DECOMPRESSION VERSUS COMPRESSION FOUAR ANTELIAS: A GUSHING WATER RIVER

Abstract

The adopted theme in this study is the re-conquest of the Fouar Antelias river
scape, the river with gushing water. After exploiting its resources in an irreversible
way, today humans are facing a stage of reconciliation with the river. The materials
and methods used to understand the site Fouar Antelias were firstly a speleological
analysis of its springs. Then, the numeric study of the historical evolution of the
bank interventions and elements using arcGIS showed the landscape lost spirit of
place. Taking pictures from the same place during a year, after monthly visits,
revealed the river scape dynamic temporalities. And the Cultural Value Method
and Knowledge Attitude Practice method determined the social perception of the
river. For the results, the suggested project on the river borders was based on the
gushing water, its unique element. The adopted concept was provoking the
Decompressions vs. Compressions explained in the speleological analysis.
Deconstruction by means of Land as Art, referring to the breaking of the earth by
the water Decompressions and Compressions, is the project architectural
movement. The obtained plan is divided into four thematic zones from downstream
till upstream. The sloped passages, the furniture emerging from the ground, the
choice of plantations falling and rising and the presence of water strengthened the
chosen concept. Zones of meetings, kiosks, playing area and finally a festivity zone
will lead to the purpose of our linear promenade: the gushing water. Details,
sections, perspectives and sketches specific to each zone supported the
schematization of the concept.