- Location: Zentan - Libya
- Year: 2009
- Client: HIB
- Designer: Day Architects + ECOU
- Site Area: 380 hectares.
- Built-up area: 130,0000 m2
- Use: Master Plan
- Phase: Design
- Role: Members of the ECOU Design Team
New Zentan Master Plan: A Vision for Sustainable Urban Development
Location and Geographic Context
Situated in the Nalut region of Libya, the New Zentan Master Plan is strategically positioned south of Tripoli, near the historic cities of Gharyan and Ghadames. The site’s dramatic escarpment delineates the Tripoli Plain from the elevated Nalut Plateau, creating a striking geographic feature. Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 100 miles away, ensures a temperate climate, enhancing the site's potential for a sustainable and livable urban development.
Geography and Climatic Features
The site’s flat terrain offers a practical canvas for development, while its climate shifts from a mild Mediterranean ambiance near the coast to a hotter, arid environment further south. The master plan responds to this climatic diversity through thoughtful design strategies that incorporate traditional Libyan architectural techniques and innovative sustainability measures. These adaptations honor the region's natural landscape and climatic challenges while ensuring comfort and functionality for residents.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Zentan’s cultural fabric is a rich tapestry woven from the influences of ancient Phoenician, Greek, and Roman civilizations, alongside a deeply rooted Arab and Islamic heritage. This cultural diversity is reflected in the local dialect, culinary traditions, and urban morphology. The master plan embraces this legacy, preserving cultural identity through its architectural language, while addressing contemporary urban needs with modern infrastructure and design.
Project Overview
The New Zentan Master Plan reimagines urban living through an independent, self-sufficient model organized around a central green spine. The site spans on 380 hectares, with a built-up area of 130 hectares, while green spaces occupy 25-30% of the total area. The integration of open spaces, residential neighborhoods, and essential public facilities forms a harmonious and functional urban ecosystem.
Residential Design
The residential fabric accommodates 3,300 housing units, supporting a population of 25,000 residents. The design draws inspiration from the traditional Arab courtyard house, with clusters of homes surrounding semi-public gardens. These spaces foster a sense of community while maintaining privacy.
Housing Types:
- Type 1: Three-bedroom homes (160 m² habitable area).
- Type 2: Four-bedroom homes (180 m² habitable area).
Average Plot Size: 300 m².
Density: ~23-25 houses/ha, supporting 174 inhabitants/ha.
Public Facilities
To ensure a comprehensive urban experience, the master plan integrates a diverse range of public facilities:
Educational Infrastructure:
- 20 kindergartens, serving 2,500 children.
- 10 primary schools for 4,750 students.
- 3 secondary and high schools, accommodating 3,250 students.
- Total area: ~100,000 m².
Religious Facilities:
- Main Mosque: Capacity of 750 worshippers, covering 1,200 m².
- District Mosques: 10 units, with a combined area of 4,500 m².
Cultural and Social Amenities:
- Cultural Center: 8,650 m².
- Theater: 3,000 m², seating 800 visitors.
- Library and Cinema: 3,250 m², including meeting spaces.
Healthcare Facilities:
- A 5,000 m² health center, providing comprehensive medical services.\
Sports and Recreation:
- A 25,000 m² stadium, including athletics and football fields.
- 6 sports halls, each measuring 50 × 30 m.
- 2 swimming pools: (12.5 × 25 m and 8 × 12.5 m).
Commercial Hubs:
- Local shops: 25,000 m².
- Markets and Souks: 6,800 m².
Sustainability and Urban Design
The master plan embodies sustainability through innovative design principles and ecological integration:
- Green Spine: Acting as the city's "lung," the central park organizes urban life, providing a hub for cultural, recreational, and social activities.
- Pedestrian-Centric Design: A radial network of pathways ensures accessibility, minimizing reliance on vehicles while promoting environmental sustainability.
- Earth Cooling Tubes: Utilizing ground thermal inertia, these systems maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, reducing energy consumption.
- Vegetation Strategy: The inclusion of Mediterranean and desert-adapted plants such as Bauhinia, Ficus nitida, and Phoenix canariensis enhances biodiversity and contributes to the urban ecosystem.
Urban Fabric and Circulation
The city’s circulation strategy separates pedestrian and vehicular networks to enhance safety and reduce noise pollution. Neighborhood clusters are connected through shaded walkways reminiscent of traditional medinas, fostering social interactions and cultural continuity.
Master Plan Objectives
The New Zentan Master Plan aspires to:
- Establish a self-sufficient urban community with a distinct cultural identity.
- Promote sustainability through innovative architectural and environmental integration.
- Provide accessible facilities that cater to diverse social, educational, and healthcare needs.
- Serve as a model for Libya’s future cities, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.
Conclusion
The New Zentan Master Plan offers a visionary approach to urban development in Libya. By preserving cultural heritage, respecting the environment, and employing innovative design, it creates a sustainable and thriving community. This project is a testament to Libya’s potential as a global model for harmonious and forward-thinking urbanization, embodying the essence of tradition while embracing the future.
