A Lecture by Eng Nabil Azar on An Approach to Design at BAU

The Faculty of Architectural Engineering at Beirut Arab University concluded its cultural season for the occasion of the Golden Jubilee with a lecture by Architect Nabil Azar entitled “An Approach to Design”. The lecture was held at Debbieh Site on the 29th of April, 2013, and was attended by Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of the University, Eng. Elie Bsaibes, President of the Order of Engineers and Architects, represented by Eng. Hassan Damj, Mr. Beshir Itani, General Coordinator of the “Future Movement” at Beirut in Beirut, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Attia, Dean of the Faculty of Architectural Engineering, as well as a crowd of architects, staff-members and students of Architecture.

After the national and BAU Anthems were played, Dean Ahmed Attia seized the opportunity to mourn Eng. Yasser Halaby, asking the audience to rise for a minute of silence. Prof. Attiah next introduced Eng. Nabil Azar as a distinguished Architect in the Arab World, who has succeeded in unifying the language of architecture, bringing together the reinterpretation of the historical language derived from traditions and classics, and the language inspired by contemporary modernity.

In turn, Eng. Nabil Azar shared his experiences, introducing the students to the constituents that need to be followed before preparing any design, such as the means to persuade the project funding party without any changes made to the designs, an in-depth study of the history of the place, the features of the site, as well as the programs that need to accompany the construction elements and the technological advancement. Azar also highlighted the need for in-depth research when following-up on the minutest details of some elements, such as the various functions, the surroundings, the structure, the nature of the project – be it governmental, residential or a hospital – the external spaces, construction rules and sustainability structures.

 

Azar further presented a number of the most important projects he had undertaken, such as the Lebanese Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament’s residence, the Parliament Offices, Beirut Municipality, in addition to the renovation of the Parliament itself. He also elaborated on the “Olayan School of Business” at AUB which was undertaken in collaboration with one of the most prominent international construction companies, and for which he was awarded the American Institute of Architects Award in 2010.

At the end of the lecture, Eng. Azar answered the audience’s questions and signed his book and dedicated it to the Faculty’s Library for students to benefit from it, hailing them as the “colleagues of the future”.