IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

This paper investigates the spatial systems of modularity along the shoreline of Ein el Mrayseh in Beirut, a vital public space in the city. As one of the few remaining accessible areas in the city, the corniche serves as a crucial outlet for residents from various backgrounds, particularly in the context of ongoing Israeli aggressions that have displaced many civilians to Beirut. This shoreline acts as a transitional zone, reflecting the collective responses to urban challenges and embodying a microcosm of precarity, where instability and solidarity coexist. Through a series of observations, the paper analyzes modular interventions by various stakeholders, coining two terms: rigid and soft modularity. These terms serve as analytical frameworks for understanding the spatial practices at play in Ein el Mrayseh. Users have developed soft modular strategies – dynamic and adaptable approaches that counter the rigid modalities imposed by authorities. This appropriation of space reflects a determined normalcy amidst chaos, as diverse communities come together to navigate their shared struggles. Despite periodic governmental attempts to exert control over the area, a complicated relationship of complicity emerges, where authorities often turn a blind eye to informal practices. This oversight underscores the role of local actors in reclaiming and redefining public spaces, highlighting the intricate interplay between urban livability and the appropriation of the city.