- Location: Tripoli, Libya
- Year: 2008
- Client: Libyan state
- Designer: Gilles Clément, COLOCO, JNC International and partners + ECOU
- Site Area: 7,500,000 m2 (750 hectares)
- Built-up area: -
- Use: Public Park
- Phase: Under Construction
- Role: Members of the ECOU Design Team
Tripoli Greenbelt: A Landmark in Urban Sustainability and Green Design
The Tripoli Greenbelt project is an ambitious urban planning initiative that seeks to transform 750 hectares of land into a harmonious blend of natural and urban spaces. With sustainability, ecology, and community engagement as its core principles, the Greenbelt aims to redefine Tripoli's relationship with its environment while addressing pressing urban challenges
Core Components and Sectors
The Greenbelt is divided into nine distinctive sectors, each designed to contribute to the ecological, cultural, and recreational objectives of the project. Below are the detailed features of each sector:
Sector 1: Coastal Gateway
Size: Approximately 90,000 sqm
Key Features:
- Integration with the coastal waterfront.
- Development of urban beaches, diving zones, and promenade areas.
- Future landmarks: A people’s palace, shopping centers, and a museum.
Sector 2: Suq Al-Tulata Transformation
Size: 110,000 sqm
Key Features:
- Adaptive reuse of an old craft market into a public park.
- Sand lands reclaimed for thematic gardens and open public spaces.
- Preservation of historical market traces to honor Tripoli’s cultural heritage.
Sector 3: Government Precinct
Size: 85,000 sqm
Key Features:
- Closed government facilities that maintain biological continuity through landscaping.
- Minimal public accessibility due to high-security zones.
Sector 4: Zoological and Natural Forest
Size: 160,000 sqm
Key Features:
- A renovated zoo providing educational and recreational activities.
- Mixed forests of eucalyptus and pine, with open glades for visitor interaction.
- Pedestrian pathways enhancing accessibility and exploration.
Sector 5: Residential and Olive Heritage
Size: 120,000 sqm
Key Features:
- Integration of an olive field with ancient trees under imminent threat of urbanization.
- Linear green corridors along residential areas.
- Introduction of community nurseries to preserve plant biodiversity.
Sector 6: Agronomic Innovation
Size: 140,000 sqm
Key Features:
- Home to the Agronomy University and associated research fields.
- Linear promenades connecting academic facilities with public gardens.
- Spaces for nurseries, greenhouses, and educational workshops.
Sector 7: Urban Farming
Size: 95,000 sqm
Key Features:
- Pedagogical town featuring an active urban farm with livestock.
- Areas dedicated to teaching sustainable agricultural practices to children.
Sector 8: Fragmented Lands
Size: 80,000 sqm
Key Features:
- Urgent preservation of fragmented, undeveloped lands for public use.
- Development of small-scale gardens and recreational parks.
Sector 9: Ecological Delta
Size: 130,000 sqm
Key Features:
- Creation of pocket gardens in sparsely vegetated industrial areas.
- Integration of an old hippodrome and pier into a new ecological vision.
Key Design Elements
Landscaping and Biodiversity
- Integration of native Mediterranean flora, such as olive trees, tamarisk, and eucalyptus.
- Creation of thematic gardens, including botanical zones and shaded groves.
- Reforestation of degraded land to enhance biodiversity and reduce urban heat.
Water Management
- Use of recycled water for irrigation via natural filtration systems.
- Rainwater harvesting and storage systems to sustain park greenery.
- Riverbank (wadi) restoration to act as ecological corridors.
Public Amenities
- Sports fields, playgrounds, and open leisure areas.
- Cafés, observation towers, and cultural pavilions.
- Extensive network of pedestrian and cycling paths spanning the Greenbelt.
Sustainability Innovations
- Solar-powered lighting and energy-efficient public amenities.
- Low-maintenance plants to reduce water consumption.
- Integration of urban farming and local food production to engage communities.
Impact and Legacy
The Tripoli Greenbelt offers significant benefits to both the city and its residents:
- Urban Resilience: Mitigates environmental issues such as air pollution, water scarcity, and urban sprawl.
- Cultural Preservation: Honors Tripoli’s history by incorporating its landmarks and traditional landscapes.
- Community Building: Provides inclusive spaces for recreation, education, and interaction.
The Tripoli Greenbelt exemplifies a transformative approach to urban design. Its seamless fusion of ecology, culture, and functionality sets a benchmark for sustainable development in the Mediterranean region. This ambitious project aims not only to redefine Tripoli’s urban landscape but also to inspire cities worldwide to adopt green, sustainable urbanism.
