Marwan Rechmaoui explores urban structures, mapping and behavioural demographics through sculptural aspects of form, volume and material. Acting as an archaeologist and researcher, he reconstructed the cityscape of Beirut, his hometown, in Beirut Caoutchouc (2004–2008) as a way to understand its multiple complexities and sociopolitical undercurrents. First presented at Sharjah Art Foundation during Sharjah Biennial 7 (2005), the work speculates on how Beirut could have looked before the sectarian violence of the Lebanese Civil Wars (1975–1990). The streets, neighbourhoods and the old gates to the city are identified, yet the map consciously omits the divisive lines and fragmenting scars delineating the Christian and Muslim neighbourhoods involved in the conflict. Constructed of numerous sections of dark-coloured rubber, with raised shapes indicating individual buildings, Rechmaoui’s map offers an interactive experience for viewers, who can take in the details of the city as they walk on and appreciate the sturdiness of the map.