October 2020 - Magazine

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

middle east OCTOBER 2020

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Editor’s
Note

In this issue, Managing Partner:
Ziad Maarouf Amine
I’ve been hearing a lot about resilient design and building for the future Copy Editor:
lately. Since most of you are in the landscape or urban planning industry John Hampton
you’ve probably been familiar with the term long before the global Sales Manager:
pandemic took hold, but for me it was a fairly new concept so I started Boushra Dinnawi
to have conversations with architects and landscape designers to learn Administrative Assistance:
more about what buildings will look like in the future. One of the most Sarry Gan
interesting chats I had was with Gosia Baron, Senior Associate Director, Art Director:
Planning & Urban Design at CallisonRTKL (CRTKL). See page 20 for Ramon Andaya
some of the highlights of our talk. Contributors:
Tom Morr, Anna Tutty,
One of the positives for most people during the pandemic and subsequent Andrew Parker, Ana Mateus,
lockdown was the gift of time, everything and everyone slowed down, we Than, Maha Salah Eldin,
had time to think and reevaluate. As a result, the landscape industry is Gosia Baron, Catherine Chan,
teaming with new ideas to transform urban spaces. Jimena Martignoni
Printed by:
“It is that spirit that fueled WATG, the multidisciplinary global design firm, Al Nisr Publishing LLC
to roll out a new vision for New York City’s streets. The concept, titled Webmaster:
Green Block, focuses on the intersection of Manhattan’s Flatiron Building, www.pdinventive.com
the idea is to claw back space from the roads and reclaim it for the people
and environment. See pg30 for how the team plan to take back the city. For free subscription and to view the magazine
please visit our website:
While it’s tempting to get caught up in future designs and projects,
we also focus on what’s trending here in the region and beyond in this www.landscape-me.com
issue. We feature a simplistic but well-conceived project known as the
Vietnamese garden house on pg 12 it was designed by three young The First Specialised Landscape magazine in the
architects who collaborated to create the perfect hideaway residence for Middle East
its owner, despite working for different design studios.
Our magazine is available
We also feature a mixed-use landmark project in the Egyptian city of in app store and google play,
Alexandria, called the Skyline compound. See Pg 8 . search under Landscape
Middle East.
We hope you enjoy the issue!
Landscape is distributed free of charge in KSA,
UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan,
Eqypt, and Lebanon by Emirates Post UAE

Published by:

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

PO Box 485005, Dubai, UAE
Telephone: +971 4 4470927

Fax: +971 4 4470928

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contents 4 12

October 2020 - Issue 160

4 Interview with Andrew Parker
8 A New Skyline in Alexandria
12 Vietnamese Garden House
16 Atelier Luxury apartments in downtown LA

20 Why resilience is the new buzz word for
the landscape industry

24 A green educational institution
28 Khorfakkan Square
30 A new vision for a greener New York City
16
32 10 Design to redevelop China’s Nanjing 20
Dajiaochang Airport

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TThheeFFirirssttSSppeecciaialilsiseeddLLaannddssccaappeeMMaaggaazzinineeinintthheeMMididddleleEEaasstt

43573

I interview

By: Andrew Parker
A GHD Principal Manager –

Design and Planning

Please give us a brief about your
educational background and your experience
in the GCC area.
I completed my undergraduate training in
landscape architecture in Queensland, Australia in
the early 1990s. Since that time, I have worked
across landscape architecture, urban planning and
urban design, picking up additional qualifications
in environmental planning and urban design along
the way. I have been working in the GCC now for
10 years, having held positions with both GHD
and the Abu Dhabi government.
Tell us about GHD in the region?
GHD was founded in Australia over 90 years ago
with the aim of improving the design and delivery
of municipal infrastructure. Since that time, we
have grown to a global company of over 10,000
employees and we have helped shape some of the
world’s most livable cities. We have been present
in the GCC for the last two decades with projects
and offices across the region.
What would you say is the company’s
greatest achievement to date?
We have been involved in many of the region’s
most iconic projects, however the team’s recent

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

contributions to the redevelopment of Qasr Al
Hosn and the Jubail Mangrove Walk highlight our
ability to work at different scales, with high levels
of environmental and cultural sensitivity to create
projects with a lasting community benefit.
What makes your company stand out as
landscape architect firm?
Our team in the UAE provides an integrated
design team including landscape architects,
urban designers and sustainability professionals.
We are also closely linked to GHDs engineering,
environmental, energy and advisory teams
allowing us to provide our clients with end to end
design services. We are also able to draw on our
deep ties to other regions within the GHD network,
and combined we are the ninth largest landscape
practice globally. This allows us to bring a depth
of global experience to our local projects that
is supported by our local teams’ knowledge of
regional requirements. Our team often live in, or
close to, the locations which we are designing
and have a passionate interest in creating lasting
community benefits for these communities.

