ribbon Cutting celebration was also held in presence of the BAU president Dr. Amr Galal El-Adawi and representatives from UNODC and UNESCO.

© UNESCO

During the exhibition, more than 70 children from the affected area explored the models and interacted with a creative game board with 3D physical models for specific neighborhoods and historic damaged buildings in Beirut, that was designed to stimulate the spatial thinking of children as a coping strategy after the traumatic event. Children also colored an illustration that depicts the Beirut blasts, solidarity and resilience to convey positive and empowering messages.

As part of the project, 45 children had also been invited to a workshop at the BAU lab and Karantina garden in Beirut, in collaboration with NGO “Himaya Daeem Aataa”, and were engaged in different activities. Each child created his/her own neighborhood using the materials of the game board including folded papers and landscape elements. The children also explored the large-scale model of selected heritage buildings in Beirut.

Earlier in April, 225 teachers of art and sciences had attended an online webinar and were trained on how to use the designed maps and models with students to improve the pedagogical practice, by integrating spatial thinking in their classes.

© UNESCO

© UNESCO

HRC Organized a Play by BAU Students tackling the Lebanese Civil War

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/HRC-Organized-a-Play-by-BAU-Students-tackling-the-Lebanese-Civil-War

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University organized a play that tackled the Lebanese Civil War and lessons learnt from the legacy of this bitter experience.

This play was directed by Ms. Rania Mroueh and performed by BAU students from different faculties at Beirut Campus. The play was part of an activity held by the “Dealing with the Past Memories for Future Rights of Enforced Disappeared Persons” project funded by the United Nations Peace Building Fund and jointly implemented with the “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights” (OHCHR).

Faculty of Architecture- Design & Built Environment Inaugurated Beirut Miniature Model Art Exhibition

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Faculty-of-Architecture-Design-and-Built-Environment-Inaugurated-Beirut-Miniature-Model-Art-Exhibition

The President of Beirut Arab University Prof. Amr Galal El – Adawi inaugurated “Beirut Miniature Model Art Exhibition to introduce Cultural Heritage to Children» that was launched by the Faculty of Architecture - Design and Built Environment in partnership with UNESCO, the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, at Saint Nicolas Stairs in Gemmayzeh Area.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Prof. Ibtihal El Bastawissi, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture - Design and Built Environment, Ms. Rony Sabbagh, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Lebanon, Dr. Seiko Sugita, Programme specialist in social and human sciences at UNESCO Beirut, in addition to faculty deans and representatives of the United Nations Organizations, university professors and faculty students.

The three-day exhibition took place after the great efforts performed by the Faculty of Architecture- Design and Built Environment team for a period of six months to provide a large number of architectural miniatures of heritage buildings in Beirut with the contribution of the Urban Laboratory. These models were in high quality and accurate showing the architectural details of these buildings.

The faculty students and professors supervising the exhibition accompanied visitors in their tours, introduced them to the displayed models and explained the architectural details that characterize the heritage buildings of Beirut. They also gave souvenirs to children inspired by the main objective of the exhibition. Souvenirs consist from collections of facades in which the child can assemble by himself to recreate one of the models of heritage buildings for the identity of Beirut City.

Professor Amr Galal El- Adawi, President of Beirut Arab University, congratulated the working group under the supervision of Professor Ibtihal El Bastawissi, the Dean of the Faculty, in preparing for this exhibition, which embodies the real message of the University and its pioneering role in serving the Lebanese society in general and the people of Beirut in particular, through this project that enhances the social role of the architect in spreading the culture of preserving the architectural and urban heritage of the city.

Capacity Building on Truth and Justice

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Capacity-Building-on-Truth-and-Justice

The Human Rights Center at BAU organized a capacity building training on “Truth and Justice” at BAU- Tripoli Branch. The training lasted for two consecutive days on 1-2/10/2021 at the Multipurpose Room and was a part of the “Dealing with the Past Memories for Future Rights of Enforced Disappeared Persons” project funded by the United Nations Peace Building Fund and jointly implemented with OHCHR.

This project aims to shed more light on people who experienced the enforced disappearance of others and provide enough information to highlight the root causes of past conflict and present social tensions in addition to opening public debate and facilitating cross-confessional dialogue, which helps engage the Lebanese youth. The participating students from different majors were willing to know more about the core and values of the law that allow the affected Lebanese to achieve justice and seek the truth.

