The Arab Center for Architecture (ACA), based in Lebanon, with a forward-thinking approach aims to raise awareness about architecture and urbanism in the context of the Arab world.
“ACA wishes to develop the cultural value of architecture and design and the recognition of the social impact it has on urban regeneration, building communities, education and vocational development.”
The Arab Center for Architecture (ACA) believes that while looking at the past and its successful architecture is important, but it may not be sufficient for building the future. Therefore, ACA seeks to place greater emphasis on current cultural heritage and significance and environmental considerations at the center of debates and discussions surrounding architecture.
Their two main objectives are
a. “To create a research center for modern architecture that is accessible to students, researchers, and professionals.“
b. “To promote knowledge about modern architectural heritage and participate in its protection.“
To achieve these objectives and given that archives “play an essential role in the development of societies by safeguarding and contributing to individual and community memory, promoting democracy, protecting citizens, and enhancing the quality of life,” as outlined in the Universal Declaration on Archives adopted by the 36th session of the General Conference of UNESCO and the International Council on Archives; ACA is dedicated to build a physical archive collecting related material to modern architecture in Lebanon, to also preserve and make accessible the archival materials from the 1900s and 2000s in Lebanon and the Arab world to the public and researchers.
The Arab Center for Architecture believes that architectural archives not only make knowledge accessible to everyone but also preserve the history and transformation of buildings and neighborhoods, aiding in preservation efforts. As such, ACA is committed to searching for, identifying, collecting, preserving, and digitizing architectural collections, documents, photographs, plans, drawings, and more.
ACA’s collection is continuously growing. Currently, it includes:
- Wassek Adib (1926-2014) and Karol Schayer (1900-1971)
- George Rais (1915-2002)
In addition, there are a few elements from the archives of:
- Ferdinand Dagher (1915-2002)
- Pierre Neema (1931-2015)
- Antoine Tabet (1907-1964)
The Center also has access to the archives of:
https://arab-architecture.org/architecture-archives/the-collection
- Georges Doumani (1923-2018)
- Assem Salam (1924-2012)
- Farid Trad (1901-1969)
The ACA, along with its archive, operates a research center that builds on its physical archives, database, reference library, and connections with local and regional institutions to advance knowledge and studies on architecture and urban development.
ACA’s database, developed through extensive document and information collection, focuses on 20th-century Arab world buildings, particularly from the 1940s-1970s. Organized by architect/engineer and building, it allows searches by year, location, and building type, and includes sources, building locations, and related information.
The Research Center of the ACA is working to develop a Reference Library on architecture and the Built environment in the Arab World.
They have also introduced a suggestion form for book recommendations.
