NNA - Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salamé, on Thursday affirmed that "architecture is a creative art before it is a technical practice," underscoring the deep and intrinsic link between nature and culture.
Minister Salamé made these remarks while patronizing the inauguration of the exhibition "The Earth Remembers," which represented Lebanon at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Conceived by a team of young architects, the exhibition is currently on display at the Nuhad Es Saïd Pavilion for Culture.
The opening ceremony was attended by former Prime Minister Tammam Salam; President of the National Heritage Foundation Mona Hrawi; Chair of the Said Pavilion Committee Lama Salam; President of the Beirut Order of Engineers Fadi Hanna; President of the Northern Order of Engineers Shawki Fatfat; along with numerous cultural figures and dignitaries.
The exhibition presents an architectural proposal reflecting the devastation of Lebanese land caused by fires, as well as the damage resulting from the 2014 Israeli aggression against Lebanon, offering a series of suggested approaches and solutions.
On the occasion, Minister Salamé stated:
"A year ago, my first decision as Minister of Culture was to take these young people under the Ministry’s wing and entrust their mentorship to architect Jad Tabet, guiding them toward the Venice Biennale—particularly after learning that they had encountered certain difficulties with the Ministry, which were resolved within fifteen minutes. They subsequently participated in the Biennale and, according to the information we received, represented Lebanon in the best possible way. The Lebanese pavilion attracted large crowds thanks to the excellence of their work."
He added: "This youth initiative is rooted in a fundamental principle we must never forget: the close link between nature and culture. It is a relationship of great beauty, as the environment in which we live is shaped by human activity, and these activities, in turn, affect the very core of the Earth."
Salamé continued: "We can either improve this reality through agriculture, production, and innovation, or destroy it—as happened to our fellow citizens in South Lebanon, where chemicals were used to burn olive trees and contaminate the soil, rendering it unsuitable for cultivation and requiring two years of reconstruction after the war."
He concluded by congratulating the team of engineers: "Their work demonstrates that the relationship between nature and culture can be either harmonious or conflictual. Both dimensions are clearly present in this exhibition, and we can only commend them and wish them continued success and excellence."
Speeches were also delivered by Ms. Lama Salam, the presidents of the engineers’ unions, Fadi Hanna and Shawki Fatfat, as well as a representative of the participating team.
In a statement, the exhibition curators (CAL) noted: "Architects and designers Edward Said, Lynn Chamoun, Shirin Doumer, and Elias Tamer, through their participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale, launched an international dialogue on the environmental destruction afflicting Lebanon. Presenting this exhibition at the Said Cultural Pavilion in Beirut contributes to strengthening this dialogue with the Lebanese public in confronting these challenges."
The exhibition is open to the public until February 28, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except Sundays.
