Lebanon is located at the junction of the Orient and the Occident. Under French rule (1918–1943), Beirut, the capital of Greater Lebanon since 1920, is restructured along Western lines, distinguishing it from the majority of the Levantine towns. A periphery emerges as a result of rapid population growth. However, only the city center has benefited from extensive construction. In the early 2000s, the country, where the most diverse cultural perspectives collide, experiences an upswing in all artistic fields, including design.
From 7 April to 6 August 2023, the exhibition “Beirut – Eras of Design” at the mudac in Lausanne will examine the specific constellation in which “economic and architectural reconstruction, social awareness, and international development are intertwined,” according to the announcement. In this context, design represents the will to “determine its own destiny and image by offering objects and forms that are aware of the diverse heritage while also deeply rooted in a complex reality.”
According to the museum, there has been no research of the history of design in Lebanon from its independence in 1943 until today. With a comprehensive survey, the ambitious project hopes to narrow this gap. The following developments will be studied from the 1940s to the 1990s: How did design develop in Lebanon? Who were the key players? What are the most significant works? After the civil war ended in 1990 and many Lebanese returned to their country, design reclaimed “the geographical, economic, and creative spaces.” Beirut has evolved into a creative city, “where studios, galleries, schools, and architecture offices are springing up, as well as eateries such as bars and restaurants.”
The project “Minjara Tripoli” (Minjara is the Arabic word for carpentry) will also be presented, which was supported by the European Union. It aims to preserve Lebanon’s woodworking craft heritage, encourage an innovative dialogue between traditional crafts and contemporary design, and to promote the Tripoli wood industry. The region was once known as a centre for traditional Lebanese furniture and handicrafts, but it has since declined. To accompany the exhibition, a reference book on design in Lebanon is being published for the first time. It is devoted to Beirut’s design history, the emergence of contemporary design, and the Minjara project.
More on ndion
Discover more articles on the topic of design as well as current exhibitions.
Share this page on social media:
