Virtual Beirut

This paper describes how urban planners in Beirut are applying three-dimensional computer modelling to aid design decision making in the regeneration programme for the city. The study reports on the recent developments of a computer model of Beirut and its effectiveness in communicating the spatial characteristics of Martyr’s Square, a place of historic significance in the city. An international urban design competition for Martyr’s Square, and its new axis to the sea, is underway to identify new ideas for the development of this area. This paper reports on the process of creating the computer model and feedback from users. It considers future plans for further 3D modelling of the city centre to meet the needs of urban designers