Saint Elie Cathedral (Beirut, Lebanon)

The main objectives on that restoration and extension project were to establish and enhance the relation between the cathedral and its surroundings and to create a pedestrian path linking it to the future archeological park "the garden of forgiveness".
​
In parallel, the project provides a generous ceremonial space while working extensively on both underground and cathedral levels combining internal and external spaces, porticos and courtyards. These spatial elements redefine the cathedral's ritual within a series of private, semi-public and public spaces.

The intervention on the main church vaulted structure is marked by the delicate restoration of the sandstone masonry and the integration of new laminated glass-marble panels. These new windows, emphasized by the marble’s ochre veins, constitute a contemporary translucent skin through which natural light is diffused and filtered into the sacred space.