The Lion Tower, or Burj es-Sabaa in Arabic, is a remarkable example of military Mamluke fortress architecture from the late 15th century. Situated at the eastern edge of Tripoli’s harbor in North Lebanon, this two-story tower features cross and barrel stone vaults and was named for the lion reliefs that once adorned its façade. Although the tower remains largely intact, it has suffered damage to its upper corner from a bombing.

In this interior design studio, students were challenged to convert the grand structure into a Cinema Art Center, aiming to draw visitors for an exceptional journey through art and cinema. The project required them to seamlessly integrate the building’s existing elements, including its roof and surroundings, to create a dynamic and engaging landmark. Additionally, the design task included developing a plan to reconstruct the missing section of the tower.