There's so much new construction in Beirut, and much of it is residential. Outside some of these new structures, there are floor plans of the interior, and I find them just as fascinating as I ever did.
This plan shows two homes on a single level. The three orange squares are elevators. To the right and left of the elevators are the entrances for each unit. Some things I find notable:
1. The family bedrooms are all located in a cluster, usually there's a door that separates them from the living space.
2. Two living rooms. This is a must.
3. Two dining areas, also a necessity
4. Separate elevator and entrance for the maid.
5. The maid has a room connected to the kitchen, away from the family space.
Wow. Living high.
ReplyDeleteWe had some great Lebanese food at Abu Shukri's restaurant (posted yesterday). Good stuff.
Very interesting indeed! I first noticed all the balconies - so great! I'd love to see some INTERIOR photos...... You have shown us some great exterior photos ... (hint, hint)
ReplyDeleteI've always loved floor plans myself and I find this absolutely fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI've looked at this in much detail and there's so much that I find worthy of comment!
The maid's room isn't that far away from the family living quarters, it's close to the kitchen but also very close to the master bedroom so if you wanted to have a romantic moment with your husband on the balcony before going to bed, you'd find yourself on the maid's doorstep. Weird!
All right, so it isn't the master bedroom, it's the guest bedroom. But I would have put the master bedroom away from the kids' quarters...
ReplyDeleteMaids ... that would be a nice addition to the household ... rarely considered in Australia though cleaners and gardeners are more common than they were 20 years ago.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is luxury living--just one more thing one need not do without in Beirut!
ReplyDeleteLeif, it's true, I tend to photograph outside things. As an outsider in this culture, I have better access to outside things.
The apartment on the left is a bit odd--if I live in that space, I would use the so-called guest room for a tv room or maybe an office? or a playroom for the kids. But it's not an ideal guest room. With the maid's room so nearby, you KNOW that balcony's primary purpose will be to hang clothes to dry.
Interesting plans indeed... although the maid's bedroom looks tiny.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you are aware that a large numbers of families in Lebanon have a maid, who frequently is someone from the Philippines or other impoverished origin. There have been a large number of complaints about human rights violations, unbelievable working hours, outright physical and mental abuse of some of these people. Big problem apparently. Hopefully some progress is being made in the wake of documentaries done about the subject... But the size of the maid's room on these plans doesn't look very positive...
Yes, the maid's room is tiny. It's big enough for a bed. She has a door that can be shut. It provides some privacy. A maid who has all that is fortunate, because many workers lack even these basics.
ReplyDeleteThe problems that face domestic workers are real and deeply entrenched in laws and society--neither will change quickly. Inequality, exploitation and abuse seem to be inherent to domestic work in every culture in which it takes place. Even in NY, domestic workers are fighting to be recognized and protected by the same laws that govern other kinds of work. It's a global struggle.
I also loved drawing house plans when I was a kid -- I still have a folder of them. :)
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