CMA-CGM Headquarters
The project’s attitude towards the city is based on a long-term vision that positions this site, not only as the north-eastern gateway to the Beirut Central District, but also in return, as an advanced outpost of the new Martyrs’ Square towards the east.
The building capitalizes on its position to enhance its image through contrast with the older parts of the city fabric whose scale and massing it respects, while offering an urbanely considerate approach to its future tenants.
Three carefully detailed glass prisms, intersected by a full-height atrium, slide against each other to create a machine to work in that is efficient as a navy vessel, but built like a cruise ship.
The prisms follow a rational design concept that allows for the greatest efficiency and flexibility in space planning. An ambitious structural design and a judicious location for the vertical service shafts and circulation cores mean the 81% of floor plates are virtually clear of any columns obstructing the views or the furniture layouts.
While the building offers a distinctive sculpted silhouette, all office plates are set on standard planning grids, allowing them to readily accommodate the market’s standard partitions, furniture and fittings.
It is an architecture that states with simple timeless elegance the image of a corporate giant with environmental sensitivity and a family oriented business culture.
