The morphing city spine

Abstract

This linear park has been a disused rail corridor reimagines as a leafy, energized civic spine in the heart of Beirut’s densely populated area. It is continuous network of green open spaces passing through 3 main neighborhoods – Mar Mikhael, Geitaoui and Corniche el Nahr – connecting two historic train stations through an old railway corridor, the Morphing Spine. Why morphing? This term explains the project’s flexibility and ability to respond to its immediate context, reflect the identity of the surrounding neighborhoods and also have a design which is in itself morphing through a series of continuous spaces. The Spine also serves as a powerful metaphor for the city’s morphing and move from an industrial past to a modern society. This new platform for public engagement provides a transformative social and environmental role in the area.