"The Egg" Restoration

The studio focused on preserving “The Egg” in Beirut, an unfinished brutalist cinema from the 1960s that remains a symbolic concrete shell scarred by Lebanon’s civil war. The first task involved studying an organism with defense mechanisms, leading me to the Texas Horned Lizard, whose traits of armor, camouflage, and inflation inspired a conceptual 3D model integrated into the final design. The second phase centered on researching Lebanon’s political, economic, and social history, producing diagrams analyzing government negligence, the Beirut Blast, civil unrest, and the symbolic Greenline that once divided the city. These studies informed strategies for restoration and community engagement rooted in Beirut’s resilience. The design aimed to preserve The Egg’s cinematic heritage while transforming it into a space for cultural unity and reflection. A lightweight green roof structure made from Glass-Fiber Reinforced Panels wraps the building, symbolizing the Greenline’s rebirth and Beirut’s pursuit of peace. This green addition enhances sustainability, regulates heat, and supports biodiversity while blending with the building’s concrete form. Beneath it, an open-air community space encourages gathering, dialogue, and relaxation. Adjacent conference rooms and offices host peace organizations and community initiatives that promote healing and collaboration. Overall, the proposal transforms The Egg into a living monument—one that preserves history, fosters connection, and embodies Beirut’s enduring spirit of renewal.