Following the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020, which resulted in 218 casualties and caused extensive damage estimated at up to $4.6 billion, restoration efforts have taken an innovative turn by involving local youth through digital tools. Among those contributing to the city’s rehabilitation is Georges Zahar, now an 18-year-old biology student, who experienced firsthand the impact of the blast on Beirut’s public spaces near his home.

The explosion significantly damaged prominent urban fixtures, including the Vendome and St. Nicolas stairs, essential communal areas for residents like Zahar. He described the aftermath as transforming the stairs into “quite trashy” and “not livable,” highlighting the loss of vibrant public life in these spaces.

In response, a workshop organized by the Block by Block Foundation in partnership with U.N.-Habitat engaged young Beirutis in urban redesign using the video game Minecraft. At age 14, Zahar joined 45 other children in a program that enabled them to use the game’s virtual environment to model and propose improvements for three stairways that were impaired by the blast. This approach allowed participants to experiment creatively with design concepts that could be translated into real-world architectural plans.

The children envisioned enhancements including a large slide, handrails integrated with speaking tubes—an interactive feature allowing communication along the staircases—and shaded seating zones aimed at revitalizing the communal atmosphere. These digital models formed the basis for blueprints constructed by local authorities and development partners.

One notable project is the renovation of the 125-step St. Nicolas stairs, which have since been restored following the children’s input. The initiative reflects a broader trend of leveraging technology and community participation in urban planning, particularly in post-disaster contexts.

By involving youth in the reconstruction process, the program not only aims to repair physical infrastructure but also to restore social cohesion and encourage a sense of ownership among younger generations. The collaborative efforts underscore the role of innovative methodologies in rebuilding cities impacted by crises, blending technology, community engagement, and sustainable design principles.