Work has finally finished on Zaha Hadid’s new Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The practice landed the 3,000 m² project more than eight years ago following an international competition. The long-awaited scheme, with its huge cantilever, was originally scheduled to complete in 2008 (see below).

 

Sitting within the wider campus masterplan by Sasaki Associates, the building houses offices, seminar rooms, workshops, an underground auditorium, reading room, lounge and roof terrace. The practice describe the scheme as a ‘neutral, dynamic, civil, and open space where people representing all viewpoints in society can gather and discuss significant issues’. [Link]