The loss of urban form as a communicative system: A morphogenetic critique of the recent reconstruction of Beirut

The continuing devastation and destruction of cities in the Middle East, accompanied by hasty debates about future reconstruction, is not a new phenomenon. The city of Beirut, severely affected by the Lebanese civil war (1975–1989), has witnessed the transformation of its city centre since the end of the conflict. The reconstruction plan led by the real estate company Solidere has resulted in a significant change in the form, function and identity of the city centre. The article uses the concept of urban morphogenesis to analyse how, over the course of more than three decades since the plan was approved, the urban system has been simplified through the eradication of plot subdivision, topological isolation, hyper-regulation and the use of heritage to select specific historical memories. This analysis demonstrates the tendency towards urban simplification through a sequence of destruction, securitisation and reconstruction, and argues that alternative processes of reconstruction are possible. • The sequence destruction-securitisation-reconstruction transformed Beirut's form. • The reconstruction plan in the centre of Beirut oversimplified its urban form. • The loss of historical ownership resulted in the loss of morphogenesis. • The reconstruction process physically isolated the newly Beirut Central District. • Future reconstruction processes should enhance urban complexity and morphogenesis.