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I interview

What kind of projects excite you? Can you What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
share any you are working on? The most rewarding part of my work is seeing
For me, the most exciting projects are those were a projects completed; seeing how the team work with
client entrusts you as a designer to take them on a our clients and contractors to bring our designs
design journey to meet their goals and needs. We to life. Seeing the great success of the Jubail
recently had an exciting commission to identify Mangrove Walk during its opening few weeks
a number of unique environmental experiences showed that there is a real appetite within the region
and our client entrusted the GHD team with the for new and genuine landscape experiences.
development of a landscape and environment
based methodology for the identification of How has the global pandemic affected
suitable sites and natural experiences, testing Landscape Architecture in the GCC?
design opportunities for each of the sites and Throughout the pandemic, we have been looking
ultimately developing design responses that at the impacts of COVID-19 and how it will shape
ranged from information shelters and picnic our future public realm. One of the key themes
facilities through to luxury desert retreats. This that has emerged is that of resilience and ensuring
was a great project that was led by our landscape that our public spaces have sufficient flexibility to
architects, but drew in skills from across GHD in be readily adapted to changing uses and needs.
the GCC and from our global design teams. Plazas, amphitheaters and lawn areas have

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

communication and remote working tools, with the
key being effective and frequent communication
between all team members. We have also worked
closely with our people to ensure that programs
are in place to support our staff and ensure their
mental and physical health is maintained while
working remotely. Post COVID we will continue to
utilize tools such as remote working to facilitate
more flexible working arrangements to improve
our teams’ wellbeing.

traditionally been identified as flexible spaces, Do you foresee projects down the line being
however post COVID these areas may take on impacted as a direct result of the current
additional functions such as local markets, situation or do you think this is a short-
football spaces, outdoor cinemas or emergency term issue for the landscaping industry as
assembly areas. Similarly, an emphasis on most works can still carry on despite the
locally self-contained spaces will see a shift in pandemic?
the emphasis of landscape design within the GCC I believe the current slowdown is temporary in
from large scale “destination” based projects, to nature as governments and clients work out what
design focused on meeting the needs of local the new normal will look like post COVID. Moving
communities first and foremost. forward, for the landscape industry we will need
to look carefully at the types of spaces we are
How has your firm adapted its working designing to understand how these spaces may
practice/design in the post covid climate? need to adapt to future upheavals, be they another
As a global company, we are used to working pandemic, environmental catastrophe or future
with dispersed teams and all of our teams have technological changes.
adapted well to remote working. The strong ties
within the team have transferred well to online What is your personal philosophy?
Good design is about showing our clients what is
possible, and then helping them make it real.

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I URBAN DEVELOPMENT

A New Skyline in
Alexandria

By: Dina Abou Alia, Maha Salah Eldin

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Mixed-use complexes are in high demand in most
Egyptian cities. The design philosophy of such
developments is to improve the living experience
of the inhabitants through a sustainable approach
were the architecture and landscape elements serve
in creating a relaxing and healthy environment for
all. Dorsch Egypt as the lead design consultant
was tasked with developing an integrated design to
enhance the wellbeing of the residents whilst taking
into consideration within each and every landscape
design treatment the fact that the outdoor plazas are
located over a concrete mega structure.
Skyline compound is a residential mixed-use
complex developed by Orouba Misr developments
over a prominently located 10 feddans land plot sitting
in the heart of Egypt’s coastal Jewel, Alexandria.
The project is a city landmark that offers a
progressive lifestyle where all life’s luxuries and
facilities are available in the same place. In addition
to the residential building the site has a commercial
mall and administrative, clinical and hotel buildings
all connected by landscape plazas creating an
exceptional urban experience.

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I URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The green area covers around 40% of the land The inner plaza is mainly divided into central
with a total area of 16,000 m2 divided into two main areas were the main lively activities occur around
plazas, the first is exclusive to residents and the the club-house and restaurant, furthermore a
second is for the public. The project’s main theme is recreational garden is designed as a calm relaxing
inspired by Alexandria‘s coastal nature were waves seating area and a walkway for residents alongside a
are reflected all over the project to create a feeling of sunken seating area where residents can experience
tranquility that reduces daily life stresses. a calming time in a river like environment.
Wavy statements are present and connecting The water features are designed to be shallow,
the project elements from hardscape design and each are around 25 cm depth with curved steps
materials to softscape curvy steps reaching to the to create wavy smooth lines, as for the softscape
steeped shallow water features, all are designed in a planters they are designed over smooth steps to
way to create a smooth relaxing sensation. follow the project theme. The hardscape design,
In order to create a distinguished residential materials and lines are integrated with the site
experience, the inner park plaza was designed furniture to complete the final relaxing coastal
exclusively for the compound residents; it encompasses experience.
different areas that present a variety of experiences. At the external building edge; a public linear
plaza consisting of a walkway events area and a
10 public tea zone complement the visitors’ experience.
Skyline Compound portrays a newly elevated outdoor
atmosphere to Alexandria’s residents and visitors,
through a contemporary environmental outdoor
experience.

Project name: Orouba Skyline
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Consultant: Dorsch Consult Egypt
Developer: Orouba Misr
Landscape designer: Maha Salaheldin

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

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I RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE

Vietnamese
Garden House

By: AmDesign Architects,
Time Architects, CTA | Creative Architects

The garden house project is a collaboration between three young
Vietnamese architects (now with three different design studios). The
garden house is built on a 3,500-sq. m of land in Can Giuoc, Long An
province – a 45 minute drive from Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam. The
owner of the property is a marketing director for a large corporation
and wanted to create a serene home where he could escape from
the stress and pressure of his job. Therefore, the design brief was to
create a peaceful and harmonious home and garden for recharging
and energizing.

From left to right:
Arch. Bui The Long, Nguyen
Huu Duy, Nguyen Duy (CTA |
Creative Architects , AmDesign
Architects, Time Architects )

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

The building is designed with five separate
blocks arranged randomly under a large
thatched roof, next to a lake. Splitting blocks
were used to create diverse views from both
inside and outside the building, as well as
provide natural ventilation and natural light
to every space in the home.

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I RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE

The sheet steel roofing system covered
by a thatched roofing system is a staple
of Southwest Vietnamese architecture.
It creates an eco-friendly and intimate
feature that helps the building integrate
into nature. Under the sheet steel roofing
system, there is a ceiling system with
wooden finishing material. Due to the
layout of the roofing system, the building
can naturally reduce heat and keep indoor
temperatures a lot cooler than outdoors.
The wooden ceiling system is painted the
same color as the wood-lined concrete
wall. While the floors are a similar color

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

The large lake that borders both sides
of the house helps to bring a sense of
nature into the property and this eco-
friendly element of landscape design also
contributes to heat reduction for the entire
house during hot summer days. Other heat
saving measures were also put in place
such as nature ventilation, the contrast
and unity of color, natural materials to
cool and allow nature to come into the
owner’s daily life.

to the wood-lined concrete wall (the
handmade woodgrain concrete boards).
The absence of tile flooring reduced costs
and instead the team used concrete floors
to make people feel more comfortable
while walking. The similarity of colors
and surface textures in all elements of
the house along with the natural light that
shines throughout the day from a slot in
the roof, creates a calming and peaceful
space that harmonizes with its surrounding
landscape.

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I INTERNATIONAL DESIGN

Atelier Luxury
apartments
in downtown LA

By: Surfacedesign

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

San Francisco-based Surfacedesign is an
award-winning landscape architecture and
urban design firm that creates dynamic parks,
plazas, waterfronts, civic landscapes, and
private gardens. Surfacedesign created outdoor
living spaces for Atelier, a luxury apartment
development in downtown Los Angeles. The
urban project’s two focal outdoor areas are the
building’s pool deck and rooftop terrace lounge.
Design: Real estate developer Carmel Partners
awarded Surfacedesign creative control of the
outside living spaces at its luxury apartment
project Atelier, designed by architecture
firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB). Taking
inspiration from the building’s proximity to
the former Los Angeles Garment District,
Surfacedesign’s overall approach was influenced
by the Bauhaus textile patterns of Anni Albers.

