January 2021 - Magazine

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

MIDDLE EAST JANUARY 2021

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

EDITOR’S
NOTE

In this issue, Managing Partner:
Ziad Maarouf Amine
Welcome to the first issue of the year! We have kick started 2021 by Copy Editor:
featuring some of the world’s most exciting new urban landscape projects John Hampton
and of course, not forgetting, some very special local projects too! Sales Manager:
Boushra Dinnawi
On page 30 read about Hong Kong’s new Rooftop Biodiversity Museum Administrative Assistance:
and Sustainability Learning Center. It encourages locals to get involved in Sarry Gan
growing and planting their own food, as well as providing a habitat for the Art Director:
cities’ famous butterflies. Ramon Andaya
Contributors:
We turn to Istanbul where the city’s children are playing in the clouds Sarah Hubbard, Leiyah Magay,
thanks to a new rooftop park at Marmara Forum, a shopping centre in the Neda Salmanpour, Islam El Ghonaimy,
Bakirköy district. Children of all ages are catered for and can experience matt Matouk, Thanasis Polyzoidis,
the sensation of touching the clouds with the 8-metre-tall structures, Wilco Spruijt, Hania Dabbous
which change colour throughout the day to mimic the subtle changes in Printed by:
natural light. See page 22 Al Nisr Publishing LLC
Webmaster:
We question whether food trucks are part of our modernised urban www.pdinventive.com
landscape as they continue to pop up in public spaces, after a rise in
popularity during the Covid 19 pandemic, as people opted more and more For free subscription and to view the magazine
to dine in outdoor spaces and traditional restaurants shut their doors. See please visit our website:
the findings on page 14
www.landscape-me.com
We also feature urban residential projects in Dubai and Qatar by local
architects who are pushing the boundaries of landscape design for city The First Specialised Landscape magazine in the
dwellers. Middle East

We hope you enjoy the issue! Our magazine is available
in app store and google play,
search under Landscape
Middle East.

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The opinions and views contained in the articles in this publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily MEMedia Publishing FZ LLC
of the publishers. The publishers cannot be held liable for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication. IMPZ

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CONTENTS 4
10
January 2021 - Issue 163
18
4 More than a touch of Green
22
10 Al Bada’a Modern Townhouses to
draw in ‘City Wildlife’

14 Are food trucks part of our
landscape Architecture?

Landscape Design company with

18 minimalism at its core takes root

in Dubai

22 Head in the Clouds
26 Modern Elegance

32 Landscape Fluxes

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TThheeFFirirssttSSppeecciaialilsiseeddLLaannddssccaappeeMMaaggaazzinineeinintthheeMMididddleleEEaasstt

45373

I SHOPPING MALL

More than a
touch of Green

By: Uncommon Land

The blue fan palm, Bismarckia nobilis, is not
commonly found on the Arabian Peninsula. Sub-
tropical in origin, angular in structure, glaucous blue
in colour, it is one of the many unique tree species
selected to enhance a major new development in
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, known as project Solitaire.
Due for completion in 2022, and currently
concealed behind a green perimeter wall, Solitaire
is set to become an iconic retail destination for the
Saudi capital. The scheme, for which Uncommon
Land’s sister business Benoy is leading the
architecture and interior design, is located in the
north of the city and will break from the traditional
Riyadhi shopping mall typology to provide a
dynamic, open-air environment complete with
retail streets, plazas, boutiques and an elevated
roof garden.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

For Al-Marqab Investment Company, the client
behind project Solitaire, the guiding principles of
the 2030 agenda are enshrined in the designs for
Riyadh’s new urban retail district. As a representative
for Al-Marqab explains:
“Part of Vision 2030 is turning Riyadh into a
green area. In the streets, there is lots of planting of
new trees. The government is trying to encourage
healthy lifestyles for local people, and the planting
of trees and greenery is designed to make the
environment more liveable. So landscaping is one
of the most important elements of Solitaire; it will be
key to how the project positions itself and promotes
the new concept of environmentally controlled
outdoor areas. That is why it is so important to plan
and plant it right!”

