Demolition Begins for Iconic Tunisian Hotel Inspired by Star Wars

In Tunisia, the demolition of a renowned hotel is underway, sparking protests from both activists and fans of architecture and the Star Wars franchise. The Hotel du Lac, located in the capital city of Tunis, was designed by Italian architect Raffaele Contigiani and is believed to have served as inspiration for the iconic sandcrawler vehicles featured in the original Star Wars film.

Constructed between 1970 and 1973, the Hotel du Lac became a symbol of modern architectural transition in Tunisia following the country's independence in 1956. This ten-story structure, resembling an inverted pyramid, boasts over 400 rooms and exemplifies the Brutalist architectural style, characterized by massive concrete constructions prevalent from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Since its abandonment around the year 2000, the hotel has remained unused, leading to its acquisition by a Libyan investment firm in 2011. The new owners have decided to proceed with the demolition to make way for a luxury hotel at the same site.

Throughout the years, numerous activists have campaigned to preserve the Hotel du Lac, launching an online petition that has garnered over 6,000 signatures in support of its conservation. Enthusiasts from both architectural circles and the Star Wars community have rallied to highlight the building's historical and cultural significance, particularly its connection to the 1977 film, which included shooting locations in southern Tunisia.

The Brutalist movement, which emphasizes raw concrete and stark forms, has been significantly influenced by architects such as Le Corbusier. The term 'Béton brut' translates to 'raw concrete,' emphasizing the austere beauty of this architectural style rather than any notions of brutality.

The ongoing demolition of the Hotel du Lac marks the end of an era for a structure that has captured the imagination of many over the decades, serving not just as a hotel but as a cultural landmark within the Tunisian landscape.