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I INTERNATIONAL DESIGN

Geometrical lines and shapes are repeated Atelier’s 5th-floor pool area serves as its
throughout the 33-story project’s two outdoor primary communal space. For the landscape,
living spaces: pool/amenity deck and rooftop Surfacedesign’s palette uses a combination of
lounge. Surfacedesign injected the textile silver ground covers, agaves, and acacias with
inspiration into the composition, stitching pops of color: reds, oranges, and yellows. The
together the hardscape with a rich landscape of silver ground covers reference the glassy/steel
native and Mediterranean plantings. materiality of the urban Los Angeles skyline. The

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

red, orange, and yellow bougainvillea, aloes,
and succulents are familiar Southern California
favorites and warmly ground the project in its
downtown Los Angeles context. The plantings
also provide some shade and a sense of privacy
for the deck’s many amenities: outdoor grilling
areas, a dog run, a bocce ball court and game
terrace, a 25-meter lap pool and spa, an outdoor
firepit and fireplace, cabañas, and a hammock
garden. The Atelier outdoor-living project was
capped by a rooftop lounge with sweeping views
of downtown Los Angeles.

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I Resilient Design

Wthehnyerwesbiluieznzcweoisrd
finodr uthsterylandscape

Gosia Baron

Senior Associate Director, Planning &
Urban Design at CallisonRTKL (CRTKL)

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

The pandemic has raised questions about how As a global practice, we also had in place much of the
resilient cities are, both in terms of their business technological infrastructure and methodologies required
districts and high-density living. Accelerating changes for remote work. Accustomed to collaborating on projects
and attitudes already in motion, Covid-19 has brought across countries and timezones, we were more readily
about a global re-evaluation of how and where we live, able to shift to working from home.
work, shop, dine and travel.
With these tools in place and a culture that supported
As a result, we are seeing the repriorisation of open this new way of working, we were set up to accommodate
and green space, with these habitats now favoured over changing needs and circumstances.
dense urban environments. The disadvantage here is
how mass public transport has not seen a recovery of Technology, which has always been there, plays a more
ridership and in fact the private car, cycling and walking important role now and the most challenging aspect in
have emerged as the prefer mode of transport. Hopefully, the beginning was to take time to adjust to new ways of
with the practice of remote working, remote schooling, communicating, both within our business and externally
a rise in e-commerce and the use of telemedicine with clients and consultants. Many positives have come
to consult your doctor, we should see a reduction in from new ways of working with many becoming much
commuter traffic in cities. more efficient while working from home, with less
distractions.
People also no longer need traditional land use
separation and are now looking towards more adaptive, As most came to learn through this experience though,
smart, flexible, mixed-use and walkable environments for all the practices that technology makes easier and
and spaces to operate in. With this change we can more efficient, it has its limitations when it comes to
already see that the urban built environment will go
through a process of adaption and repurposing to reflect
the changing needs of the community.

It is time to move our focus away from ‘social
distancing’ and more towards ‘safe socialising’.
The importance to create public spaces within walking
distance from homes that can be used by citizens to
support their physical and mental wellbeing has come
to the fore in recent months. Landscape architects and
urban designers will be required to re-consider current
urban environment and come up with new innovative
design solutions with the safety and wellbeing of users in
mind. New urban typologies must allow and encourage
safe social interactions, as a truly resilient solution that
offers a quality experience while staying safe.

Resilience describes the ability to survive, adapt
and thrive in difficult situations. As a company, we are
very focused on resilience and keeping our people safe
while ensuring business continuity and an undisrupted
provision of service to our clients.

To this end, we even stationed a member of our team
in Saudi Arabia for the duration of lockdown, ensuring
we were on the ground to guide our clients and projects
through the tumultuous period and make possible their
ambitious delivery schedules.

