The Island of Dr. Moron.
I am sure that by now, many Lebanese across the world have seen this image that has been circulating in emails. At first I thought it might be a hoax, but then I got it many times, from different sources… And this mass advertising scares me.
“Beirut - "Noor International Holding", located in Beirut, declared its determination to present to the Lebanese official authorities the development of "Lebanon's Cedar Island" project facing the Lebanese coast in order to get the approvals. The company revealed also that the project is an artificial island in the sea and it is similar to Lebanon's national symbol. It is worth mentioning that this island will be the biggest artificial tree in the history” Now pardon my arrogance and maybe my pretense, but with my multiple architectural degrees, and in all modesty, I can sincerely say that I would tend to have thoughts regarding this.
So here’s my educated opinion:
What the FUCK do you think you’re doing!
"Dr. Saleh confirmed that the project, in its plans, takes into consideration the protection of the maritime environment without causing any damages to it due to the fact that some of the Island's parts will be the cedar's branches floating above the sea surface."
What? Does anybody buy that?
So you’re telling us, that you are going to claim 3.5 M.sq.m of marine land, and not disturb aquatic life? Or the planet? I don’t care how many environmentalists you’re going to hire, but I don’t buy into that… not one bit.
Furthermore, and to add to the insult, Dr. Saleh claims that he “invented” the idea, while flying above Lebanon on the Middle East Airlines (of course). He thought “why don’t we eternalize the emblem, by having a giant Cedar island float at sea…
Did any of you not think that this is a dumb imitation of the ultimate Dubai stupidity that is called the Palm Island, when you saw the image?
…
Thank you!
I am sorry, but you did not invent shit! A person that is capable of such projects can not possibly have a creative mind…
Why… Why would anybody dotted with the least bit of logic, and with the thinnest grain of intelligence, think that Lebanon would need this?
What is the point?
There is no argument whatsoever that I would accept to justify this endeavor, so they should just save their breath, and withdraw this delusional masterplan, as I am confident that it will not pass cabinet.
I went on their site (which I am not even going to bother giving you), and much to my surprise I actually found in their guestbook, insane people that supported this delusional project. Those who did not approve were a bit more numerous, and that is a big kudos to the Lebanese.
The fine Doctor also claims that his mega-project will grant 50.000 Lebanese new jobs. Those workers will only be the tentacles of your glory, your construction workers, and then they are gone; they may later work as servants for the elite society you are creating on your gated island, built on PUBLIC LAND.
Is it not enough that most of Lebanon’s shore is private and exploited, now you’re extending to the sea.
“Moreover, the company mentioned that it will be the main developer of the project and that it has started its calls with many Lebanese investors residing in Lebanon and abroad, with Arabs and other investment parties.”
You have to give it to him though; the man is a clever businessman. He is creating work for himself. He is the Client and the Architect at the same time, and all we have to do is bite. He created the idea, and then became the client. He won his own competition, and commissioned the job to himself, so he became the Architect. What he is doing now, is trying to sell the idea, so that he can steal public domain, and sprawl his gated community. He can finally act as the “main” developer, and will reap the profit of his own lie.
I am almost positive though that the Lebanese government will not go through with him on the project. Despite what I think of our politicians, I suspect that most of the elected officials will quickly dismiss this environmental and social disturbance.
Otherwise God help us.
Dr. Saleh, if you really care for the cedars and their symbolism, and if you really want to do something for Lebanon (and not just the filthy rich few) why don’t you spend a fraction of that money (7.4 billion) to plant actual Cedar trees up Mount Lebanon; that’s Cedrus libani for you.
I’ll even write to the government and push them to name a whole forest after you…
Labels: architecture, Lebanon, ramblings, stupid
posted by _z. @ 10:13 PM
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