Lebanon's first post-war government was determined to turn disaster into opportunity through a unique form of public-private partnership. Creating a special zone, the Beirut Central District (BCD), the government commissioned its urban planning and formed a private development corporation - SOLIDERE - in which the BCD's former owners and tenants pooled their property assets in exchange for controlling shares, with new shareholders contributing the company's working capital.
 
SOLIDERE was required under its formation decree to build the entire infrastructure and public space of the city center, comprising half its land area, and deliver it to the public authority. The company finalized the majority of the infrastructure in 1996 and continues to work through a rolling program of more than 60 public parks, gardens, squares, pedestrian areas and waterfront promenades. The restoration of Beirut's historic core represents a major urban regeneration achievement on a global scale.
 
However, the belt of BCD remains excluded from the urban and architectural plans because they contradict the esthetical paradigm underlying within Beirut's existing fabric.
 
The urbanization of Beirut seems to be "generative" rather than "parasitic." That is, the growth of Beirut has been more of a stimulus than a hindrance to the economy. Residents of Beirut have also been able to preserve familial ties and connections and Beirut has been able to retain much of the cultural flavour it is famous for.
 
After the war, an opposition was developed between the city centre, which became the focus of the reconstruction effort, and the surrounding districts within the city, which have been neglected. Outside of the center, rampant speculation is radically changing the character of historic neighbourhoods, and gentrifying in the process these neighbourhoods. This is largely due to the failure of the political authorities to develop and implement a new urban plan that limits densities, safeguards historic landmarks, and creates much needed public spaces and green parksThe reconstruction was also controversial at the urban level, as some districts irreversibly lost their character.
 
Therefore, the project ARCHIMEDES might be a stepping stone in establishing a wider project of strategic planning that takes into consideration the whole city. 

Link to the Pilot Projet in Beirut

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