November 2021 - Magazine

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

MIDDLE EAST NOVEMBER 2021

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

EDITOR’S
NOTE

In this issue we meet one of the biggest champions of the Landscape Managing Partner:
Industry in the Middle East, Dr Jala Makhzoumi who is this year’s recipient Ziad Maarouf Amine
of the industry’s highest award, the Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award given by Copy Editor:
the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA). Read page 18 John Hampton
for our exclusive interview. Administrative Assistance:
Sarry Gan
We also speak to the Landscape architects behind the landscaping of Art Director:
the Sustainability pavilion at Dubai’s EXPO 2020. desert INK are hoping Ramon Andaya
that their project will be a blueprint, as well as an inspiration to fellow Contributors:
architects and clients when carrying out projects in the future. See page 8 Nora Aridi, Romit Chakravarty,
Olga S. Mirosaw Sztuka,Will Bennett,
Also featured is Saudi Arabia’s pavilion which has become part of Harsh Anjaria, Jala Makhzoumi,
the Guinness World Records for its huge scale features including an Ana Mateus
interactive water feature designed by Ghesa. (See page 14) Printed by:
Al Nisr Publishing LLC
On pages 26 & 44 our focus turns to Russia, where we look at two separate Webmaster:
projects, the first is in the Russian monotown of Almetyevsk, which has www.pdinventive.com
been brought into the 21st Century with a complete rejuvenation of its
city center and overhaul of its entire public realm works. Then we review a For free subscription and to view the magazine
major urban transformation in the city of Shyshymska Gorka carried out by please visit our website:
Polish Landscape architecture firm S&P Architektura Krajobrazu (S&P).
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CONTENTS 14

November 2021 - Issue 173

8 How Sustainable is the Landscaping
at the Sustainability Pavilion?

14 Saudi Arabia Pavilion Water Features
18 A Champion of the Profession
26 Landscaping Russia’s Monotowns 26
30 The Farm
34 The Many Faces of the City

40 The new landscape experience that
could galvanise our industry

44 Reimagining city boundaries

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I NEWS AND EVENTS

‘Yowalah’ wins the Urban Commissions 2021:
PLAY! competition, supported by A.R.M. Holding

A.R.M. Holding’s Urban
Commissions
ccoommmpeutintiiotynwwiitnhndeersliingkns

A.R.M. Holding today announces that Beirut-based demand, without moulds or stocks, reducing further the
architectural firm, Bits to Atoms, has won Dubai Design Week’s overall impact on the environment of the initiative.
annual design competition; Urban Commissions, which was “The modularity of the design is key in its flexibility to
themed around playfulness for 2021. Titled ‘Yowalah’, the adapt any program or site, but also for easy maintenance
winning proposal is an inclusive and inter-generational public and replacement,” explained Bits to Atoms CEO and
space, designed to undo social disruption caused by the founder, Guillaume Crédoz. “The colourful polycarbonate
COVID-19 pandemic. elements are used to form a continuous curved spatial
A.R.M. Holding’s involvement in the initiative is part of the beam, standing on thin steel pillars, to which many
company’s ongoing mission to give back to the community accessories can be hung.”
and is in line with supporting and driving the objectives laid Elements include ladder steps, swings seats and
out in the UAE’s 2040 vision. exploration tubes for kids, as well as planting pots and
Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding, said: pergolas for gardening projects – all 3D-printed with
“A.R.M. Holding is driven by our commitment to give back local recycled materials from the automotive industry and
to the community. We see the world as a collaborative place unique in their design.
which is made more inviting and beautiful through the creativity The Beirut-based architecture and research firm has
of its people. Public spaces and installations such as ‘Yowalah’ been awarded AED60,000 plus AED40,000 production
invite people to come together as a society, whilst enriching fees, including all project development technical plans,
the community as a whole. Bits to Atoms has presented an renders and production management and supervision.
outstanding response to this year’s Urban commissions brief The proposal was received and reviewed by a jury of
and we are excited to see it be brought to life.” experts composed of directors from A.R.M. Holding and
Offering play areas for kids, as well as a space for sports Art Dubai Group.
and gardening, Yowalah uses 3D-printed beams assembled
into frame beams to ‘weave’ the fabric of a healthy society. For more information on A.R.M. Holding’s Urban Commissions
Regaining public spaces and stitching communities back initiative and to visit Yowalah during Dubai Design Week in d3,
together again, the recycled materials are fabricated on- please visit https://www.dubaidesignweek.ae/features/urban-
commissions-2021

