Belsize Architects has completed project Al Birdi Villas in Libya. Although the new structures were of contemporary taste externally, the client needed the creation of a warm and friendly feel to the whole complex which combines the traditional elements of Mediterranean and local Muslims. After considerable study of Arabic, African and Islamic culture and architecture, and after holding a number of workshops with the client, Belsize Architects came up with designs for the different areas of the villas, and the more public places which included enclosed courtyards and a variety of water features with the use of screens and Islamic motifs, made the sense of continuity of Arab Mediterranean culture that the client was looking for. The opportunity to combine old and new again in the context of history and different cultures serve a new and interest ways to build our core design skills. [Via]
