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The Urbanist

Tall Stories 430: Holcim Foundation Awards series: Lina Ghotmeh

Oct 14, 2024
Lina Ghotmeh, a Lebanese-born architect and principal of her own practice, discusses the transformative power of sustainable design. She delves into how architecture can heal communities and uplift places, emphasizing the Holcim Foundation Awards' role in promoting innovative ideas. Ghotmeh reflects on her personal journey, weaving memories and cultural experiences into her designs. She highlights the vital interplay between sustainability and aesthetics, showcasing how her work addresses global challenges while fostering societal connection.
07:33

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Quick takeaways

  • Architecture can heal landscapes and strengthen community ties, especially in post-conflict areas like Beirut, showcasing its cultural significance.
  • Sustainable design encompasses durability, energy efficiency, and positive experiences, emphasizing beauty and ecological responsibility to address global climate challenges.

Deep dives

The Role of Architecture in Healing and Identity

Architecture serves as a powerful tool for healing landscapes and fostering community connections, particularly in post-conflict regions like Beirut. An architect's personal experiences, such as those of Lina Gottmay, illustrate the profound impact that a city’s historical and cultural context can have on design choices. By merging insights from archaeology with contemporary architectural practices, architects can create spaces that evoke a sense of belonging and reflect cultural identities. Projects like the Estonian National Museum highlight how architecture can serve as an incubator for culture, allowing communities to engage with their histories while promoting their individual identities.

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