4

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

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I NEWS AND EVENTS

MAPEI construction
chemicals contributes to
the sustainable build of
Expo 2020 Dubai

MAPEI supplied a total of over 200 sustainable culture at this year’s World Expo. Designed with the

products to more than 55 pavilions, 16 zones and concept of innovatively using recycled materials in

60 areas across Expo 2020 Dubai, weighing over the build of the pavilion, MAPEI has recreated real

8,500 tons sand dunes and coated a suspended walkway within

As a Partner of the Italy Pavilion, MAPEI provided the Italy Pavilion through the use of coffee beans and

more than 30 eco-friendly products that weighed in a special powder made from orange-peel.

excess of 100 tons, to help build the Italy Pavilion MAPEI’s Techical Services Team further provided

that will showcase a unqiue blend of Emirati flair 360-degree involvement from the initial conception

and Italian culture of the project, using groundbreaking engineering

UAE, October 2021 – MAPEI Construction technology to extend MAPEI’s contributions;

Chemicals LLC, the fully owned subsidiary of overcoming challenges and aggressive site conditions,

MAPEI Group, the world’s leading manufacturer bringing the conceptualized ‘Beauty Uniting People’

of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for pavilion to life at Expo 2020 Dubai. A stand out feature

the construction industry, is proud to announce at the Italy Pavilion, embodying Expo 2020’s thematic

its participation at Expo 2020 Dubai as the Partner values of sustainability and innovation, are the five

of the Italy Pavilion. It has supplied over 30 eco- large water pools for the cultivation of three types

friendly products, weighing over 100 tons; for resin of algae: Spirulina, Dunaliella and Haematococcus.

and cement-based floors, installing ceramics and The microalgae will be used in the bio-fixation of the

marbles, wall finishes and water proofing solutions carbon dioxide emitted within the pavilion. MAPEI

towards the sustainable build of the pavilion. MAPEI supplied eco-friendly waterproofing solutions with

has applied its innovative ciruclarity approach non-toxic materials for the pools to ensure the healthy

to build the state-of-the-art pavilion made from growth of the microalgae.

recyclable products. The Italian building products manufacturer

MAPEI partnered with the Italian Commissioner’s has cemented its presence at Expo 2020 Dubai,

Office, the governing body responsible for attaining various exemplary projects leading up to

organizing and managing Italy’s presence at the and within the Expo site. Commenting on MAPEI’s

Universal Exposition, and with lead architects from presence in the UAE, Veronica Squinzi, CEO, MAPEI

the conceptualization phase, to bring to life a unique Group says: “The UAE has been for many years a

blend of the Emirati flair coupled with the Italian strategic market.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

7

I DUBAI EXPO

Forming billowing clouds of infinite textures and shades of green, great swathes of native plants
sweep between the pathways and structures of Terra

How sustainable
is the landscape at the
sustainability pavilion?
desert INK, the landscape architects
behind it’s design, explain why

The landscape design for the Sustainability Pavilion is surface irrigation for trees and palms which provides
one of the most sustainably constructed landscapes in the water into the roots rather than at the surface, and they
region, according to its designers, Dubai based Landscape achieve further savings, says desert INK’s Managing
architecture firm, desert INK. But with so few examples of Director, Duncan Denley. Adding, “The native and
truly sustainable design practices in the Middle East, how adaptive plants utilised also require just a fraction of
does desert INK measure their own success? the maintenance needed to keep non-adaptive species
The firm cite the use of native and adaptive plants healthy in the UAE and are likewise far more resilient.”
which they say ensures that the design requires a fraction Moreover, irrigation water is provided from the
of the irrigation required in comparison to conventional building’s captured AC condensate combined with treated
landscapes. Couple this with highly efficient sub- sewage effluent. Sewage from the pavilion and surrounding

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East
The landscape comes alive during the
evening with a shadow play of contrasting
foliage and architectural forms

The globe-headed flowers of native Echinops float above billowing buildings is treated through a reedbed filtration system
Sporobolus spicatus along the pavilion's outer boundary which visitors can explore via a sequence of boardwalks
The warm tones of the hard landscape are further enhanced by strategic floating just above the surface. Clean water exiting the
lighting, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere despite the monumental reedbed system is then fed into the irrigation system and
scale of the surrounding structures re-used to irrigate the project’s vegetation. The landscape
likewise uses locally sourced aggregates, stones and other
materials which carry a much lower environmental cost
than those typically imported for such a project.
“The landscape design features countless innovations
and trials of new materials with the hope that future
designed landscapes will adopt and build upon these
precedents. The landscape design brought into cultivation
more than 100 ‘native and adaptive’ plant species, many
of which were grown from seed collected from the UAE’s
wadis, deserts, and mountains. One further innovation is
the distinctive paving which was developed by desert INK
with specialists to incorporate recycled glass and waste
materials from the metal smelting industry.
“The resulting paving is visually striking, yet also highly
sustainable. Bamboo composites are employed in lieu of
hardwoods while the entire planting palette represents a
huge step forward in the use of native and adaptive plants

within a designed landscape.”

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I DUBAI EXPO Many of the UAE's native plants are
highly efficient at capturing water from
You’ve said that the landscape irrigation across the the moisture-heavy fogs which linger
pavilion requires a fraction of that of conventional on cool winter mornings
landscapes. Can you be more specific? How much less
water is needed? Can you quantify the water savings?  one year launch date delay. Obviously, when it comes to
We’re still ascertaining exactly how low we can go with the vegetation, the extra year helped us massively and the
water consumption now that the plants are well established, plants have established more during this period. 
but our calculations were based upon a 60% reduction on  
the municipality irrigation standards.  Since completing this project, has desert INK
  incorporated more sustainable practices into their other
The landscape design has over 100 native and ongoing projects?
adaptive plants. What percentage is this of the overall ​We have been pioneering native plants and local materials
plant species?   in our designs for some time, but we certainly now are
A​ ll of the plants featuring in the design are either adaptive or confident to push this agenda further and harder than we
native, approximately 30% native and 70% adaptive. ever would have before EXPO. We have also now built in
 
What lessons did you learn from designing the
pavilion’s landscape? 
I​ think the primary lesson we learned is that to create
something truly unique, you need to leave your comfort
zone far behind, take some calculated risks and believe in
the team’s ability and passion to make things work. From
a technical perspective, the truly pioneering part of the
landscape is the native plants, and we have enjoyed a very
steep learning curve when it comes to the native plants
many of which had never been cultivated commercially
before. Now we have infinitely more knowledge when it
comes to the appearance, habit and cultivation potential of
these native plants.    
 
Did the onset of the pandemic affect your design plans
or choices in any way? 
​Since the design was long completed and the construction
well underway by the start of 2020, the only significant
effect which the pandemic exerted on the project was the

The distinctive flowing forms of the paving frequently
undulate to form casual seating and presentation areas

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Visitors to Terra's rooftop landscape The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East
ascend through an experimental
collection of pure native grasses, other sustainable practices into our standards now too, such
perennials and shrubs to a café as root irrigation and eliminating the use of hardwoods in
commanding inspiring views over the favour of bamboo composites. 
pavilion and beyond  
A redbed filtration Sustainable practices often cost more for the client
pond cleans sewage despite the obvious benefits for the planet. Do you feel
which, when joined by that clients still have to be educated and persuaded
condensate from air to incorporate sustainable practices/options into their
conditioning is used to budgets? How do you manage that? 
irrigate the landscape ​One of the challenges with sustainability is that rarely do we
know the real costs involved in the development process.
For example, if a client purchases stone from a quarry which
damages the local environment simply because it is cheaper,
the client does not pay the full cost of the product; they only
pay its selling price and someone else pays the ultimate
cost of the pollution and damage created by its extraction.
We realize that most clients will always push back against
any cost uplift caused by sustainable design moves, so we
turn this on its head. Instead of talking about the capital cost,
we instead highlight the long-term savings on irrigation,
maintenance and material replacement. A great thing about
sustainable principles is that a single sustainable move can
deliver multiple benefits. Take urban tree planting using soil

The heavily-veined,
spiky leaves of the
native Echinops
spinosissimus
contrast wonderfully
against the pavilion's
recycled glass paving

The sculptural forms of the e-trees and building canopy serve not only cells below hard surfacing for example. The tree contributes
generate electricity, but also shade pedestrians beneath oxygen and sequesters carbon. The soil also acts as a
giant sponge and helps urban drainage. It also shades and
reduces urban heat island effect and provides habitat for
wildlife and insects and delivers positive mental benefits
to humans. The challenge with this is it is very difficult to
put numbers to these benefits and measure the exact cost
benefit for the client, so we currently resort to being really
passionate and convincing!  
 
