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
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from constructuon 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.
The increasing costs of repair and remediation
Highlighted by regulator of social housing, as acceleration plan continues.
Free topic guide on mould in buildings
The new TG 26/2024 published by BSRIA.
Greater control for LAs over private rental selective licensing
A brief explanation of changes with the NRLA response.
Practice costs for architectural technologists
Salary standards and working out what you’re worth.
The Health and Safety Executive at 50
And over 200 years of Operational Safety and Health.
Thermal imaging surveys a brief intro
Thermal Imaging of Buildings; a pocket guide BG 72/2017.
Internally insulating a historical building
An experimental DIY approach using mineral thermal lime plaster.
Tree species selection for green infrastructure: A guide for specifiers.
50 million new trees over 25 years.
Art of Building CIOB photographic competition public vote
The last week to vote for a winner until 10 January 2025.
The future of the Grenfell Tower site
Principles, promises, recommendations and a decision expected in February 2025.