Judge Sara Rammal inaugurated the first day of the training, discussing the enforced disappearance in the light of concepts of justice and truth. After that, the Vice President of Fighters for Peace Mr. Asaad Chaftari held a debate with the students about true reconciliation and its conditions for the individual and groups. The second day of the training opened with Ms. Lara Al-Deeb, one of the board members of the Committee of the Families of Kidnapped and Disappeared in Lebanon. She gave details about the adoption of the law concerning the absence and the enforced disappearance of persons and the implementation of the resolutions of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Afterwards, Mrs. Dala Bazzi, the instructor of physical kinesiology and therapy through dancing, showed a video in which the dancers express their feelings through movement only. This video aimed to emphasize the importance of the theatre as a place for people to express their needs and deliver messages to the audience about the role of art and music in expressing solidarity with the issue of the enforced disappeared persons.

BAU participated in Beirut Urban Declaration Conference after Beirut Port Explosion

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/BAU-participated-in-Beirut-Urban-Declaration-Conference-after-Beirut-Port-Explosion

The Faculty of Architecture - Design and Built Environment at Beirut Arab University participated in Beirut Urban Declaration Conference for restoration of afflicted areas after the huge explosion that occurred on August four. The conference was organized by the Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut in cooperation with the Faculties of Architecture in Lebanon whereby this event came after long preparations and workshops in addition to direct field work which started directly after Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020.

Since then, Professor Ibtihal El-Bastawissi, the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture- Design and Built Environment, has worked within the organizing committees of the Deans of Faculties of Architecture for Beirut Urban Declaration which included five sessions. She invited a group of university professors from various faculties to participate in all aspects of conference activities in coordination with the Dean of Faculty of Human Sciences, Professor Mayssah El-Nayal. Professor El-Bastawissi also participated in a workshop organized by the Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut in cooperation with the French government, UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) in order to achieve this declaration.

The university had interventions in more than one session in the conference where Professor Hassan Hallak gave a lecture entitled "The Economic and Social Role of the Beirut Port," in which he talked about the history of the development of Beirut Port and its economic and social impacts on the city.

Dr. Khaled Sadek gave a lecture under the title of "The Urban Fabric of Beirut between History and the Present" in which he dealt with the development of Beirut's urban fabric during the historical eras that the city has gone through. He mentioned the human values that the city has acquired, which are based on reverence of freedoms, respect of intellectual pluralism and openness to different civilizations.

In the fourth session, Dr. Hiba Mohsen gave a lecture entitled "Rehabilitation and Restoration of Damaged Heritage Buildings", in which she discussed the importance of preserving the heritage and the risks that threatens it, in addition to several proposals for the rehabilitation and construction of old neighborhoods.

In the second day, Dr. Khaled Sadek gave another lecture under the title of "Legislative Frameworks for Reconstruction Management", during which he presented the reality of legislation and the mechanisms available for reconstruction.

The Participation of the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture in the OEA Workshop

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/The-Participation-of-the-Dean-of-the-Faculty-of-Architecture-in-the-OEA-Workshop

The Participation of the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture in the OEA Workshop on the Reconstruction of the Neighbourhoods affected by the 4th of August Blast within a National Vision for Sustainable Development Policies

The Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, Professor Ibtihal Youssef El-Bastawissi, participated in the workshop organized by the Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut in cooperation with the French Government, UNESCO, and the International Union of Architects (UIA).

Professor El-Bastawissi participated in the fourth session covering the legal aspects of the reconstruction process. the session was carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the General Directorate of Antiquities in Lebanon.

While moderating the public discussion panel at the end of the axis, Professor El-Bastawissi stressed on the importance of this axis, as well as all the other axes of the workshop which complement each other and enriched the studies carried out by the Architectural Faculties in Lebanese universities in collaboration with Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut. Professor El-Bastawissi thanked the President of the OEA, Jad Tabet, for organizing this workshop and for all the efforts he is doing to keep up with the reconstruction of the districts devastated by the explosion of August 4, 2020.

The Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, Professor Ibtihal Youssef El-Bastawissi, participated in the workshop organized by the Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut in cooperation with the French Government, UNESCO, and the International Union of Architects (UIA).

Professor El-Bastawissi participated in the fourth session covering the legal aspects of the reconstruction process. the session was carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the General Directorate of Antiquities in Lebanon.

