How can precarious neighborhoods be transformed without demolition?

“First, it is necessary to recognize the value of what already exists on site, and only then intervene,” says another guest of Urban Talks. One of her research projects focuses on Bourj Hammoud, a densely populated, lower-income neighborhood in the eastern suburbs of Beirut. In her study, Lebanese-Armenian architect and designer Arine Aprahamian examines how architecture can contribute to improving everyday life. She shows that even small, carefully considered interventions can improve spatial quality and everyday living conditions – despite strong economic constraints and a lack of space. The research Bourj Hammoud: The Value of the Existing was conducted under the mentorship of Anne Lacaton as part of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. Listen to the next lecture in the Urban Talks series to learn more about the approach and current projects of Arine Aprahamian.