vacancy

How can land and property taxes in Lebanon be fair?

The tax system plays a critical role in the social contract between the state and society, with individuals contributing taxes in exchange for the state’s commitment to societal well-being. However, recent global tax …

Publication

Another City Series: Housing Narratives

As we get to know the streets and alleys whose residents have witnessed significant changes in the architectural and social environment, we pose questions about heritage and the housing policies which have led …

Research-Based Article

Tripoli, a “Heritage City” At The Expense of Its Residents

In this article, we delve into the battle of restoring and rehabilitating historical buildings in the cities of Tripoli and Mina (North Lebanon), focusing on “Taht Al-Sibat” neighborhood, Al-Fawal building, and other examples. …

Dossier

Tripoli: Who Took Away Our Land?

In this series of articles, we investigate how the authorities handled the cases of both the riverine and maritime Tripoli (i.e., the Mina), and the implications of their policies on people’s housing rights, …

Project

Ground to Dust: Systems of Extraction and the Search for Spatial Justice

This exhibition at Beirut Art Center is Public Works Studio’s first institutional presentation. Rather than approach the format of the exhibition with any kind of finality, PW has created a site as unstable …

Research-Based Article

About the Absence of State Housing Policies

Disconnected Laws and Temporary Procedures

In light of the severe housing crisis in Lebanon, in this article we are interested in monitoring the state’s measures in the housing sector and their compatibility with the requirements of society in …

Petition

A “Zero Eviction” Policy, Fair Rent, and a Limit to Vacant Properties:

This is What the Public Good Demands

The mainstream Lebanese media portrays the on-going housing crisis as a conflict between the landlord and the tenant, neglecting the role of the state in regulating rents, determining land uses, and managing property …

Project

Tripoli: Who Took Away Our Land

Tripoli, also known as ”Al-Fayhaa”, is the second capital of Lebanon, the capital of the north. While these titles lead us to believe that Tripoli serves as a crucial economic and development center …

Investigation

Towards an Idealistic City:

The Urban Communal Alienation

In the aftermath of the Egyptian Revolution and on its 10th anniversary, we have witnessed the succession of four governments, each of which tried – in terms of the form of its rule …

Research-Based Article

Protecting Renters in the Heart of Reclaiming a Liveable City

Since the Beirut port blast that occurred on the 4th of August, 2020, dozens of people have been evicted from their homes in the neighborhoods adjacent to the port. The residents left due …

Activity

Discussion Session in Tripoli’s Public Square:

Commodifying Housing in the Service of the Rentier Economy

After decades of handing over the fate of city dwellers and their right to housing to the real estate market and the housing loan policies, housing has been reduced to a commodity, lacking …

Project