Robert Barnes

The Issam Fares Institute (IFI) for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut serves students and academics while also providing a powerful nexus for local, regional and international researchers, thinkers and policy makers.

The 3,000-square-metre building is located on the northern side of the university campus, which was masterplanned by American firm Sasaki Associates in 2002. To retain the established pathways and landscaping of this masterplan, Zaha Hadid Architects lifted half the building off the ground.

The IFI’s design builds upon the institute’s mission as a catalyst and connector between AUB, researchers and the global community. Routes, views and links within the campus converge to define the IFI as a three-dimensional intersection; a space for university’s students, fellows and visitors to meet, connect and engage with each other and the wider world.

Photos by Hufton + Crow, Luke Hayes

32 teams,1 venue,1 month,1 winner!

On 12th June, 2014, the largest spectacle in the global sporting calendar,The World Cup, kicks off at the Arena Corinthians in Brazil’s most populous city, São Paulo. Over the course of the next month, 32 teams will battle it out across 12 stadiums in Brazil for the most sought after trophy in the wide world of sports, watched by a global audience in excess of 2 billion people. It is estimated that by kick off on Thursday 12-06-14 US$14.5 billion will have been spent on the 2014 World Cup preparations.

24 months after the World Cup, Rio will be staging the world’s second largest sporting extravaganza, the Olympic Games. Around US$2.3 billion has been allocated for improvements to hold the event.