In a region known to be one of the most arid Striking a balance
places on Earth, landscaping, greenspace and The choice of the blue fan palm is a prime example
biophilia will be critical to the project’s success. of efforts undertaken by Uncommon Land, the
These components will also be vital to Solitaire’s project’s landscape consultants, to do exactly that
alignment with the government’s strategic – to ‘plan and plant it right’. In fact, it is typical
framework, Saudi Vison 2030. of Uncommon Land’s overall strategic approach,
Billed as “a bold yet achievable blueprint for an which is all about reacting to the nuances of site,
ambitious nation”, Vision 2030 is intended to guide climate, geography and architecture.
Saudi Arabia’s “aspirations towards a new phase of Benoy’s building design for Solitaire, for
development”. example, is based on the crystalline form of the
Central to this vision is a commitment to geode; a unique geometry which will inform
healthy living and environmental sustainability. multiple facades and internal finishes across three
Looking to promote balanced lifestyles and new, levels of interconnected space. The striking frond
ecologically friendly ways of driving economic formations of the Bismarckia nobilis speak directly
growth, Vision 2030 aims to preserve the country’s to the shifting planes of the architecture, while the
natural resources and ensure quality of life for tree itself meets essential performance criteria.
future generations. Looking to create a green and welcoming
environment, Uncommon Land’s design team
saw that local palm species and native xerophytic
plants, such as the barrel cactus, were too static and
harsh in appearance. Seeking softer forms which
can move in the breeze and react to different light
conditions, the team turned to alternative natives
from the acacia family and acclimatised species
from nearby regions. For the internal gardens, they
chose plants with a more Mediterranean profile,
such as citrus and olive.
The palette of plants also had to be tempered to
incorporate species that will flourish in conditions
which are also conducive to human comfort. In
this way, the planting strategy had to strike a

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I SHOPPING MALL

balance between the expectations of high-end
retail tenants, and the client’s verdant vision for
the scheme. On the one hand, retail tenants want
good shopfront visibility, clear sight lines, and
ambient temperatures in which people are happy
to wander, browse and shop. On the other hand,
lush greenery thrives in subtropical humidity in
which people quickly become hot and bothered.
To balance the interests of the client, tenant and
end-user, Uncommon Land made astute plant
selections that will maximise the green experience
without compromising comfort or footfall, helping
to ensure both the aesthetic and economic viability
of the project.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Wind towers and water features
A unique feature of the development will be its
commitment to sustainable cooling via a series
of wind towers. Within the towers, mechanical
fan systems will help to maintain amenable
temperatures throughout the site’s internal zones.
The job of these fans will be to move rather than
chill the air, producing a sustainable alternative to
standard, energy intensive air conditioning.
The aim is to create a comfortable environment
via passive cooling technology. And as visitors
move from internal zones to external areas open
to the climate, forced air systems will ensure they
remain protected from the desert heat.
In addition, enticing water features will create
a calming look and feel, while also contributing to
cooling with their fine mist. The mist will initially
feed the ambient humidity, then provide a natural
cooling effect as mist-layered objects dry. Overall,
the waterfall and stream features will form a key
element of the high-quality public realm and respite
areas which are the heart and soul of Solitaire.
Crucially, Uncommon Land’s focus on recycled
water will ensure the project does not have any
detrimental impact on an already water-stressed
region. Across all water features and plant irrigation
schemes, grey water usage will balance out water
requirements in the site’s F&B units, drawing on
Riyadh’s civic water recycling system. And once
again, the selection of specific drought-tolerant
plant species, such as acacia and frangipani, will
help to reduce the overall irrigation load.

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I SHOPPING MALL

Sustainability and sense of place
During the design of Solitaire, sustainability and
sense of place – both vital ambitions for the project
– have become inextricably linked. Aiming to
create a rich garden aesthetic, the greening of the
project site not only helps to manage challenging
climatic conditions, but creates a totally unique
destination. Across the north and south plazas and
second floor, an immersive, verdant experience is
designed to inspire and delight – shaping a drama
of green space and a radical new landscape for the
people of Riyadh.
Specific sustainability measures have also
helped to reinforce the cultural identity of the
project. In the contemporary garden zone, the
Uncommon Land team removed all corten steel
from the retaining wall designs. Knowing that
corten steel is unsustainable due to high levels
of embodied carbon and heavy-duty construction
requirements, Uncommon Land opted instead for
brick. Not only does brick have a carbon footprint

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

roughly 5% that of steel, it also has a much closer and deeply collaborative process, the partners
regional aesthetic and cultural fit. In an area with a worked together to navigate multiple project
rich history of mudbrick building, the brick walls complexities and solve the problems they faced. As
express a deep appreciation of local craftsmanship the representative for Al-Marqab confirms:
and heritage. And an open-weave brickwork “Despite the disruptions of the Covid-19
structure, combined with solid brickwork elements, pandemic, everyone worked together really well
allows for a constant flow of air through to the as a team. We had regular virtual meetings. It
building’s basement levels. Uncommon Land also was a tightly controlled process. And we now
worked with local highways consultants to reduce have the answers to all our questions – we
traffic volumes around the garden area, which will
become the external face of project Solitaire.

Contemporary and collaborative have the reassurance we need, and the positive
With extensive landscape experience in the feedback from retailers and prospective clients
Middle East, plus contemporary design expertise has been amazing.”
based on a portfolio of show-garden installations, And with construction teams recently breaking
Uncommon Land brings a unique combination ground on site, this truly remarkable landscape and
of qualities to the table. Offering a different retail project is now underway, promising a green and
perspective on landscape, the team also has a deep sustainable future for the city and people of Riyadh.
understanding of the singular challenges presented
by Middle Eastern geography and climate. Meeting
these challenges head-on, the team specialises in
using local conditions and circumstances to devise
commercially and aesthetically impactful solutions.
They are also passionate about addressing these
challenges in the context of the broader climate
emergency, using design as a vital tool to deliver
responsible and sustainable project outcomes.
During the design phase for Solitaire, Uncommon
Land, with Benoy, worked hand-in-hand with the
key project partners including environmental
engineers, Elementa; civil engineers, WME; and
lighting designers, Delta. In what was a productive

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I CITY WILDLIFE

Al Bada’a

Modern Townhouses
to draw in

‘City Wildlife’

By: Binchy and Binchy

Al Bada’a, close to Al Satwa in Dubai, is full of
traditional Emirati character and charm. Existing
plots form a long, low line of courtyard villas along
the street. The villa walls that line the streets are
narrow and human-scale, punctured with trees and
convenience stores. The area feels ‘neighbourly’
and people enjoy walking in the shade. The beauty
of these vernacular aesthetics, borne as a natural
reaction to the climate, was architecture firm
Binchy and Binchy’s inspiration for the design of
the compound.
The architects have designed five compact
townhouses in the city, complete with their own
private courtyard and roof terrace.
The 24x24m plot is split into five narrow
townhouses, each with its own back yard and
planted roof terrace. The courtyard offers daylight
to the rear of the house and maintains privacy from
the adjoining neighbour. The architects also saw
this as an opportunity to create serene outdoor
spaces within an urban setting.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

The dramatic profile of Sheikh Zayed Road’s
skyline forms the view from the roof terrace. The
compact plot has been carefully planned to allow
for each house to afford three bedrooms, a living/
dining and separate kitchen in addition to a laundry
room, maids room and parking and two contrasting
outdoor spaces. Every room is naturally daylit.
Opening the windows behind the decorative
brick facade also allows for natural ventilation,
drawing air from either the front of the house or
the roof terrace. The private courtyard allows the
boundaries to blur between indoors and outside,
bringing the inhabitants closer to nature and the
traditions of the region.

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I CITY WILDLIFE

The courtyard almost becomes an extension of the
living room, with full-width folding sliding doors.
The planting is contained to a sunken planter,
with an olive tree and surrounding ground cover
of Asparagus Fern and Jasmine, suitable for the
region and easy to maintain. Binchy and Binchy
worked with freelance Landscape Designer Paola
CH de Saint Víctor, who has been working in
Dubai for the past five years, on several multi use
residential development and high-end hospitality
projects around the GCC.
Therooftopisdividedintoindividualroofterraces,
planted roofscape, and areas for maintenance and
equipment. Across the inaccessible roofscape
areas, Paola chose low-maintenance red and purple
fountain grass, indigenous to arid climates, and the
colour of the year-round flowers also complements
the rose-coloured brickwork. The grasses can be
seen from the street, softening the façade and
parapet edge. These fountain grasses also aid in
the cooling of the building and encourages wildlife
in the city. The habitable part of the roof terraces
that are connected to the individual townhouses are
simply furnished with individual pots. The tenants
can plant to their individual tastes, leaving the level
of maintenance a decision for the resident.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

The exterior brickwork is inspired by mashribiya
and Al Sadu traditional weavings and stretches
across the full facade including perforated sections
across the sliding glass windows. This creates
privacy and security to the street side. The sun casts
shadows on to the brick decoration creating subtle
ever changing play of light and texture across the
solid elevations.

Binchy and Binchy is an award-winning boutique
architecture and interior design practice founded
in London, United Kingdom, and practicing in
Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Binchy and Binchy
are known for blending regional influences
with contemporary design, and believe in an
architecture that is ‘of its time and of its place’.

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I FOOD TRUCKS

parAt roef foouordlatnrudcskcsape
Architecture?

By: Islam El Ghonaimy, PhD

and Dalia Eldardiry, PhD

Different shapes and style in creating Food trucks (Truck, 2017)

Food trucks are a phenomenon of the past few years, will enhance the open space conditions and add value to
scattered across cities serving the community with various different levels, not only services and economic sectors.
types of cuisine. These metal trucks are now firmly part These food trucks produce various types of food, and
of our urban landscapes, mostly located in open spaces many visitors come to them, especially in the pleasant
within urban areas. As bricks and mortar restaurants closed weather because of their location. Even before the Corona
last year due to COVID 19 lockdown measures, food trucks pandemic happened, the outside tables were full of
seized the opportunity to increase their business and thus, customers. The location of the food trucks is a major factor
we witnessed more and more trucks pop up throughout for customers when choosing to dine, parking for example
our cities. However, this can be a cause for concern for is a huge bonus for customers. Peak timing for food
municipalities due to the unplanned location, haphazard trucks is during the afternoon and at sunset as customers
positions and an increase in numbers of these food want to sit outdoors without being in the direct sunlight,
trucks in cities. Therefore, this phenomenon should have however this may become less of a factor during winter
guidelines to improve residents’ daily lives. Moreover, it when the sun is much cooler during the day. During the

