BDP - Mixed-Use Development - Beirut, Achrafieh
Date: 12 Jan 2004
A new retail and leisure development, the ABC Centre, has opened in the fashionable Beirut suburb of Achrafieh.
Designed by BDP for ABC (SAL) Beirut a major Lebanese retail developer, the scheme offers a blend of state of the art retail, catering & leisure facilities, equivalent to contemporary European centres, with elements of traditional Lebanese design that respond to the climate and setting of the development.
The £60M, 50,000 m² scheme is anchored by a department store operated by ABC, one of Lebanon’s leading retailers. The ABC store provides over 8,000 m² retail space located on three levels, with the potential for an additional 2,200 m² at the fourth (restaurant) level. Unit shops provide a further 15,000 m² of retail space, ranging in size from 24 m² to 3,000 m².
Responding to the steeply sloping site, the retail units are located on three levels. The upper two levels have direct access to street level whilst the lowest level has street access via the ABC Store. The third level offers souk style shopping on a more intimate scale.
2,500 m² of restaurant space is provided, located on all retail levels but particularly at level four to take advantage of views towards the Mediterranean sea. This level consists of a series of linked spaces of different character; an open courtyard to the north end, a terraced ‘garden’ overlooking malls to the centre of the scheme. Level four also accommodates an eight screen cinema, whilst the courtyard can be used for functions, performances and concerts.
Malls are designed as external spaces that relate directly to the surrounding street pattern, particularly at level three, but are separated from the noise and bustle of those streets to provide a relaxed shopping environment. Responding to the warm local climate, malls are covered but not enclosed. Taking their form from traditional Lebanese arches and domes, roofs over sail the malls to provide weather protection and shade which together with under floor cooling create a pleasantly cool environment. Sunlight is allowed to filter through roof shading and mature palm trees to all levels of shopping.
Over 1,300 car parking spaces are provided, located on three levels below the centre and four additional levels to the north of the development. Vehicle access is directly off the adjoining street network; direct pedestrian access is provided to all retail levels. The steeply sloping site allows all levels to be at least partially open to natural ventilation and daylight.
BDP was appointed architect, quantity surveyor, landscape architect, interior design, civil & structural engineer, building services engineer, lighting design.
The ABC Centre
Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Construction Newsletter » Submit news
