vladimir djurovic completes stepped hariri memorial

‘hariri memorial’ by vladimir djurovic landscape architecture, beirut, lebanon
all images courtesy of vladimir djurovic landscape architecture

ex-prime minister of lebanon rafic hariri was an important figure in the ambitious reconstruction efforts of war-torn beirut’s historic center. after his assassination on february 14th, 2005, landscape architect vladimir djurovic was commissioned to design a public space and memorial to honor hariri’s accomplishments. located near the center, the sloping triangular site was left as open as possible to free some breathing space in a densely packed urban fabric. gently sloping granite steps connect two patches of grassy lawn located at either end of the site, lined with jacaranda trees that inject a sense of cyclical rebirth. each of the steps leading into the town speaks to its rebuilding and offer a short promenade inviting visitors. alongside the steps, granite slabs contain vast pools of calmly flowing water that mark the continuity of the city.

bird’s eye view

geometric steps next to the row of jacaranda trees

flowing water

seasonal characteristics of the trees subtly transform the site

floor plan / level 0

section

elevation