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Corona pandemic, people wanted to go out to any place occupation is found worldwide in virtually every country
that could hold beautiful outdoor sessions in the open air. and major city. It is part of the street vending commercial
This was the quarantine’s effect and the precautions that activities. Street vending and the sales can be anything
were followed by the government, so the best place to go from a strategy of survival to a desperate search for income
out was walkways, parks and streets. Most of the areas with from subsistence to small capitalism, or diversification of
food trucks have ideal conditions for visitors, as they are huge business to boost demand as well as boost turnover
surrounded by the sea, grass and trees and normally have while food trucks are mobile services, which mainly are
good parking options. for different types of foods services. (Anon., 2020). For
Moreover, selecting a proper location for a group instance, for a long time in the old part of Manama in the
of food trucks depends on a variety of factors including Kingdom of Bahrain, within the concept of “Al-Farej” there
time, place, and activities. Consequently, it will influence were different types of street vending in different areas
the qualitative performance of the open space. In the last serving the Al-Farej with cooked food. To maximize their
few years, it became one of the elements that engaged reach and capture trade from passers-by, the vendors are
in designing open spaces, especially designing parks or located in the main spines of the city; the main roads,
vacant areas to harmonize with buildings and roads. corridors and passages within the surrounding urban area.
Historically, food trucks are ancient, and significant

Food trucks activities: Figure 2: Food trucks, in urban areas Amwaj Islands,
In the gulf region, since the food trucks are the dynamic Bahrain (photos by the authors)
and mobile element that could be moved from one place
to another, there is a need to understand the diversity Food trucks and landscape architecture:
and similarities of open space use for food trucks, and In Bahrain for example, there were many locations selected
developing the theory of location attachment in times to host food trucks, which are nearby famous places or
and places of displacement and change of location. The landmarks such as the American Mission Hospital, Al
overarching interest in the transnational city, a conceptual salam hospital, Zalaq perto; station, Karbbabad, the Alosra
lens that can challenge notions of singular normality supermarket and the residential area of Amwaj Islands
notions concerning place value, is emphasized within and Lagoon, which is visited by people from all regions
both of these ambitions. Health practices such as urban of Bahrain. .
leisure walking can be understood as representing a
growing sense of sporadic autonomy for people in terms
of expression of meaning, bringing food to parks can
promote loose social ties and a tacit interdependence.
Moreover, the idea of a food truck, provides an insight
into the diversity of recreation in a country characterized
by a harsh climate, with the need of comprehensive
state regulation of public conduct while proposing the
location, preparation for space, implementing the idea
and the operation and followings progress. (Addas, A. and
Rishbeth, C., 2018)

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I FOOD TRUCKS

Most of the food trucks have sitting areas. The visitors The study found that some food trucks were located in
usually park their cars in the parking lot and site in the improper sites, with no landscape criteria or urban concern,
sitting area in the truck’s side. That’s generally happing in causing traffic and urban problems.
good weather. But dangerously, some of the visitors’ park
in the middle of the street causing traffic while ordering
from the tracks

Figure 4: Miss site location (Random) for the food trucks
causing landscape problem (photos by the authors)

Authorities used rules and regulation to operate and
manage the selecting of sites’ location. The national
stadium, some scattered vacant areas and near the
central market were proposed to have these food trucks.
According to the interviews by users, they prefer to find
the food trucks nearby the recreation areas when they used
to be outgoing.

Figure 3: Food trucks, in sub urban in Zalaq district, Bahrain (photos by Figure 5: Food trucks in specific site by the authority (photos by
the authors) the authors)

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Figure 6: 50 food trucks in the national stadium areas to
attract 160.000 gourmets, run by Industry, Commerce
and Tourism Minister (BNA(R), October 23, 2020)

