Beirut. The Eras of Design

Under French rule (1918-1943), Beirut – proclaimed capital of Greater Lebanon in 1920 – restructured itself according to the Western model and thus distinguished itself from most of the cities of the Levant. Despite the significant development of its outskirts – due to major demographic growth – only the city centre benefited from these major works.

The exhibition starts by putting contemporary design in a historical perspective, from the 1940s to the 1990s. How was design born in Lebanon ? Who were the main actors and what were the most emblematic works ?

When the civil war (1975-1990) came to an end, the reconstruction of Beirut and a new start for Lebanon appeared to be an absolute priority in order to strengthen its appeal and attract investors. Many Lebanese citizens returned to the country. In this particular context, design began reclaiming geographical, economic and creative spaces. Beirut became a creative hub where workshops, galleries, schools, architecture firms, bars and restaurants set up shop.

Minjara, which means “carpentry” in Arabic, was born out of the desire to preserve Lebanon’s woodworking heritage and to foster dialogue between traditional craftspeople and contemporary designers in a spirit of innovation.

This project, implemented with the help of the European Union, aims to support the wood industry, which was in danger of disappearing in Tripoli due to the sectarian clashes that, until 2014, affected this region, which was once known as the basin of traditional Lebanese furniture and crafts.