This lecture explores the power of architectural archives as a tool for cross-cultural dialogue, connecting past practices to contemporary debates. By revisiting modernist buildings of the 1930s–70s, a period that was often inherently sustainable long before sustainability became a marketing term, the session highlights overlooked lessons in design, resilience, and environmental awareness.
The lecture also examines the pitfalls of past renovations that stripped buildings of their cultural identity and “soul,” offering insights into how adaptive reuse, cultural preservation, and the meeting of tradition with technology can guide more thoughtful approaches today.
Participating Expert
George Arbid
As a co-founder and director of the Arab Center for Architecture (ACA) in Beirut, Arbid has significantly contributed to documenting, researching, and preserving modern architectural heritage across the region.
