Lamma cafe in Tripoli, built from recycled materials, is a cultural hub promoting sustainability. Founded by architect Louay Omran Burwais, it aims to raise awareness about eco-friendly lifestyles amid Libya’s recovery from war. The cafe hosts art workshops and features repurposed items, fostering a new perspective on waste and inspiring locals towards recycling.
In Tripoli, a distinctive cafe named Lamma is championing sustainability by utilizing recycled materials to create a vibrant community space. This cafe, whose name translates to “gathering” or “hangout” in Arabic, serves as both an art gallery and a venue for workshops, promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle amid a challenging recovery period in Libya.
The cafe’s founder, architect Louay Omran Burwais, stated that Lamma’s conception stemmed from incorporating materials like discarded rubber, wood, and construction waste sourced directly from the urban environment. He emphasizes the potential beauty and utility of items often deemed worthless, underscoring his aim to reshape perceptions of waste.
Libya, following the turmoil from the NATO-backed uprising that ousted dictator Muammar Qaddafi, remains fragmented politically, with power divided between rival factions. With this context, Lamma emerges as a cultural oasis, complete with colorful decor and interactive spaces, such as slides and tunnels for children, meant to ignite creativity and community engagement.
Lamma’s art director, Roula Ajjawi, highlights that the cafe’s focus on recycling is a pioneering approach in Libya, where such initiatives are generally absent. The establishment also provides a platform for families, including children’s art workshops and a small library for community use, fostering an environment of learning and creativity.
Burwais and his team aspire to instill a culture of recycling and eco-consciousness in Libya. Despite the prevalent issue of waste left over from conflict, Lamma is transforming discarded materials into art and utility, gradually promoting a shift in local attitudes towards sustainability. Regular visitor Riyad Youssef expressed his admiration, citing pleasant food and exceptional service alongside the cafe’s commitment to reducing waste.
Lamma cafe represents an innovative social initiative in Libya, aiming to promote recycling and sustainability in a country facing significant ecological challenges. By utilizing reclaimed materials and establishing a cultural hub for the community, Lamma serves to awaken environmental consciousness and inspire new practices among locals. This project reflects hope for a paradigm shift in waste perception and eco-friendly behavior in post-conflict Libya.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