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I Resilient Design

relationship building and creative thinking, with
these harder to replicate online. With our Dubai
office now reopen and operating as per the new
health and safety guidance, we are glad to have
brought back the face-to-face working sessions that
we have all missed and introduced a new flexible
working arrangement that balances being in the
office and working from home, depending on client
and project needs.
Many of us look for refuge and comfort in the
outdoors, but would have concerns about the
air quality or the safety of enclosed spaces.
The pandemic has increased the demand for
more pedestrian spaces and micro-mobility
infrastructure. Further to this and with a change in
people’s behaviour, outdoor spaces are no longer
just a transition space to go from one building to
another, they have become destinations. Therefore,
the expectation of an outdoor offering will be much
higher than that of an enclosed environment.
An outdoor destination needs to culturally and
socially relevant, with convenience, accessibility
and weather resistance also key to the success
of our outdoor spaces. A seasonal programme of
activities and attractions will also need rethinking if
they are to satisfy both our desire to gather and new
social distancing measures.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

As much as these spaces are about bringing people It is also important to place community resilience at the
together, they are also about bringing them closer to nature. centre of urban resilience as by understanding the needs
Creating greener and heavily planted spaces can provide for not just an individual but a community, we can create
numerous health benefits to the users and simultaneously a safe place for citizens to live, work and play.
improve the quality of air in cities, reduce noise pollution
and to help combat the urban heat island effect. Change is constant, and as designers it is our
role to provide solutions to address the changing
For our designs to be resilient they must respond needs. As our communities are being tested, we need to
both to the challenges put forward by the pandemic act quickly and adapt flexible solutions to reimagine the
and the climate. A more holistic response that urban realm. The struggle is for clients deciding whether
considers citizen wellbeing and offers ways to counter they are willing to invest in these difficult times and are
the impact of climate-related issues such as flooding prepared to turn the challenge into an opportunity.
and over-heating is needed.

Successful designs will stimulate
human interactions and make habitable
environments that might otherwise be
seen as empty or soulless. With greater
emphasis being placed on health and
safety, the onus is on us to ensure
spaces don’t become to clinical and
instead remain focused on connection
and connectivity. Linked to this is the
digitalisation of physical infrastructure,
with smart, interconnected, micro-
mobility, no-touch technology, self-
sanitising surfaces and other digital
solutions key to striking this balance.

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I campus design

A green
educational
institution

A new campus in Porto Alegre, southern
Brazil, has changed the urban dynamics of
the residential area where it was integrated,
with a fresh architectural image and an
inviting composition of open spaces.

By: Jimena Martignoni

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

This urban campus was commissioned by the One of the main conditions for the new project
Universidade do Vale do Rio do Sinos, a traditional was that of preserving the open views from the
Brazilian university run by the Jesuits and known school and to get the most out of the building
to locals as “Unisinos”; the plan includes an land, according to the permitted floor area ratio and
educational building, a theatre, commercial and heights. The result is the location of an eight-story
parking spaces but is the large semi-public terraces, educational building in one corner of the site and
walking areas and courtyards what has meant a receded from the street, and a quite compact project
novel and appealing addition to the area. extending along the rest of the site. Comprising
Originally, the project was the result of a close commercial spaces, walking areas and terraces,
competition which invited five architectural offices an access esplanade and a semi-buried courtyard,
in Porto Alegre and which anticipated the vacant the amalgamation of spaces achieves an aura of
space adjacent to a Jesuit school as the proposed openness and balance.
site. After AT Arquitetura was selected as the winning Retail stores and small cafes face a walking
team, the university’s authorities changed the site semi-public space which is half-covered by a 7
location to another vacant larger site, right in front meter-high pergola; adjacently, a large wooden
of the school and a kindergarten which would be terrace overlooks a large and luxuriant private
eventually renovated. garden. The tree crowns appear now as part of
the new terraces, providing the perfect natural
environment for the many students and visitors that
gather and sit around in the sunlight, making use of
the custom-designed outdoor furniture.
In the main façade, avoiding a retail-related
image, the project incorporated a screening green
wall which extends along 80 meters and 11 meter
high, exhibiting a two-colored composition of native
plants (Cuphea gracilis and Tradescantia). Behind,
another semi-roofed linear area offers more spaces
for sitting and relaxing.

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I campus design

The entire project adapts to the change elevation connected to the auditorium’s stage by a removable
of the street, creating different planes and stepped 14 meter-wide door, it offers an ideal setting for
terraces. At street level, a large access esplanade open-air performances. The access esplanade then
draws people to any of the spaces which make up becomes a balcony-like public space.
the educational-cultural compound. At one side, The formal auditorium has a total indoor
a semi-buried courtyard provides sunlight to the capacity of 470 seats. Appearing in the architectural
underground spaces, the library and a student composition as a separate volume, the theater has
lounge. However, the most interesting use of this an independent access and a green roof which can
sunken open space is that of an outdoor theater; be appreciated from the upper floors, mingling with

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

the newly designed landscape of the street. This
roof is completely planted with boldo (Peumus
boldus), an aromatic indigenous plant which
grows profusely in Porto Alegre.
The project was required to include 1,000
parking spaces which were built in two underground
levels and two above the street, using the resulting
diversity of planes in favor of the creation of
the semi-public terraces. In order to provide a
pedestrian connection for those arriving by bus
and to connect the university’s underground
parking with the existing school, across the street,
a footbridge of stylized architectonic lines spans
the existing avenue.
Now an urban landmark in one of the greenest
residential neighborhoods of Porto Alegre, the
Unisinos educational compound has also become
a great place for recreation, leisure and cultural
activities and connections.

