BLF Headquarters, Beirut
In August 2016, architectural practice Snøhetta won the competition to design the new Banque Libano Francaise (BLF) headquarters in Beirut. The project is Snøhetta’s first commission in Lebanon.
The design for the new high-rise block is characterised by its chequerboard-patterned facades. It will also feature plant-covered terraces carved into the roof and walls.
The working environment focuses on exterior spaces carved from the built volume. Terraces provide staff with access to outdoor spaces, becoming ‘social hubs around which the working environment is organised.’
The public domain forms the foundation of the new headquarters building, connected to the street and surrounding urban context, and containing public functions and facilities.
Interiors feature stepped seating areas, lounges set on platforms and private meeting spaces contained within glass boxes.
Snøhetta founding partner Kjetil T. Thorsen said: “We are delighted to enter into this creative partnership with the BLF. In a time of profound change and transformation, the BLF is an ideal partner for Snøhetta with our shared ideals of sustainability, community, and dialogue.”
Content and images courtesy of Snøhetta.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
HSE simplified advice for installers of stone worktops
After company fined for repeatedly failing to protect workers.
Co-located with 10th year of UK Construction Week.
How orchards can influence planning and development.
Time for knapping, no time for napping
Decorative split stone square patterns in facades.
A practical guide to the use of flint in design and architecture.
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from construction and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.