On 16 May 2024, the Salon des Anciens project at ESIB–USJ was launched at the Jean Ducruet Amphitheatre, on the Campus des sciences et technologies of Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth in Mar Roukos. Designed by WELD Architecture, the project brings together spaces for informal conversation, professional exchange and gathering.
The launch ceremony
The official invitation announced the ceremony for Thursday 16 May 2024 at 18:00. It was issued by Prof. Salim Daccache s.j., then Rector of Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth; Dr Christian Makary, President of the Federation of USJ Alumni Associations; and Prof. Wassim Raphaël, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.
Presented as “un nouvel espace de retrouvailles”, the programme announced a 185 m² alumni space with several comfortable seating areas, a bar and lounge, facilities for events, a large screen, a meeting room, and offices for the director and secretary. A reception was also announced after the ceremony.
A place to reconnect
The design combines a lounge and bar with meeting spaces. Open shelving and metal frames define different areas while maintaining visual connections. Upholstered seating, timber finishes and planted elements introduce warmth to the interior.
From presentation to place
The launch brought the project into the public conversation at ESIB–USJ. Ziad El Khoury, co-founder of WELD Architecture, presented the design. These event photographs document the auditorium gathering and the presentation of the proposed alumni space.
