Redefining Beirut : city gates portal 8.0

Abstract

Throughout history, architects and urban planners have always designed cities in a defensive typology, usually the cities had a physical limit or boundary, and were walled with gateways as entrances. Nowadays, the concept of cities has changed due to the exponential growth of populations and the expansion of cities and their suburbs. Cities have lost their sense of boundary which in turn plays a role in its identity and character. In this report, the main objective is to show, analyze and give a new way of interpreting future cities, based on the nostalgic idea of city gateways throughout history. Moreover, how a city gateway can replenish a city and at the same time act as part of the city’s identity and character. How and why it can enhance a city’s image and change its reputation socially and economically.