Location: Porto Alegre, Brazil
Date of Completion: 2018
Project Size: 56,000 m2
Designers: AT Arquitetura
Project Managers: Andre Detanico, Tarso
Carneiro, Mauricio Ceolin
Landscape Plan: Landscape Sul
Lighting Plan: Cristina Maluf
Client: Universidade do Vale do Rio do
Sinos / Associação Padre Antonio Vieira
Photography: Marcelo Donadussi

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I sustainability

Khorfakkan
Square

By: Fayiz Sh. Abnayin / Architect / ART & DESIGN

Khorfakkan, also known as the ‘bride of the east The Government of Sharjah acknowledges its
coast’ is one of the most beautiful cities in the importance and planned several educational, tourism,
Emirate of Sharjah. Located in the Gulf of Oman, it is a and entertainment projects. One of these projects is
mountainous and quiet area, yet very rich in terms of Khorfakkan Square, designed and supervised by a
history and environmental diversity. Statistically, this well-reputed architectural office ART & DESIGN, known
city hosts the largest number of United Arab Emirates for its prestigious designs in the Emirate. At the
internal travelers during weekends and holidays. city entrance, the square welcomes its visitors with

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

impressive water features and large landscaped areas Surrounding the previous elements, a pulverized
with footpaths slope up and down respecting the cloud with 2 meters height and 40 meters length
area’s topography and equipped with sitting areas is installed in each lagoon. To achieve the desired
overlooking the beautiful scenery. The view from any density each cloud is formed by a total of 280 special
of the four intersections leading to the roundabout was GHESA® nozzles. Two lines of vertical jets are also
carefully studied to give the best visual effect.   installed in each water feature, in a total of 264 jets
  With the facility of car parking accessible in in the four lagoons. The jets present variable heights
the four areas, the place became a popular first from 3 to 8 meters.
stop while visiting the city. At the same time, it is A major aesthetic asset in these water features
a highly sought-after destination for those who like is the perimetral overflow, summing an impressive
to walk and enjoy the view, not only into the square total length of 1,175 meters. These water features
but also outwards - the planting areas exceeded the incorporate state-of-the-art materials and technology.
limits of the project and expanded to the surrounding All the hydraulic and electrical infrastructure is
mountains with the beautiful local tree Al Sidr. modular, and all the exposed hydraulic installation is
The water features distributed in the four lagoons in 304-L stainless-steel to increase its lifetime.
(21,446 square meters in total), were artistically The installation works in a closed circuit and only
designed by ART & DESIGN, and technically designed, requires an additional water supply to suppress water
manufactured, and installed by GHESA Water & Art. loss from evaporation or splashes. A wind speed
The impressive water effects create a dramatic scene controller system automatically adjusts the water
in contrast with the mountains in the backdrop. features operating mode according to the wind’s
At the center of each lagoon, one air shooter speed and direction, to minimize splashes. The
actuated by an ultrafast valve (less than 0.1 seconds water treatment system further reduces consumption
reaction time), generates a water blast up to 25 meters and guarantees the quality of the water, complying
height. Each air shooter is flanked by 2 geysers with with physical, chemical, and microbiological safety
variable heights up to a maximum of 18 meters. requirements.  

