The project is a contemporary arts center in a historic town.

Zgharta, the second biggest city in Northern Lebanon after Tripoli, is mostly known for its historic and traditional houses and urban fabric most of which dates back to the 19th century; with a unique architectural feature: a sloped red brick coverage. A fact that we could not underestimate when our architectural project is located in the heart of Zgharta: Zgharta’s historic Main square and next to Saydet Zgharta, a church that existed since the 16th century and is the first construction ever held in Zgharta since the major migration of citizens from Ehden to Zgharta in 1516.

As the city began to grow, Zgharta’s need for educational and cultural hubs began to increase. As a result, more schools were built and the Cinema was introduced as a daily activity. In fact, Cinemas were all a source of communication, socializing and knowledge projecting daily news and holding out cultural activities.

In conclusion, the project combines those two factors by proposing a performing arts center that follows the traditional sloped brick silhouette in its volume.