J. G. Jabbra Library and R. Nassar Central Administration
The Lebanese American University commissioned Atelier Pagnamenta Torriani (A*PT) to design a new Library and a Central Administration building on its Byblos Campus.
The excavated rock and the bare mountain above were the first impressions while
visiting the Byblos Campus site. The exposed sedimentary rock and the complex, stratified history of the region became the inspiration for our design.
Both the library and the administration buildings are placed adjacent to the excavated rock, forming an open amphitheater with the rock as a backdrop, juxtaposing the natural with the man-made.
The new structures are conceived as dynamic forms and their exterior skins are
layered, providing shade and optimizing diffused light inside according to the
orientation. The interior spaces of the library are developed around a large atrium that acts like a hub, brings great luminosity, and allows for natural air circulation. In our design, the exterior spaces flow seamlessly inside, creating connectivity between the two. The interior spaces are fluid, open, and transparent.
Throughout the project the contrast between solid and transparent is apparent. During the day, the building facades are opaque and become more transparent in the evening. Above the amphitheater, a concrete wall displays the carvings of the four alphabets historically used in Jbeil.
Passive features inspired from the local typology are incorporated into the design: the double outer skin allows for shading, ventilation, and light diffusion, and the main open atrium acts like a chimney vent; detaching the buildings from the rock
allows the Mediterranean sea breeze to circulate and ventilate the outdoor amphitheater and café areas.
The library and ancillary spaces create synergy among scholarly activities and social life, while providing common ground for diverse student activities and forms of information: an inclusive space for exchange, communication, learning, and
understanding.
Responsible Design
The J. Jabbra Library and R. Nassar Central Administration buildings situated on the Jbeil Campus of the Lebanese American University were designed following an extensive study and understanding of the local culture, heritage, habitats, climate, typology, materials and know- how.
Atelier Pagnamenta Torriani analyzed the History and Culture of Jbeil, Lebanon,
recognizing the stratification of cultures from the Phoenicians to the Ottomans and beyond. The local geography was studied, as well as the high seismic area. The climate was tabulated including the local prevailing winds and the yearly path of the sun. The typology and heritage of the region were investigated, uncovering traditional strategies for sun protection and air circulation. Finally, bringing the students closer to the Campus natural environment became a top priority.
The Report’s findings and recommendations underpinned Atelier Pagnamenta
Torriani’s holistic design, which includes architecture, landscape, interiors, and
furniture. RELK joined as engineers and architects of record.
The library and central administration buildings are well integrated in the Campus site, standing adjacent to the majestic rock. They are opaque during the day, and glow gently during the evening hours exposing the interiors minimizing light pollution.
The buildings incorporate traditional passive design strategies, beyond the LEED
System, such as double skin, Mashrabiya inspired, and chimney vent style open atrium. Natural diffused light, natural ventilation and photovoltaic solar panels greatly reduce the reliance on and consumption of electrical energy, a scarce commodity in Lebanon.
The wellbeing of the users is enhanced by the diffused light and serene atmosphere, the natural air circulation supplemented by controlled climate, the inviting open staircase, accessibility at all levels, the continuous views to the exterior, the ample choice of study spaces inside and outside, and the custom designed, locally built ergonomic furniture.
Regenerative and adaptable design
Regenerative Design is for A*PT:
A holistic, low-tech passive approach became the design philosophy for the Jabbra Library and the Nassar Central Administration: harvesting natural light, allowing sea breezes to flow freely, integrating the surrounding natural elements and implementing local proven typologies.
Both the library and the administration buildings are placed adjacent to the excavated rock, forming an open amphitheater, a nod to the historic past, with the rock as a backdrop, integrating the natural with the man-made.
The strategic positioning creates a breeze path alongside the buildings cooling the
outdoor areas and brings views of the natural rock inside, connecting the users to the natural surroundings.
Natural light is harvested using the double layer façade bringing gentle diffused light in all study/work areas. In addition, the translucent double skin allows continuous views to the exterior campus landscape and cools the façade by allowing natural air circulation.
The open atrium, inspired by the chimney effect typology, circulates air by drawing warm air up so it can escape and replacing it with cooler air below.
These low-tech passive design decisions align and integrate the buildings with the
landscape and local climate making it one and bringing them in tune with nature.
Climate change resilience
The Jabbra Library and the Nassar Administration building are surrounded by green areas and by the natural exposed sedimentary rock.
The buildings are well integrated along the exposed rock and among each other
forming an outdoor amphitheater, a shaded café area and a sunken garden.
The exterior areas adjacent to the new complex are mostly permeable and green,
including the sunken garden with native trees and shrubs. This garden is accessible from the library lower level. The adjacent green areas are planted with native and indigenous species.
As far as sustainable building approaches, techniques and resilience, after studying and analyzing the region’s typology, climate and culture, A*PT applied a low-tech passive design approach to our design.
Passive features provide wellbeing to the users without consuming energy and are
inherently resilient. The main passive strategies are:
• Shading and ventilating the facades (double outer skin).
• Harvesting diffused natural light (double outer skin).
• Continuous views to the exterior campus landscape and exposed rock, creating
connectivity between the exterior and interior. Outside-In and Inside-Out.
• The chimney effect of the large atrium provides natural air circulation inside the
library.
• Detaching the buildings from the sedimentary exposed rock allows sea breezes to circulate and ventilate the outdoor study/play areas, including the café and the
outdoor amphitheater, and brings the natural rock views inside the buildings.
• Creating a sunken garden with native trees and bushes to bring natural light to the lower library level, cool the adjacent areas and offer a dedicated outdoor study area for the library users.
As far as biodiversity, leaving the exposed rock helps maintain certain forms of life, while the green areas that host native and indigenous vegetation attract native insects and animals.
