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Modern Architecture in Lebanon: Phoenicia Hotel

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Phoenicia Hotel

1954-1961

Edward Durell Stone, Ferdinand Dagher and Rodolphe Elias

Soon after its inauguration in December 1961, Hotel Phoenicia became an icon of modern design in the International Style adapted to the local climate. The hotel that faces the Mediterranean Sea in Minet el Hosn offered 325 rooms located on 3 sides of the building to benefit from the sea view while the 4th side is taken by the battery of elevators, stairs and service quarters.

The main mass of the building emerges from a two-story base carried by slender columns forming elegant porticos. The room loggias are animated by a band of hollowed-out parapets with an arabesque motif. Capping the hotel, a perforated floating canopy hovers above and beyond the last floor, adding to its grace.

Hotel Phoenicia brochure, 1968

Offhand refinement is found in the modern interior design and furniture, and the lavish elliptical pool finished with an undulating motif of green and blue tiles that flow out onto the pool deck. An iconic feature was the “Sous la Mer” bar lounge in the lower level with high under-water windows showing the swimmers in the pool.

Monde Liban

 

Hotel Phoenicia brochure, 1968

 

Arab Center for Architecture – F. Dagher archives

 

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