Founded in 2010, platau is a collaborative platform for architecture and urbanism with an interdisciplinary team in architecture, urbanism, geography and landscape.

platau uses design research, critical thinking and intensive communication to create projects that are adaptable to the needs of their users and environments, as well as their evolution over time. Our portfolio includes projects and research in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the United States, ranging in scale from installations to mixed-use buildings to strategic visions.

We investigate architecture as a medium that allows new ways of inhabitation, encouraging the interaction between usage, context, materiality and form to shape the design logics and outcomes of each project. We consider architecture as a part of a whole, and reflect on such connectedness by pursuing parallel tracks of inquiry; like craft and geography.  As such, each project’s embodies formal attitudes that alternate between its internal systems and the way it inscribes in its larger order.

AWARDS AND MENTIONS

2018  Archdaily Building of the Year Nomination - Wadi Penthouse

2018  Archdaily Building of the Year Nomination - Sursock Apartment

2017  Winner of TUMO Studios invited competition- with Platform- TUMO Studios Yerevan

2016  Special Mention in Jardin des Metis International Garden Festival Competition

2015  Archmarathon Nomination-  Zgharta House

2010  Finalist in Land Art Generator Initiative competition 

2010  Special Mention in d3 housing tomorrow competition

Through various initiatives with municipalities and organizations, we compiled a diverse portfolio in strategic planning, research and design, that emphasize a holistic approach to cities, in particular the way they integrate people, economy, ecology, infrastructural and natural systems in their expanded territory. 

We draw on our diverse expertise in international and local settings, in a process which balances design research, in-depth analysis , empirical data, best practices and creative brainstorming, to propose meaningful transformations for streets, public spaces and cities.

In each case, our values rest on creating  inclusive public spaces, resilient cities, environmental friendly development and promoting human-centered economies through civic innovation.

Through collaborative workshops, and public talks, we use our research to engage communities and municipalities, and reinvent how public spaces and cities are accessed, perceived and experienced.

INITIATIVES

2017  PUBLIC PARK, PUBLIC LIFE- with Nahnoo - Design and Governance Strategies for reactivating the Tyre Public Garden

2017  RACHIINE MILLS TRAIL - with Zgharta Ghadouna - Lobbying and Grant Writing for a Cultural Heritage Trail around the historic mills and canals of the Rachiine River

2016  RESILIENT BYBLOS - with 100 Resilient Cities Program, Municipality of Byblos - Lobbying, grant writing and implementing resiliency in Byblos

2016  RETHINKING ZGHARTA- with Alpad, Zgharta Forward, Municipality of Zgharta- Workshop organization, curation and publication 

2014  BYBLOS CITY STRATEGIES - in collaboration with Hashim Sarkis Studios and the Municipality of Byblos

2014  BYBLOS WATERFRONT BOARDWALK - in collaboration with Hashim Sarkis Studios and the Municipality of Byblos