A cantilever stretching 21 meters. That’s the Issam Fares Institute for you. Right here before us.
The Issam Fares Institute isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to Lebanese ambition a beacon of policy research in the Arab world. Founded in 2006 through the generosity of Issam Fares a prominent Lebanese businessman and former Deputy Prime Minister. It sits proudly on the American University of Beirut campus. A place where research and policy intertwine.
Think of it a bridge. A bridge connecting academia with policymakers. Researchers here tackle complex issues affecting Lebanon and the Arab world. They provide evidence-based solutions. They foster interdisciplinary discussions. Scholars civil society actors media and policymakers all find a home within its walls. The institute organizes conferences workshops and symposia. It hosts visiting fellows and guest lecturers. The goal is clear to inform policy and shape public debate.
But the Issam Fares Institute is more than just ideas. Its architecture is a masterpiece. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid a former AUB student. It’s a stunning structure. Its design minimizes impact on the surroundings while preserving breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The building seamlessly blends with the hundred-year-old ficus and cypress trees on campus. Its height mirrors those of the surrounding trees creating a harmonious integration. This harmonious design even won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016 the same year Zaha Hadid passed away.
The institute’s 3000 square feet house research spaces a reading room and workshop conference rooms. Interlocking platforms create seamless pathways between research and discussion areas. A second-floor ramp connects research rooms to the rest of the campus. It’s a clever design that encourages collaboration and interaction.
The oval courtyard on the upper campus offers a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation. It’s a place to absorb the beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s a space where inspiration blossoms. A space for the future of policy in the Arab world.
So gaze upon the Issam Fares Institute. More than just a building. It’s a symbol of innovation dedication and a commitment to shaping a brighter future for the region. It’s a testament to the power of ideas and the beauty of architecture. A place where the past present and future intertwine. A truly remarkable place.