According to my original metro design proposal, among the proposed stations along Lebanon’s coastal subway system, Adlieh and Sodeco stand out as two of the most complex and critical to the network’s success. These stations, positioned at key nodes within the urban transit framework, embody not only infrastructural complexity but also the socio-spatial and morphological challenges of embedding large-scale public works into Beirut’s fragmented urban fabric.
Adlieh Station, in particular, is envisioned as a critical interchange, linking six incoming and outgoing metro lines. As a polycentric node, it will serve as a mediator of flows—of people, goods, and information—positioning it as an urban convergence point within Beirut’s transportation system. Yet its realization demands the acquisition of eight privately owned plots of high-value land adjacent to a major bridge. This land, situated in a prime yet underutilized location, represents a contested urban landscape where questions of land-use allocation, governance, and public good intersect.
The station’s schematic design must reconcile the tension between functional efficiency and urban integration. From an architectural perspective, Adlieh requires a multi-layered approach to its spatial organization. The convergence of six lines necessitates vertically stratified circulation systems, integrating platforms, concourses, and access points across several levels to manage high volumes of passenger flow. Beyond this, the station should incorporate programmatic hybridity—housing retail, cultural, and civic functions—to transform it from a mono-functional transit hub into a vibrant urban catalyst.
Urban theorists have long emphasized the importance of connectivity and permeability in the design of transit nodes. For Adlieh, this translates to creating pedestrian-friendly access zones, porous boundaries, and transit-oriented development (TOD) strategies. These design moves will foster urban porosity, ensuring the station seamlessly connects with its surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, prioritizing active frontage along the station’s edges—through storefronts, plazas, and public art—can mitigate its scale and anchor it within the existing urban grain.
The station’s development must also address socio-spatial justice, a cornerstone of contemporary urban theory. The acquisition of land in an affluent area for public use raises critical questions about territorial rebalancing and the right to the city. Adlieh offers an opportunity to create a public space that transcends its immediate transit function, potentially becoming a civic landmark that bridges social divides and democratizes urban access.
Similarly, Sodeco Station, arguably even more complex due to its proximity to the city center and the Solidere district, faces unique challenges related to connectivity and urban integration. Its location within a dense and historically charged area necessitates a design approach that navigates the overlapping layers of urban memory, economic activity, and cultural significance. The station’s complexity lies not only in its role as a transit hub but also in its potential impact on Beirut’s socio-economic and spatial dynamics.
From an environmental standpoint, the integration of sustainable design principles—such as passive ventilation systems, renewable energy sources, and the use of recycled materials—will ensure that Adlieh aligns with global urban sustainability goals. Moreover, the station’s role in reducing car dependency aligns with the broader objectives of eco-urbanism, potentially alleviating Beirut’s notorious traffic congestion and reducing urban air pollution.
Adlieh Metro Station represents not only an infrastructural milestone but also a spatial and social experiment in redefining Beirut’s urban logic. Its success will depend on bridging the macro-scale logistics of transit planning with the micro-scale dynamics of local neighborhoods. Through careful integration of architectural and urbanist theory, Adlieh has the potential to become a socio-spatial equalizer, a beacon of connectivity, and a symbol of Beirut’s aspirations for a more sustainable, inclusive urban future.
It is important to clarify that the proposed schematic design is not intended as a definitive or contemporary vision of the project. Rather, it serves as a speculative exploration—an architectural provocation aimed at sparking discussion and raising awareness about the urban and infrastructural challenges these stations embody. By situating the design within the realm of possibility, the intention is to engage with the intricacies of such a project and inspire a broader discourse on alternative approaches.
This speculative design intentionally refrains from conforming to a finalized vision, as the fluidity and complexities of Beirut’s urban fabric require a solution that evolves with its context. As such, it operates as a starting point—an idea to be iterated upon, critiqued, and refined. In presenting this proposal, the aim is not to dictate a singular narrative but to highlight the inherent challenges and opportunities of designing for such pivotal urban nodes.
In essence, the design is not an endpoint but a means to initiate dialogue. It underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach that considers architecture, urban planning, and socio-economic realities in tandem. Through this speculative lens, the proposal becomes an instrument for questioning, inspiring, and imagining a more integrated, contemporary future for Beirut’s metro network.
