Digital District – Knowledge and Innovation Center

International Fair Tripoli - Lebanon

Awards & Competitions

2019

Area: 70,000 sqm

First Prize Winner

The primary objective behind the development of our concept was to successfully fulfill the requirements of the Knowledge and Innovation Center while, most importantly, respecting and preserving the work of Oscar Niemeyer without compromising its potential inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

To achieve these goals, we adopted an architectural approach that is fully embedded within the landscape and entirely underground. This strategy ensures no visual conflict with Niemeyer’s existing volumes, significantly reduces the visual presence of concrete, and maximizes green spaces, which represent approximately 90% of the allocated site area. In addition, this approach offers substantial environmental and energy-saving benefits. We were fully aware that this was the more demanding and technically challenging option, requiring a far more rigorous design process in order to successfully integrate all programmatic and functional requirements.

Particular attention was also given to the composition of the master plan, which was conceived by following the directive geometries generated by Niemeyer’s existing volumes on site. This approach allows the project to become fully integrated with its surroundings, establishing a natural continuity with the existing architectural language. Furthermore, the interior spaces were designed according to a modular planning strategy, providing a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to the evolving needs of end users.

Aerial view of a city with numerous high-rise buildings, a large body of water in the background, and a construction site marked as 'KIC SITE' with a red dashed line. The site is near a highway with multiple lanes.
Aerial view of a modern urban development with a large, landscaped complex, surrounding roads, high-rise buildings in the background, and a coastal area with sailboats in the distance.
A large modern innovation campus with labeled sections for various technologies, trees, and pathways, featuring a prominent 'HIGH TECH' sign, and a city skyline in the background.
Modern building with extensive glass exterior, surrounded by a grassy area, under a bright blue sky.
Modern rooftop with glass railing and green grass, view of a blue sky with clouds
Night view of a modern rooftop terrace with illuminated signs, a glass railing, trees below, and two people walking.
A modern rooftop garden with green plants, and white signs spelling 'DATA', 'mdm', and partly visible 'A0C'. In the background, a city skyline with various buildings and a sky with light clouds.
Modern office building with glass walls and an interior courtyard filled with grass and trees, with the sun shining brightly.
Night view of a modern building with glass walls, surrounded by lit trees and benches on a grassy area.
Modern office interior with a large glass window showing outdoor trees and grass, and a lobby area with a yellow wall and furniture.
An aerial view of a modern urban park with pathways, green spaces, and rectangular garden plots filled with trees and plants.
A digital architectural drawing of a multi-level sports facility, including courts, seating areas, and surrounding landscape, shown in an exploded view.
Modern building's courtyard with manicured grass, trees, reflecting pools, and architectural overhangs.
A modern outdoor courtyard with trees, grass, and benches, surrounded by contemporary buildings with glass windows.
Design plan and architectural renderings of a Knowledge and Innovation Center in Tripoli's Special Economic Zone, featuring multiple views, layouts, and sections of the facility with green spaces and modern structures.
Cross-sectional architectural drawing of a large modern building with multiple levels, green spaces, and parking garages beneath.
Cross-section architectural drawing of a multi-story building with underground parking, trees in the courtyard, and people walking on the upper levels.
Cross-sectional architectural drawing of a multi-level building with parking garage below, landscaped terrace, and upper floors with windows and outdoor seating areas.
Architectural section of a modern building complex with underground parking, open interior spaces, and large trees integrated into the design under a cloudy sky.
Cross-section illustration of a multi-level underground transportation station with walking areas, stairs, escalators, and a parking garage on the left, and a building or platform over the station on the right.