While moderating the public discussion panel at the end of the axis, Professor El-Bastawissi stressed on the importance of this axis, as well as all the other axes of the workshop which complement each other and enriched the studies carried out by the Architectural Faculties in Lebanese universities in collaboration with Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut. Professor El-Bastawissi thanked the President of the OEA, Jad Tabet, for organizing this workshop and for all the efforts he is doing to keep up with the reconstruction of the districts devastated by the explosion of August 4, 2020.

A Research Study Project for Port Beirut Explosion conducted by BAU- Faculty of Engineering

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/A-Research-Study-Project-for-Port-Beirut-Explosion-conducted-by-BAU-Faculty-of-Engineering

A research team from Beirut Arab University - Faculty of Engineering led by prof. Yehya Temsah - Assistant dean, professor of structural engineering - conducted a Study Project for the Beirut Port Explosion in collaboration with the Lebanese Army. The project aimed, through structural analysis approach, to define the magnitude of the explosive material weight, the structural response of the Wheat Silos and their protective role.

The preliminary study results were of great importance and the research team was invited to present their study in several local and international scientific discussions.

On one hand, the Research Team Head Prof. Temsah also participated in an international online conference organized by Balamand University- Lebanon Map, entitled “Beirut Blast: A Paradigm Shift in Open Geospatial Data “which was held on November 6 and 7, 2020.

On another hand, Prof. Yehya Temsah and Dr. Ali Jahami - Assistant professor, lecture at the faculty of engineering - participated in a webinar organized by Beirut Order of Engineers and Architects entitled “Beirut Blast: Nature, Magnitude, Observation, Damages and Assessment” which was held on November 13, 2020.

The Three-Dimensional Survey of the Nawfal Palace in Tripoli [14]

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/The-Three-Dimensional-Survey-of-the-Nawfal-Palace-in-Tripoli

A new collaboration between the Faculty of Architecture - Design and Built Environment and the Municipality of Tripoli

Within the framework of cooperation between the Faculty of Architecture- Design and Built Environment at Beirut Arab University and the Municipality of Tripoli, a team from the Faculty carried out a three-dimensional survey of the Nawfal Municipal Palace, located in Al-Tal district in Tripoli.

The 3D survey process of Nawfal Municipal Palace comprises two main stages:

• The first stage includes the field survey that spanned over a period of five days (from 16/11/2020 to 20/11/2020), during which the team collected digital data for all the internal and external spaces of the Palace.
• The second stage includes the process of extracting the collected data to generate the digital model that simulates the realistic details of the palace.

The three-dimensional survey is based on the use of new equipment and technologies which are available in the Virtual Reality Lab of the Faculty at Debbieh Campus. This lab has been newly equipped to be a pioneer in this field at the national and regional levels.

The Survey was conducted by a specialized team in the field of 3D scanning from the Faculty consists of Dr. Kareem Saad Galal and the students Khoder Bahr Joujou, Hadi Hassan Jalloul, Abdul Karim Rabie Oweidat, and Muhammad Nour Maher Abu Ammo.

This cooperative activity was coordinated between Tripoli Municipality Councillor, Dr. Bassem Bakhash, and the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture- Design and Built Environment Professor Dr. Ibtihal Youssef El-Bastawissi, who provided all the necessary facilities for the team to be able to complete the work successfully. The faculty branch in Tripoli also supported the working team through the vice president of Tripoli Branch Affairs, Professor Khaled Baghdady, and Faculty Director for Tripoli branch, Dr. Nabil Mohareb and Dr. Khaled Al-Daghar. The team also appreciated the generous hospitality and all the facilities provided by Tripoli municipality.

This activity is one of a series of cooperative activities between Beirut Arab University and the civil society in Lebanon as per the instructions and recommendations of the university president, Professor Amr Galal El-Adawi, who is always keen to accomplish the University’s lofty mission and pioneering role dedicated to community service.

Beirut Explosion Structural Assessment of the Explosion Magnitude

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Beirut-Explosion-Structural-Assessment-of-the-Explosion-Magnitude

After completing the two phases of the Research Project related to Beirut Port Blast, the Research Unit Team deduced the below Summary Research Work which was sent to publication at a highly ranked journal.

On August 4th 2020, tremendous explosion occurred in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, specifically in its port.

The resulting damage was humongous, impacting the city along a radius of about 600m. Series of grains silos adjacent to the center of the explosion, at 85m proximity, had been importantly damaged.