As an industry how would you rate both your company
and your peers’ performance in sustainable development/
design? Could we do better as an industry overall?  
​I would say that the industry as a whole is still talking a
lot about sustainability, but a few practitioners truly taking
sustainability to their core. I think we have all been guilty of
‘green washing’ in the past, but we need to fundamentally

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I DUBAI EXPO

Combining native grasses, perennials and shrubs with adaptive The bright orange stems of Euphorbia tirucalli provide stunning
sculptural plants such as Yucca rostrata has yielded wonderful contrasts contrast with the silver-green hues of Echinops spinosissimus
of form in the urban xeriscape zone
An element of intrigue and anticipation is created through witholding change our standard practices and move away from old
and framing views in a carefully curated sequence school landscape architecture. At desert INK, we have
certainly made some good moves, but we have a long
way still to go. Sustainability is not a binary solution
however, and with each subsequent project, we push this
agenda further along the road. The task of developing
a truly sustainable project is a daunting one and I have
yet to see a truly, 100% sustainable project. If you aim
for perfection, then it is easy to be daunted and give up
entirely. At desert INK we therefore don’t set the goal of
being 100% sustainable, but rather aim to make each
project as sustainable as it can be within the limitations
of our commission, budget, client, site and other factors.
What we have learned however is that what was seen as a
‘cutting edge’ sustainable principle for us three years ago
is now standard for us, and with each new commission we
venture further towards true sustainability. 
 
How does the Middle Eastern landscape industry
compare to the landscape industry in the US or
Europe for example when it comes to incorporating
truly sustainable practices? 
R​egrettably the industry in the Middle East, and
particularly developers here are somewhat short-sighted,
looking only at capital costs and it is true to say that
sustainable practices often cost a little more at the outset,
but pay back tenfold over the lifetime of the project. A
lot of research has been conducted in US, Europe and
Australia however which are providing better models for
calculating the real costs and benefits of sustainable
vs. business as usual construction practices, but as an
industry, we have a long way to go. 

Concealing and revealing itself through a series Known for their context-driven, sustainable landscape designs, desert INK are
of spaces, the journey to the pavilion's entrance a landscape design consultancy based in the Dubai Design District. With 18
offers a rich and varied experience years of experience in the region, Managing Director Duncan Denley leads a
creative team backed up by the 30 years’ experience held in the Desert Group
12 and vision of CEO Michael Mascarenhas.

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

13

I EXPO 2020

SauWdiaAterrabFieaaPtuarveislion

Ana Mateus
Head of Design – GHESA Water & Art

Saudi Arabia Pavilion by Boris Micka Associates is an operated by ultrafast solenoid valves that allow the
outstanding architectural landmark at the center of the production of all types of graphics, designs, patterns,
Opportunity Thematic District at EXPO 2020 Dubai. and texts. The system works as a screen where each jet is
With nothing less than three record-breaking features, a pixel, allowing resolutions equivalent to 300ppp.
the Saudi Pavilion is a sure draw. The Pavilion holds the
Guinness World Record for:
•“The Largest LED Mirror Screen” (1,302.5 square
meters) - that can be found on the façade of the
building itself,
•“The Largest Interactive Lighting Display” (7,798
lights) - bespoke interactive flooring at the art exhibition
“Vision”,
•“The Longest Interactive Water Feature” - at the Public
Palm Garden.

This one is an impressive digital water curtain, with
32.234 meters in length and 3.1 meters high, covering
the entire south wall of the Public Palm Garden. It is a
high-definition digital water curtain with each nozzle

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

This particular feature is a world premiere that stands out for also being
interactive - four interactive stations allow visitors to choose amongst different
patterns and make them appear in the water curtain flow. The ensemble of
designs covers the thirteen regions of Saudi Arabia and takes inspiration
from distinct categories such as architecture, heritage, decoration, textiles,
and nature.

