Beirut’s souks were the commercial heart of the city and were once frequented by locals from all social and religious backgrounds. The souks were completely destroyed by fifteen years of civil war, but remained vividly alive in the memories of thousands of Lebanese.

In 1994, Solidere, the Lebanese company responsible for the development and reconstruction of Beirut Central District, declared AKK Architects, in association with Parisian firm Valode & Pistre, joint winners of the competition.