Abstract

Lebanon is a case of conflicting multi-cultural society: each sect with its own architectural identity. The desire to establish a unified national architectural identity, “a Lebanese architectural canon,” arose following independence and the birth of Lebanon as a nation in 1943. However, in defining architectural identity, opinions varied among those of different religious belongings. This article will introduce the polluted canon of “Lebanese architecture,” which has been the result of a continued, conflicting Lebanese society. Moreover, it will seek to construct an alternative approach to define a new canon of “Lebanese architecture,” seeking the point of view of the different Lebanese marginal cultures, as opposed to the professionals and scholars, thus de-politicizing the issue of architectural identity. This new approach will help in establishing a shared local architectural canon that can be a tool used to strengthen the sense of local belonging and boost social solidarity.