Airs Saturday 18 December at 1830 and repeated Sunday 19 December at 1530 and 2130 Beirut Time
Design 360, CNN's popular programme focusing on the world of design, visits Beirut, to find out about the architectural and cultural renaissance which has been taking place there since the civil war ended fifteen years ago. Fionnuala Sweeney, host of the programme explores the many buildings, commercial and residential, which still bear the scars of that protracted conflict, but discovers that preserving these buildings as such is indeed the intention of those who've been rebuilding the Lebanese capital.
Sweeney talks to architect Bernard Khouri, the man behind the famous bunker concept nightclub B018, amongst other things. Like so many professionals of his generation, Khouri returned to Beirut from the United States when peace finally prevailed. Khouri initially wanted to help rebuild the shattered capital and imagined creating public buildings like schools and libraries, however, he is most famous for his uniquely designed restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
"What brought me back to building was the entertainment industry. I came to realise the entertainment industry is a market because it is also certainly is a reflection of civilization, a form of culture. And, it is also a face of a city, a relevant face of a city," says Khouri in the programme.
Sweeney also talks to Annabelle Karim Kassar who works for Solidaire, the company whose is rebuilding the traditional souks and downtown area of Beirut, which have all but disappeared.
"There is a part designed like a traditional souk with highlighted ceilings...and the new part will be like the cinemas and the Imax...I think its nice to mix the old and new things, I like it," says Kassar to CNN.
Join Design 360 each Sunday as it lifts the lid on the complex world of design. Seeking out experts in every field from architecture to appliances, from fashion to football, the show travels across the world to investigate the creative process, the social context and ultimately the business of design.
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Contact:
Seema Alibhai +44 207 693 0940
seema.alibhai@turner.com
© Press Release 2004
