​Beirut, April 8, 2025 — The Italian Cultural Institute in Beirut, in partnership with the University of Balamand – Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), celebrated the winners of the creative writing contest “Abitare illegale”, launched by the Institute to foster cultural dialogue between Italy and Lebanon.

The competition, open to final-year high school students and university students, was based on the article “Abitare illegale” by anthropologist Andrea Staid, featured in the bilingual volume The Book of Pleasure for Those Who Aspire to Cross Horizons – The World Between the Lines of Science, published by the Institute. Participants were asked to reflect on the article and propose an idea for urban regeneration in their city.

University level winners:

First Prize: Nour Emma Heraoui – ALBA-UOB, 1st year Product Design

Second Prize: Mohamad Khamis – ALBA-UOB, Master 1, Architecture & Urbanism 

Third Prize: Karen Merhi – Lebanese University 

Secondary school level:

Third Prize: Lea Hankash – Sagesse High School

The ceremony took place at the Fondation Abdallah Lahoud Auditorium (Dekwaneh Campus) in the presence of Dr. Angelo Gioè (Director of the Italian Cultural Institute), Prof. Fadlallah Dagher (Dean of ALBA), jury members, students, and the public. Each winner read their text before receiving their award, in an atmosphere that celebrated literature, reflection, and creativity.