Location: Tripoli, Libya.

Architect: Tabanlıoğlu Architects.

The Congress Center in Tripoli is located in the northwest of the country on the edge of the desert, on a point of rocky land projecting into the Mediterranean Sea and forming a bay. The climate is typical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, cool winters and some modest rainfall. After the lifting of UN sanctions against Libya in 2003, increased traffic through the Port of Tripoli has had a positive impact on the city’s economy.

The project features a semi-transparent perimeter “shield” of bronze mesh, an 8-meter corridor, a 4-meter wide reflection pool, and a semi-open shady circulation area. The metal mesh walls carry incise patterns inspired by the trees that surround the site, allowing controlled daylight to diffuse into the central space and preserving harmony with the adjacent grove. Glass wall systems allow for maximum viewing area with no horizontal or vertical mullions to obstruct the vision. The interiors of the building benefit from transparency and mesh installation, symbolizing directness and openness. The main conference hall is a rectangular space with a circular seating design, and 4 lounge/meeting rooms accompany it, VIP launches, press halls and private rooms are designed on the ground floor, and two medium size conference halls are located on the first floor. The building is strong yet humble, making optimum use of natural resources such as daylight, greenery and water elements. It was completed in 2011.