Creative hub inspired by Libyan Revolution opens in Tripoli, courtesy of Libya Design
Libya Design, together with Allabina and HudHud, has completed a modest creative hub in the Libyan city of Tripoli. Opened in June 2013, the 140 sq m facility is now a thriving cultural base bringing together local artists to exhibit their work, express their ideas and socialise in an informal environment.
Costing just £99,600 to complete, the build was inspired by the Libyan Revolution of 2011, as Chairman and Co-Founder of Libya Design Walid El-Turki explains: “Doshma is an architectural response to a country’s struggle.”
As such, the team has used the same materials and welding processed used to build defences by the Libyans, selecting their construction materials to ‘reflect the spirit of the revolution in their ‘back to basics’ approach’.
CEO of construction contractor and developer HudHud Omar Alelwani details: “It is important to us to use local contruction methods and materials. It’s a small development, but a significant step for HudHud and Libya itself.”
Also incorporated into the build is a bright orange shipping container which protrudes from the glittering glass façade. In an area where the majority of the buildings are concrete-based constructions, the new ‘Doshma’ art hub stands out starkly as ‘the cultural heart of Tripoli’.
This shipping container was originally used to transport supplies and aid to Tripoli during the revolution so its incorporation into this structure is a symbolic one, supporting the new building as it once offered support to the Libyan revolution.
Internally the form offers a vaulted ceiling and split-level floor. Although the aluminium ceiling gives a raw, industrial feel, the colourful artwork within offers warmth and personality.