Amidst an economic crisis crippling the vast majority of the Lebanese society, DSVI students investigate the role of architectural design and design thinking in promoting local production and autonomy within the historic neighborhood of Mar Mikhael. Stemming from an attitude that capitalizes on existing resources and calls for innovative and sustainable design solutions across the economic, social and environmental sectors, the studio’s agenda was centered on 3 thematic components representing possible outcomes of production: food, energy and products.
Following a reflection on the consequences of the economic crisis exacerbated by the shortage of energy and supplies, students identified shortcomings and highlighted opportunities for self-sufficient businesses in a specific area or industry within the thematic trio. Whether it is to provide an answer to a need (solution-driven) or exploit a business opportunity (profit-oriented), students were asked to present feasibility studies backing up their proposals using collected data, info graphics, interviews, mapping, and stakeholder identification.
They then tailored a more thorough analysis based on their topic(s) of interest, leading to site selection and program development. The students picked case studies that were in line with their programmatic and tectonic interests to be applied later on in their designs.
While some ventured to explore the possibility of preserving heritage by upgrading building systems, others looked into space itself as a product looking at precedents like Beit Komati and other. With sensibility towards the environment, others looked at the catastrophic impact of demolition waste generated by August 4rth as an opportunity for the artistic community and for research on material reuse and recycling in Lebanon.