Dr. Mona Fawaz, Professor in Urban Studies and Planning and Coordinator of AUB's Graduate Programs in Urban Planning and Design, explains how students and faculty with the Beirut Urban Lab took to the streets of Beirut two days after the blast of August 4th, talking with those affected. Their goal was to put people first, protect the heritage, and work toward recovery. Their work connected them with 48 different government agencies and the municipality, assessing the damage and connecting residents with their neighbors. The ongoing effort has brought to light underlying challenges to the health of Beirut's neighborhoods and possibilities not just for recovery, but for a better future.