Attracting 160,000 visitors in a month, amid the COVID 19 eating at relatively affordable prices, especially during the
pandemic, is no mean feat. Food truck areas has become Corona pandemic. Moreover, it is a source of income for
the attraction point for food lovers in Bahrain. The latest people working in it by providing jobs for workers and
data shows that the area dubbed “District” is a hit among a simple way to start a business for people with limited
connoisseurs of good food in the Kingdom. On 22nd October capital that may allow them to expand. There also a source
2020, in Bahrain National Stadium, East Riffa, 50 mobile of revenue for governments with permits and taxes required
food trucks in the national stadium offered numerous dishes to operate in public spaces.
(local and international cuisines). This event run by Industry, Food trucks played an important role during the COVID
Commerce and Tourism Minister, Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani 19 pandemic (lockdown period) following the WHO
was launched to support promising Bahraini projects and precaution (social distancing and outdoor socializing).
to empower food truck owners, the ‘District’ has played an Food trucks should use the different elements of the
essential role in creating a suitable environment for the food- landscape architecture design elements (hard and soft
truck industry Bahrain. (BNA(R), October 23, 2020) scape). Finally, from the landscape architecture point of
view, the research recommends using the main design
Finding of the study: frames showing in figure 7 while dealing with the food
Food trucks are a significant sustainable element that trucks to achieve sustainable and resilience design for the
have environmental, social and economic impacts upon outdoor spaces in cities.
landscape architecture. Environmentally, the recycling of
vehicles to save the environment by decreasing the amount Credit to Department of Interior Design,
of metal waste. Socially, it is one of the ways for people College of Engineering, College of Design,
to take an informal, affordable and easy-to-reach picnic. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, SA
People enjoy the ease and simplicity of food trucks, they [email protected]
can also encourage group activities, including hiking and [email protected]

Figure 7: the main design frames showing in figure 7 while dealing with the
food trucks to achieve sustainable and resilience design

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I ADVERTORIAL

LitasmcncodiomnisnricepmaDatpaanuelkyibseDmawsieirtsaohitognt

By: Nishtha Sadana

MDO (MOST DESIRED OUTDOOR) is an inspiring
boutique landscape architecture, pool design and
implementation firm, specializing in high-end
outdoor minimalist living spaces for a variety of
clients in the UAE and beyond. The company was
founded by Ahmed Matouk, known as Matt to his
friends. Since opening his dream company in 2018,
Matt has forged a reputation for intelligent gardens
that are original and functional. Known for his crisp
lines and balanced aesthetic, Matt began his career
at the University of Quebec in Montreal studying
Environmental Design, winning multiple awards
for Design Excellence in his final years. He found
himself working during his studies in various art and
design fields such as photography, graphic design,
fashion and furniture which has armed him with
an array of skills. Fast-forward to today; Matt has
curated a portfolio of pools and gardens for clients
across the UAE and GCC.
“The concept of ‘less is more’ refines our design
style and highlights the important elements that
define the spaces color, and the movement of the

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

space. Aesthetics, functionality, and wellness lay at
the heart of all the projects,” explained Matt. “The
idea of creating a pleasing picturesque that highly
blends in with the local context and also fosters
human wellness is the dream concept we continually
aim for. Creating crisp and sleek lines, using bold
forms, intrinsic patterns, repetition, contrast, and
geometry helps the landscape design stand out with
its strong visual connections complementing the
stark architectural base.”

What Do We Do?
“Our work typology in residential projects ranges
from mega beach-side residences to small rooftop
gardens, mansions, and retreats. These extensive
projects help us grow and dive deeper into the
industry with the utmost expertise and confidence.
From landscape design to landscape construction,
our motive is not just designing beautiful outdoor
spaces with extravagant features and visual and
social connectivity but also offering a sustainable
method of execution. Smart landscape construction
with minimal wastage helps in aligning our vision
while creating an overall seamless experience.

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I ADVERTORIAL

Our work is focused mainly in Dubai with our
multidisciplinary team of specialists who strive
to provide the best of service through positive
collaboration and ever-engaging communication.”
This wide array of landscape designers, project
managers and horticulturalists are directed by Matt
as creative director, alongside Operation Manager,
Miguel who shares a wealth of industry knowledge
and experience.
Sustainable and innovative Design
In this world of uncertainty, health and wellness
remain at the forefront – in each and every
industry. Trying to analyze the problems through
the built environment and offering long-term
solutions is the key. A similar theory has been
applied to our projects – by enabling our
collaborative approach to consistently deliver
high-quality solutions that are unique and highly
customized and tailored for the specific needs of
the users. We are delighted to share that most
of the clients are repeat business and they are
constantly asking us for our advice when looking
for the next “big thing” in landscape design.

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Project 1 – Shades of Grey and Green
One of our desirable completed projects in the
portfolio is the ‘Shades of Grey + Green’ that
highlights our design philosophy and overall
conceptual approach. With a minimalistic setting,
the idea was to create an inspiring outdoor space
that sets a ‘perfect’ entrance mood while aligning
with the principles of the architectural setting. A
careful selection of plantations is adapted to blend
into the leveled aura of stone slabs, raised beds,
garden spaces and sculptural highlights.

Project 2 – Fairway Residence
Similarly, a perfect juxtaposition of clean lines and
contemporary outdoor lifestyle forms the basis
of Fairway Residence. The overflow pool area
encompasses the pergola, fireplace with concrete
seating and an outdoor lounge area for the residents
to host outdoor parties or relax for a while. The
incorporated water and sculptural features are
highlights.

