The American University of Beirut’s Charles Hostler Student Center was ranked among the 50 Most Impressive Environmentally Friendly University Buildings. I am not sure how recent this list is but a friend of mine shared the link yesterday and I thought it’s still worth a mention.

Here’s more info on the Charles Hostler Center on the [ArchDaily] and [AUB] websites.

Named after former ambassador and AUB alumnus Charles W. Hostler following his generous donation, the student center opened its facilities for use on May 23, 2008. Located on AUB’s lower campus, the Center’s facilities comprise health and fitness rooms, an indoor 25-
meter long swimming pool, a multi-use gymnasium, three basketball courts, two squash courts, student activity rooms, a refurbished track and Green Field, a 280-seat auditorium, a cafeteria, an internet room, and an underground parking area for around 200 cars.

Incorporating sports facilities and green fields, this VJAA designed project defies convention by being northward facing to optimize views and sea breezes. It also makes use of locally available building materials for posts and beams, flooring, and walls.