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
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Put digitalisation and sustainability at the core of curricula
Project management educators are urged.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.
APM Programme Management Conference 2024
Strategies for Success.
Residential takes the reins as contract awards even out
Contracts down, but remain above the last quarter of 2023.
Celebrating Eid and the largest mud-brick building.
Barry Kingscote claims prestigious CIOB CMYA Award.
The British Mosque: an architectural and social history
The story of some 1,500 mosques or more in Britain.
Heat pump refrigerants, efficiencies and impacts
R12 to R1270 what are the differences?
Global heat pump market in 2023
Challenging times with positive but modest outlook.
Beyond the infrastructure pipeline
Opportunities and chokepoints.