Project 3 – Between the Palms
Last but not the least, located on Palm Jumeirah,
Dubai – along the beach is the magnificent
residence with a perfect architectural and landscape
settingperfect for soaking up the luxury and
opulence – whether inside or outside. A relaxing
outdoor experience with imposing infinity pool
enveloped with massive Palms trees facing the sea
creates the authentic delightful outdoor experience
for the users – just as the design brief stated. There
is no better feeling than sipping a cold drink with an
awe-inspiring view of the city and the sea.

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I PLAYGROUND

Head in the
Clouds

The children of Istanbul
can play in the clouds
at the new Marmara
Forum playground

By: Carve

Iconic cloud structures have arisen in the
city of Istanbul. They are a striking landmark
in the new open air playground on the roof
park of Marmara Forum, a shopping centre
in the Bakirköy district. The windows of the
clouds magically change colours as daylight
changes throughout the day.
Carve was asked to design the playground
on the rooftop terrace of Marmara Forum, 24
meters above street level. The terrace and
the food court had been renovated to re-
establish the Forum as a prominent shopping
centre, and it needed a new playground to
match.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Concept
The playground has areas designated to
different age groups. Carve aimed at making
a connection in the design through both form
and experience: the experience of touching
the clouds, being about eight floors above
the ground.
Intelligent Playground
The assignment tasked to Carve was to
design a high-profile playground, fitting
to the renewed vibrancy of the shopping
centre. Children should be able to play in
the shade if the weather is warm and sunny,
and play under a shelter when it’s raining.
In commercial areas and terraces often only
limited space is available. This conflicts with
the high number of children that visit these
types of playgrounds, especially during peak
hours. For that reason, one of the starting
points was to design tall structures with big
volumes, fully playable from the inside.
From Small to Tall
The playground consists of four areas that
cater for different age groups — from small
to tall, there is a toddler space, a climbing
dome, a larger ensemble of spheres and a

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I PLAYGROUND

near eight-meter-tall climbing tower with
an internal slide. The interior of the clouds
is completely furnished with play elements:
children can climb, slide, lounge in a forest
of hammocks and experience height from
behind a window looking at the city’s
skyline or by looking down through the
climbing nets.
Colours
The white paint of the play clouds was chosen
to adapt to the weather changes: it appears
bright white on a sunny day and greyer on
a rainy day. Often adults tend to think a
playground needs to have an abundance of
colours, but it is the children that give colour

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

in the same direction, to make the project
come alive. For this reason, it was possible
to complete such a project from the first
sketches to realisation within a six-month
time frame.

to the playground. The dichroic windows Consideration Date of design: 2019-2020
colour the in- and outside of the play clouds Where in the past playgrounds were mostly Date of completion: May 2020
and also give extraordinary colours to the facilitated by local municipalities, Client Carve: Playdium
world you see through the windows from nowadays often commercial parties are the Manufacturer: Playdium
within. Magical realism experienced by ones to take initiative in this field of semi- Main Client: Multi (turkey)
children in real life! public and freely accessible play spaces. Location: Marmara Forum
Parties that really dare to offer children Shopping Centre, Istanbul
Time Frame something spectacular. The playground of Size: 400 m2
Typically, projects like this one, that are not Marmara Forum is a fine example of such an Photography: Asli Dayioglu
off-the-shelf designs, take a long time to initiative. website: www.carve.nl
design, engineer and be realised. A project Technical Challenges: There were many Instagram: carve_nl
is as good as its client. Behind Marmara technical challenges during the design
Forum is a visionary client that knew they and engineering process. For example, 25
wanted something special. It is impressive considering the size of the largest structure
to see how all parties involved have been (eight-meter-tall) to be constructed and the
working constructively, moving together load limits of the existing roof. This issue
was creatively solved by designing a self-
supporting structure on top of a constructive
point, spreading the loads at the same
time. The spheres of all of the play clouds
together are constructed out of hexagonal
and pentagonal panels, 275 different panels
in total.
Local craftsmen produced, assembled
and installed the double curved stainless
steel panels with incredible precision. The
importance of stimulating the local economy
and working with local partners was at the
forefront of Carve’s decision making from the
beginning. Utilizing these locally embedded
partners and their networks was key to a
superb and timely realization.

Head in the Clouds
Looking up from street level, one can see the
sun glitter on the play clouds. At night the
clouds, with white light radiating from behind
the window frames, are a beacon that can be
seen from the surrounding areas of Marmara
Forum, making an intriguing spectacle of
lights. If it wasn’t for the current lockdown
of all playgrounds in Turkey, the children of
Istanbul would already have occupied this
place and have their head in the clouds.