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I sustainability

A new vision for a
greener New York City
One that underscores the
unforeseen positives revealed It is that spirit that fueled WATG, the multidisciplinary
during the pandemic global design firm, to “roll out” a new vision for New York
City’s streets. The concept, titled Green Block, led by John
As the coronavirus lockdown took force of major Goldwyn, WATG’s London-based Director of Planning and
metropolises, an unusual thing happened across the world’s Landscape, was an internal innovation competition focused
best cities: the sounds of taxi horns hushed, the skies on how its team of leading urban planners,
cleared and the gloomy haze of pollution lifted. There were landscape architects and designers could use their
reports of city dwellers waking up to the song of birds, rain skills, and lessons learned from the pandemic, to transform
pouncing on windows, and the rustling of leaves. As New urban spaces in a post-pandemic world for the better.
York City begins to peek its head out from its hibernation – The concept at once allows for a green, carless, alfresco-
unlocking bodega doors, flipping open blinds, and turning hopping, streetscape vision for New York’s streets.
around its “Open for Business” signs – there are obvious “Our cities have long been overdue for transformation
unintended positives that almost instantaneously took hold and, as some people flee for greener landscapes in the wake
of the city that never sleeps. New Yorkers should not forget of COVID-19, Green Block proves that you don’t need to
what a cleaner city looks like, and fight to find a way to sacrifice one for the other – we actually can, in fact, have
adopt new ways of living that contribute to a healthier, safer, both the urban and the green lifestyle,” said Goldwyn.
more breathable way of life. Focusing on the intersection of Manhattan’s Flatiron
Building, an iconic symbol for the city itself, Green Block
claws back space from the roads and reclaims it for the
people and environment.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Flatiron in 2020 (left); Flatiron utilizing the Green Block system (right)

Green Block is built using a modular program that “People who are all too often disconnected from nature
transforms city streets into green spaces using a kit-of- should be allowed respite on their streets. The pandemic
parts system that is maintenance-free and created from tapped into an underrepresented desire in urban dwellers to
100% recyclable materials. Green Block not only adds connect with nature. That desire is a human right, and the
greenery to existing cafes and shop fronts but it creates city needs to address it. Green Block is in the best interest
untapped revenue opportunities for retail, commerce, of New Yorkers and New York City’s standing in the world,”
and restaurants, and helps clean and filter city air while finished Goldwyn.
beautifying streetscapes. “As planners and designers, we have to help
Green Block brings limitless value to cities and communities become more self-reliant. We have to make
destinations – serving as a living, breathing solution to sure we’re creating systems that help ourselves and future
air filtration; reducing car noise, impact and pollution; generations thrive,” continues Goldwyn. “Communities that
providing homes for the world’s decreasing bee population; are resilient with strong, built-in systems of support become
and increasing the amount of space for people to exercise even stronger during times of crisis.”
and leisure. The solution provides greater opportunity WATG is currently working with confidential landowners
for cyclists and walkers, replacing paved footpaths with in the United Kingdom to deploy Green Block on select
lush plants; and increasing street appeal for restaurants and streets of London, and the concept has been recognized
retail – providing untapped opportunities for outdoor by Urban Design Forum, based in New York, as a solution
dining and shopping. Restaurant operators can also use the for their “City Life After Coronavirus” call for entries, which
new outdoor space to grow vegetables, herbs or fruits to focuses on organizations advancing a just and equitable
serve on their menus. recovery for communities most impacted by the crisis.

31

I sustainability

10 Design to redevelop
China’s Nanjing

Dajiaochang Airport

By: 10 Design

International architecture practice, 10 Design, unveils past whilst reflecting the future for the city of Nanjing.
winning scheme for China Fortune’s 243,768sqm This important commercial asset will provide the city
contemporary mixed use destination as part of the wider with a new cosmopolitan landmark; and in parallel, it
redevelopment of an old military airport in Nanjing, China. responds to the cultural richness of its landscape.
The initial scheme envisions three interconnecting With two underground railway stations embedded
buildings linked by a sunken street, incorporating into the site, connectivity is one of the key design
office, retail, and cultural spaces. Adjacent to a drivers. The design includes a central corridor
Chinese history museum on one side and a shopping positioned directly on top of one of the railway tracks,
mall on the other, this mixed use project will run providing a feature passageway for commuters to
parallel to the remaining runway, which has been kept navigate through the three buildings.
in its original form as a historic feature. The competition scheme also includes dual
Jointly led by two Design Partners, Chin Yong facades, with one facing the historic runway on a
Ng and Lukasz Wawrzenczyk, the redevelopment has pedestrian scale and the other facing the city, with
been designed with the central theme of echoing the each side responding to its surroundings.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Central skylights with hallmark trees are placed
across the buildings to bring natural light into
the deeper levels. Atop of each building, a fully
accessible rooftop garden will connect the lower
floors with the outdoor space, blurring the distinction
between interior and exterior throughout the mixed use
destination.
The initial scheme also promotes sustainable
initiatives, featuring a water plaza which collects
water, a solar energy production area on the roof which
generates energy to cool the building during the
summer and a green environment so that plants can
introduce purified air.
Nanjing was an ancient capital through six dynasties
and the project reflects both this history and the
future aspirations of the city. The feature runway
will be enlivened throughout the year with cultural
activities and will provide an attractive public
space, of which China Fortune’s redevelopment will
be the backdrop.

