Museum of Light - Manara Beirut, Lebanon

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Museum of Light - Manara Beirut

This project introduces the concept of a museum and exhibition of natural light manifestation, reflection, and refraction within an open structure in the heart of Beirut's Manara district. The museum structure itself acts as an exhibit, as the the openings and windows within the structure are designed in a manor to manipulate the natural light rays entering the structure. The museum design , located on the shores of the mediterranean sea, is influenced by mediterranean architecture as well as renaissance spatial concepts where the architectural plan is centralised on a circular form inscribed in a square.

The museum is indeed an allegory of light with a feeling of reaching infinity. The feeling of walking the staircases feels very easy almost natural. Its unique central geometry is meant to allow visitors to easily experience its display of light refractions and reflections starting at sea level (as the museum is located by the sea) and ascending up towards the sky where the light is sourced . The museum also includes a designated staircase which provides panoramic views of the sunset and horizon along the Beiruti Mediterranean coast. The museum serves to provide a forum for public contemplation of the different aspects and characteristics of the sun and its interaction with the built environment.