I LUXURY & SIMPLICITY

Modern
Elegance

il Sueño house is a blend
of modernity and practical
simplicity

By: Omran Architects

Capturing the splendid views of the garden, iL Seuño
House in Qatar is designed with an elegant modern
style expressing the owner’s personality. The pure white
color of the house blends with the natural light tones of
the landscape, oozing luxury and simplicity at the same
time. White delicate screens enliven bold facades and
help to animate the experience between indoor and
outdoor. A light horizontal platform gathers the living
and dining spaces in the ground floor overlooking
a large infinity pool surrounding a sunken lounge,
followed by a sloped green carpet blending the different
landscape levels. Three cantilevered private rooms
create a dynamic massing achieving a harmonious
balance between the opposing ideals of privacy and
community. The self-shading massing gives the house
the direction it needed both environmentally and
aesthetically. The masses enclose an elevated court
featuring a modern water element. The glazed internal
walls afford panoramic views to the garden and pool
while shaded from the scorching sun by cantilevered
volumes. The staircase is an artistic highlight for the
heart of the building featuring modern iconic colored
sculptures. Natural daylight is introduced to the house
by indoor courtyards, skylights and English courts
lighting the basement. The design achieves a simple
modern yet elegant home surrounded by nature. This is
reflected in the masterful interplay of materials, space,
and light in the villa creating a dynamic dialogue
between the interior and exterior. The material palette
balances between using warm and natural tones of
materials providing a feel of intimacy for the users.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

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I LUXURY & SIMPLICITY

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

OMRAN ARCHITECTS is one of the fastest
growing architecture companies in the
Middle East. In the vision of OMRAN’s
founder Dr. Mostafa Gabr, OMRAN become
an interdisciplinary and innovative-based
company. It is founded to enrich the life of
people through creating innovative, sustainable
and environmentally friendly urban living
environments. Having simplicity as the essence
of our design philosophy is the reason behind
creating innovative, luxurious, creative and
highly efficient buildings. We create the desired
and comfortable atmosphere for our building’s
users, believing that as we shape our buildings,
our buildings shapes us. Along with professional
architects and expertise from different
disciplines, we create aesthetically valuable and
inspiring communities in a great harmony with
culture, history, communities, through applying
the most recent technologies while putting into
consideration our natural environment.

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I LEARNING CENTER

A Rooftop Biodiversity
Museum and

Sustainability Learning
Center opens in
Hong Kong

By: LAAB Architects

Located in the heart of the urban sprawl
of Hong Kong, Nature Discovery Park is
a rooftop nature conservatory in a newly
redeveloped retail destination, the K11
MUSEA, offers experiential learning and
farm-to-table dining experiences for city
dwellers. LAAB Architects was tasked
with the challenge of turning an otherwise
residual space in the shopping mall into a
learning and experience center of nature.

Architecture of Urban Nature
A glasshouse and an urban farm form the
center of the Nature Discovery Park. A steel
structure and aluminum cladding was used
to frame the glasshouse, which features
large sliding glass doors that open up the
interior to the outdoor farm. To save energy,
IGU glass facade was used to reduce heat
gain. The sliding doors are always open
to draw in sunlight and to enhance natural
ventilation to minimize energy consumption.
The steel structure, aluminum cladding, and
glass were all prefabricated and installed
on-site to reduce construction waste. The
roof is slightly pitched forward so that the
architecture catches the prevailing wind
from the harbour while visually embracing

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

the farm. The reflection of the farm on Urban Nature that Nurtures
the glasshouse against the surrounding The spatial design of Nature Discovery Park
skyscrapers produces a visual reminder of the promotes the co-existence between humans
co-existence of nature and urbanism. The door and nature, and the urban environment by
handles, pendant lamps, and dining tables enabling eco-tours and a series of education
were crafted by LAAB using sustainable wood. programmes on biodiversity and sustainability.
The nature exploration journey begins with an
archive that showcases rare butterfly species,
leading to an aquarium that hosts the water and
tropic marine species of the Victoria Harbour
across the site if there were no pollution.
Inside the greenhouse, a hydroponic nursery
brings organically grown vegetables to the
table. The farm in front of the glasshouse also
offers urban farming opportunities for local
residents, promoting eco-parenting through
activities such as rooftop farming and nature
art jam. As Hong Kong is home to a dazzling
diversity of butterfly species, the nature
discovery journey ends with a butterfly garden
that grows plants to attract butterflies.

