Rachid Karami International Fair - TSEZ

Tripoli Special Economic Zone (TSEZ) launched an urban and architectural competition for the development of the Rachid Karami International Fair Grounds, previously designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The intention was to develop the Knowledge and Innovation Center (KIC) within the fairgrounds that would encourage collaborative experiences and attract entrepreneurial activities, start-ups and SMEs with its progressive facilities, open space and shared offices, and dynamic growth environment.

Our entry was based on concepts of flow, interaction and links with the neighboring community. The development conceptualized is largely pedestrian and cycle-friendly, with vehicular access placed on the site’s periphery and underground. The phasing plan placed negative and outdoor spaces at the forefront. The brutalist architecture of Niemeyer is juxtaposed with a translucent palette of materials that ‘floats’ around the existing monolithic structures.