The cause was anticipated to explosion of Ammonium Nitrate that had been stored in the port, of “said” quantity equal to 2750t, whereby different opinions have emerged regarding the amount of the explosive materials and the magnitude of the explosion. The aim of this research work is to define the magnitude of the explosion, using structural engineering approach throughout non-linear finite element modeling of the silos. The magnitude of the explosion is defined as the numerical model magnitude that generated the silos damages. The study is based on silos detailed drawings, data collected from site visits, and the use of the Conventional Weapons Effects Blast Loading (CONWEP) method. In addition, damage assessment for the “standing” silos has been conducted and final recommendations are included. This paper shows that the magnitude of the explosion is smaller than the equivalent TNT of the original declared quantity of stored Ammonium Nitrate.

A Call to retain Beirut Built Heritage

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/A-Call-to-retain-Beirut-Built-Heritage

From the first moments following the Beirut Blast, it became one of the priorities for Beirut Arab University to engage in the process of removing the destruction and to mobilize its community to offer the people in the affected neighborhoods of Beirut the help and support they needed.

Through its students, employees, and the academic staff, the University formed groups of helpers that participated in the removal of rubble and in surveying the damage that had befallen the port area, including the archaeological buildings in the old neighborhoods. The real danger is that the rescue plan for the damaged historic buildings is not expedited. The plan requires the displacement of the residents who do not have the capacity to rehabilitate these buildings due to the sensitivity of the origin. Rescuing these buildings also needs expert interventions to preserve their identity and value. The Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut has taken steps to develop a plan to survey and distinguish buildings of an archaeological nature, and to provide information to those concerned with cultural heritage in general and built heritage in particular. According to the third weekly report issued by the Order of Engineers and Architects dated on 9/9/2020, 14.1% of heritage buildings within the surveyed area are at high risk of collapse/damage, while 11.3% are at mid-risk of collapse/damage. This indicates that nearly a quarter of the surveyed historic buildings in the port vicinity were damaged by the blast.

The University spares no efforts, equipment and resources needed for the Urban Lab, such as a 3D scanning mechanism. Further, researchers in the field of preserving cultural heritage, including architects and engineers are brought together, to contribute with official and non-official bodies, such as the Beirut Municipality and the Ministry of Culture represented by the General Directorate of Antiquities, the Order of Engineers and Architects, and civil societies, in the development of the necessary engineering plans and the proposition of solutions to save historic buildings that are at risk while preserving the character of historic Beirut. In terms of resilience, the post-disaster urban and architectural reconstruction and rehabilitation of the cultural built heritage in Beirut should be included in any sustainable planning agenda of the city. For a traumatized society after disastrous events, such as the port blast, such urgent conservation practices will give a sense of localness and recreate the inhabitants’ collective memories concerning the image of their city, which promotes healing on a mid-term plan.

The interventions for the structural stabilization of heritage buildings that are at risk are among the priorities that necessitate the cooperation of all the different sectors in the Lebanese society. In addition, the partnership between the different sectors of society and civil organizations reflects community awareness and provides the best model for saving and preserving heritage. Keen on seeing all these plans realized as soon as possible, Beirut Arab University is keen on contributing to all the stages of the process, beginning with the damage assessment, through to the intervention phase.

Prof. Amr Galal Al-Adawi

President of Beirut Arab University, Lebanon

Architecture and Planning Journal, APJ, celebrates its 26th volume issue 2 - 2020 - in synchronization with passing 60 years on founding Beirut Arab University in Lebanon. For further information, you can access the link below

https://digitalcommons.bau.edu.lb/apj/vol26/iss2/

Research Unit from the Faculty of Engineering completes Phase 2 of Beirut Port Blast

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Research-Unit-from-the-Faculty-of-Engineering-completes-Phase-2-of-Beirut-Port-Blast

The Research Unit Team from the Faculty of Engineering lead by Professor Yehya Temsah and including Dr. Ali Gahami, Colonel Bassam Timani and a group of Lab Technicians moved in their work from Phase 1 to the Phase 2 of the research project related to Beirut Port Explosion The Second Phase consisted of defining the mechanical properties of the Wheat Silos construction materials.

The Team performed a Site visit on September 16, 2020 to the explosion area in order to extract concrete core specimens and reinforcing rebar of different diameters from the Wheat Silos. The collected specimens were transmitted to the material laboratory at Debbieh Campus and were subject to tests in order to define their mechanical properties which is an important constituent part of the third research phase related to the structural analysis.