Official Project Name: Nature Discovery Park
Location: K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong
Client: New World Development Company Limited
Architects/designers: LAAB Architects in
collaboration with PLandscape, Speirs Majors
Light Architecture
Project Manager: New World Development
Company Limited
Collaborators: PLandscape, Speirs Majors Light
Architecture
Lighting Designer: Speirs Majors Light Architecture
Project sector: sustainability education center/
biodiversity museum/roof garden/ conservatory/
farm/restaurant
Budget: Confidential
Project completion date: September 2019
Photographer: Otto Ng of LAAB
Credit to: v2com

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I SUSTAINABILITY

Landscape Fluxes

By: Topio7 Architects Firm

The project “landscape fluxes” was awarded the 2nd place inaccessible to public use, especially from the
Prize at the Architectural Competition for Salina Park main part of the city road.
in Larnaca, Cyprus. The scope of the competition was The proposal “landscape_fluxes” creates a pole
the creation of an organized park with a sustainable of attraction for local and supra-local uses, in the
– bioclimatic design, well-connected with the framework of a holistic landscape eco_strategy. The
surrounding urban fabric. main objectives are:
The site belongs to the Municipality of Larnaca, • to create an open accessible public space,
and it is an abandoned green space of 14 sqm. It is • to create a contemporary urban park with ecological-
located in a central area in the city, close to main bioclimatic character that gradually leads the visitor from
roads and significant points of interest such as the the city’s buzz to an enclosed landscape of recreation,
Municipal Garden that includes the Municipal Gallery • to emphasize the social dimension,
and Library. Although is a green space with a lot of • to integrate new informative and management
trees especially on the south side, it is an enclosed technologies.
and introverted space, characterized by isolation, a The central idea derives from the need to create
a well-organized area of urban nature in a mutual
‘osmosis’ between the park and the city. The project
envisions a field of landscape fluxes, a dynamic new
landscape, a permeable green buffer zone of passages
in which osmotic relations can be developed from
the city towards the new park. A filter of greenery
and an introductory square, leads to the main area
of the park – an introverted clearing of recreation for
outdoor activities. There the cafe-restaurant kiosk is
located and a dynamic scenery is being created which
changes during the four seasons.

The proposal is based on a design strategy elaborated
in three organizational axes:
The accessibility and the connection with the urban
net. The new net of movements and stops will act as a
vehicle of understanding and appropriating space for
the visitor
The fluidity in relationship to vegetation.The plantation
is designed as an element of structural organization
using its alternations through the four seasons

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

The landscape characters and visual units that will central meadow, various thematic landscape zones and
host new uses. uses are proposed, such as the amphitheatre embedded
At the contact with the city, an entrance plaza at to the existing slope, the water garden - a small artificial
the highest level of the site provides a general view wetland, an aquatic habitat with platforms to lay by the water,
of the park as an urban balcony. Right afterward, the the urban orchards where the citizens may participate, and
entrance to the park is realized through the terraced playgrounds and outdoor gyms.
steps –terraced plazas of stabilized soil that may The clearing is defined by the main serpentine path for
also host temporal exhibitions. A filter of greenery wandering that traverses all the different landscapes and
that incorporates the majority of the existing trees uses. This belt of movement consists of stabilized soil and
constitutes the urban forest in this zone that hosts the offers a slower walking experience, a free movement in
Mediterranean gardens, rest areas, and picnic areas. space that is changing constantly. The curved manoeuvres
This shaded green zone leads to the main area of the of the path reveal on the move, various perspective views,
park that the visitor gradually discovers.  There is a and spatial relationships. The path’s width is designed
large meadow for leisure and outdoor activities, rest to host the walker, the jogger, the bicyclist. At various
areas and recreational zones, the clearing-events positions of the site, small informative kiosks of corten steel
place where the cafe-restaurant is located - a metal are located. On each side of the park, there are secondary
structure with corten steel facades. Along with this entrances from the neighbourhoods.

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I SUSTAINABILITY

It’s a feasible project which is easy to apply that needs
minimal demolitions, no need for extensive extra
planting. By using ecology as a spatial and biological
framework, the proposal aims to create a dynamic
landscape where the process is in the epicentre.
The ecological design as a medium of creative
transformation will give a vivid natural environment
where the new uses will activate socially the
place.  The proposal “landscape_fluxes” envisions
a flexible, adaptive, socially dynamic, emerging site,
able to host urban moments and social events.

Significant role to the design approach plays the
sustainability – ecological design and the intention
to create a smart park, either regarding management
issues (collecting rainwater - photovoltaic panels and
the use of smart digital sensors to manage lighting
and irrigation) or in terms of information such as
signage based on interactive screens and qr-codes as
well as big data projection screens.

Firm: topio7 architects
Design Team: topio7 architects
(Katerina Andritsou – Panita Karamanea –
Thanasis Polyzoidis)
Consultants: Panagiotis Panagiotopoulos, Civil
engineering consultant, Dimitra Kosti, Quantity
surveyor consultant
Website: www. topio7architects.gr
Image credits: topio7 architects

Title: landscape_fluxes - 2nd Prize Salina Park
Competition: Architectural competition
¨Municipal Park Salina, Larnaca
Prize: 2nd Prize
Location: Larnaca, Cyprus
Surface: 2410 m2
Year: 2020
Client: Municipality of Larnacak

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