REMEMBERING WATER - REIMAGINING THE CITY

BY THARAN FERGUS, DIFAF, ATELIER HAMRA, LIL MADINA

Part of Forum on Cities & Designers in partnership with Public Works Studio

Almost all large cities have at some point in time tried to tame their rivers and streams by covering, culverting or lining and straightening them. This has solved some problems but created others. Many cities are now trying to reverse this trend, revitalising both rivers and hydrological systems, mimicking natural processes and greening cities in the process, as well as conserving and saving water. Designers and architects are very much in the forefront of this process. The imagining and images designers and architects create are powerful tools of change in urban planning and a first step to move city bureaucrats, engineers and the public towards a more sustainable water management practice.

This workshop, led by hydrologist Tharan Fergus in collaboration with water management expert Hussam Hawwa (Difaf), architect Maha Issa (Atelier Hamra), and Lil Madina Initiative, will explore different international ‘water in the city’ projects and the water management challenges facing Beirut and Lebanon. How can designers, urban planners and policymakers address these challenges at multiple scales? How can designers help reimagine water as a common resource for the city and its dwellers?

 Tharan Fergus Hydrologist based in Oslo Noway, 25 yrs experience in flood and erosion management and river restoration. Currently working for City of Oslo, Agency for Water and Wastewater Services as project developer for 'water in the city' projects: urban river restoration and sustainable stormwater management.

Hussam Hawwa (Difaf) is an agriculture & Biosystems Engineer with masters in rural development and integrated water resources management. More than 10 years’ experience in water, wastewater, and environmental sectors with focus on management, treatment, restoration, and designing of sustainable solutions. Founder of Difaf, an environmental consultancy and technical design bureau focused on improving water and environmental resources through holistic assessments and technical-social interventions.

Maha Issa (Atelier Hamra) Architect by training and landscape architect by practice, Maha was part of the the landscape architecture firm “AgenceTer” in Paris for five years up till 2005. Co-founder, with Gamar Markarian, of Atelier Hamra in 2008: a multidisciplinary and open design practice allowing for experiments in architecture and landscape architecture. We collaborate with engineers, hydrologists, botanists (and others) to propose the most responsive design to a site. Our projects are developed with a constant concern for sustainability, ecology and water management. In parallel to our practice, we are strong believers in the social role and responsibility of a landscape architect, and are often reflecting on issues regarding public space, access to play areas, and green areas within the city.

Lilmadina Initiative is a collective of researchers, professionals, residents and community activists residing in the Greater Saida Region. Lil-madina engages in various research,design and advocacy activities relating to protecting the natural environment/cultural heritage, resisting problematic planning projects as well as developing alternative visions/policies for the Greater Saida Region.

Sunday, June 24 

4 PM - 8 PM 

Beit Beirut and Site Visit 

Free of Charge