33

I Book review

Books of interest

OUDOLF HUMMELO

ISBN-9781580934183
PRISE-215.00Dhs.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“Piet Oudolf is best known for his now-iconic designs for the High Line in New York City and Millennium Park in Chicago.
Hummelo, his own garden in The Netherlands, is visited by thousands of gardeners each year. It serves as his personal design
and plant propagation laboratory, and is where he has honed his aesthetic and created new varieties of plants for over three
decades. This title charts how the garden of one of the world’s best-known and most-loved plantsmen has evolved, and gives
frank assessments of his experiments that have gone both well and awry. Hummelo, timed to coincide with Oudolf’s 70th
birthday and his acceptance of Holland’s most prestigious cultural award, provides his throngs of followers with a chronology
of how his naturalistic style and career has developed. Lush photography documents how the garden has changed and inspired
him over the years, and text by prolific garden writer Noel Kingsbury will ensure a lively read for all home garden enthusiast”

ROOTED IN SESIGN

ISBN-9781607746973
PRISE-107.00Dhs.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A stylish and full-color guide to creatively integrating indoor plants with home decor from the owners of the popular Sprout
Home garden design boutiques.
Indoor plants play a large role in the design and feel of a space. Focusing on indoor gardening--from small containers
and vertical installations with air plants to unique tabletop creations--Rooted in Design provides readers with the means to
create beautiful and long-lasting indoor landscapes. Tara Heibel and Tassy De Give, owners of the successful Sprout Home
gardening stores, offer expert advice for choosing plant varieties and pairing them with unique design ideas. Sharing practical
tips honed through hundreds of plant design classes, Heibel and DeGive tell readers everything they need to know to care for
their one-of-a-kind green creations

Urban Environmental Landscape

ISBN: 9781864706307
Author: Dieter Grau
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publication Date: (10 Jun. 2015)
Book Descriptions:
The book provides the latest trends in urban environmental landscaping, with informative chapters on basic principles,
dimensions, reference standards and considerations across a range of themes, such as public parks, public plazas, waterfront
public open spaces, and urban street environments It Showcases a broad range of informative high-quality projects spanning
the United States, Mexico, Australia, China, and Europe and provides comprehensive reference material for architects,
urban planners, preservationists ,and landscape designers, and all who are directly involved in town planning in the urban
environment. For each part, we selected the most striking cases with the newest design standards to showcase spectacular
landscape design

With its headquarter in Tokyo, Japan and world class stores spread over countries like America, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Thailand, Australia, Taiwan and now in DUBAI – UAE, Kinokuniya is a globally known book seller of repute.
The store in Dubai Mall is a massive 68,000 square feet wide paragon book gallery which stocks more than half a million books
and thousand magazines in English, Arabic, Japanese, French, German and Chinese at any given time.
The Store is also a distinct cross cultural hub wide range of time to time multicultural events such a comic art demonstrations,
language learning workshops, book launches etc.
The pleasant ambiance, stenographic design and add to it the impressive view of modern skyline – world’s tallest building, Burj
Khalifa, Kinokuniya at The Dubai Mall is just the place to evoke emotions and add pleasure to your book shopping. You may like to
visit our website for more information. www.kinokuniya.com

34

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

35

I new ongoing projects

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Construction Works Construction of Goat Pens. Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries Oman 9/24/2020 11/1/2020
Gardens Maintenance Works Maintenance of Gardens, Green Spaces, & Water Resources (Oman)
Trees, Flowers and Irrigation Networks. Eastern Region Municipality Saudi Arabia 2000 9/24/2020 10/27/2020
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Maintenance Services Provide Maintenance Services for Ministry of Health & Prevention (Dubai) Dubai 9/23/2020 10/13/2020
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Maintenance Works Maintenance of Afforestation of Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs & Fish Kuwait 3333 9/23/2020 12/22/2020
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38 Delivering Solutions
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