Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad are the founders of EAST Architecture Studio. Their work is innovative and intellectual, with projects that take into account local history, culture, and encourage a connection with nature. They are among the winners of the 2022 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. They won for their renovation of The Niemeyer Guest House, a project begun by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer as part of an international fair in Tripoli, Lebanon, which was abandoned during the civil war. They talk about what it was like to try to revitalize the vision of one of the world's most famous architects, how Lebanon's built environment has shaped the country's imagination, and they offer a vision for rebuilding Beirut in the wake of the 2020 explosion.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman

Additional resources:

See more projects by EAST Architecture Studio on their website:

https://www.eastarchitecture.net/

Read more about the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the other winners here:

https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture-2022-winners