The Institute is a division of the American University in Beirut, where Hadid herself studied at one time. It was founded in 2004 with funds donated by former Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Issam Fares to study the political situation in the Middle East.
The territory of the university campus is mainly occupied by buildings of the 19th century, therefore, the participants in the architectural competition were required to create a laconic and restrained project that would harmoniously fit into the historical development.
It was functionality, simplicity and attention to detail that tipped the jury in favor of Hadid's proposal. The project of the 6-storey building is based on the unevenness of the site: the university campus is located on the slope of a hill descending to the sea. The network of existing footpaths was also taken into account. On the upper levels, there are researchers' offices, auditoriums for seminars, a reading room; the upper part of the building protrudes beyond the boundaries of the site.
The main element of the interior space is the atrium, which is crossed by bridges connecting different floors.
To achieve maximum silence in the educational institution, the main lecture hall is located underground.
The total usable area of the building is 2000 sq. m. It should be completed by October 2008.