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I EXPO 2020

Another dynamic water feature welcomes the visitors at The lighting installation also plays a relevant role in
the entrance of the Pavilion. Formed by a central circle the water features. They are illuminated in color by
with 3 meters diameter and two lateral lines with a total DMX-controlled projectors, equipped with the last
length of 14 meters, it is also a high-definition digital water generation of RGB-LED lights that maximize brightness
curtain. Like in the previous one, ultrafast solenoid valves while reducing power consumption.
individually control the nozzles, allowing the display of all
kinds of designs, patterns, and characters. It is a highly The installations work in a closed circuit and only require
appealing feature, inviting visitors to step into the central an additional water supply to suppress water loss from
circle in a truly immersive experience evaporation or splashes. The water treatment system
further reduces consumption and guarantees the quality
of the water, complying with physical, chemical, and
microbiological safety requirements.
The Saudi Arabia Pavilion has been awarded
a Platinum rating in Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) by the US Green Building
Council (USGBC). As the highest internationally
recognized sustainability rating, this certification
positions the KSA Pavilion among the most sustainable
developments within the Expo 2020 site and worldwide.
It is the largest structure among the visiting
countries, with five stories high and spreading over an
area equivalent to two football fields. It offers a state-
of-the-art immersive experience to explore the country
through four core pillars: people, heritage, nature, and
opportunity. After the event, the Pavilion will remain as
a legacy architecture of the EXPO 2020 Dubai.

Client: Aramco
Building Contractor: Alec Engineering
Architect: Boris Micka Associates
Water Features Contractor: GHESA Water & Art
Project Engineers: DAR
Architect of Record: Khatib & Alami
Photos by Nicolas Dumont

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

where others see

WATER FEATURES

we see

AWARD-WINNING MASTERPIECES

Bangkok Iconsiam Mall, Thailand | “Art, Entertainment, & Public - Art Event”,

2019 Gold Stevie Award

Dubai Festival City, UAE | “Service Excellence Award - Decor & Design

Installation”, 2019 Middle East Shopping Center & Retailer Awards

[email protected] ghesawaterart.com 127

LANDSCAPE AWARDS 2021 NOLOGO.indd 1 30/05/2021 09:02

I INTERVIEW

Iraqi Dr. Jala Makhzoumi is
the recipient of this year’s
International Federation of
Landscape Architects (IFLA)
Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award
for her contribution to
Landscape architecture in
the Middle East. In a wide-
ranging interview about her
career, she shares some of
her thoughts on the ever-
changing perception of the
Landscape industry in the
region and why Landscape
is a tool for recovery in post-
conflict regions.

A CHAMPION
OF THE

PROFESSION

Iraqi Landscape Architect Dr Jala Makhzoumi is a The prominent landscape architect was awarded
trailblazer in her own right, she has redefined the the laureate of the 2021 Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe
meaning of Landscape in the region by promoting Award as part of the opening ceremony of the
the Landscape profession through her research and International Federation of Landscape Architects’
publications, as well as pushing boundaries in her (IFLA) World Congress, which took place in
work that spans decades. However, her greatest Malaysia this summer. It’s the highest honour that
legacy will be the future generation of home grown the international landscaping body can bestow
industry professionals that she has taught and on a landscape architect and is testament to
inspired in her role as a lecturer at the American Makhzoumi’s reputation beyond the Middle East for
University of Beirut (AUB). being a champion for her people, often standing

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East
Chemlan Landscape with Mamariya site plan

up and protecting sensitive sites and communities celebrated a living landscape architect whose
threatened by real estate development which would “achievements and contributions have had a
be detrimental to the local environment. unique and lasting impact on the welfare of society
Makhzoumi received her bachelor degree in and the environment and on the promotion of the
architecture from the University of Baghdad, Iraq, profession of landscape architecture.” The award
a Master’s degree in Environmental Design at Yale is named after notable British landscape architect
University and Doctor in Landscape Architecture Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe, a founding president of IFLA,
from Sheffield University in the UK. In 2013, she whose most well- known works included Cheddar
co-established UNIT44, a Lebanon based design Gorge and the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede in
and planning practice offering a wide range of the UK.
services in architecture, landscape architecture, Findlay shared some of the reasons why jurors
ecological planning and urban design. selected Makhzoumi for the award, highlighting her
Jane Findlay president of the Landscape work in post-conflict communities and describing
Institute (LI) presented the award on behalf of her method of work as a “holistic, developmental
IFLA’s president, to Dr. Jala in person in Findlay’s approach to mediate community needs with
home in Birmingham, UK. In a recorded video, ecosystem health, biodiversity protection and
she explained that The Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award landscape heritage conservation.” She also noted

Chemlan Landscape with Mamariya 19

I INTERVIEW

Erbil Greenbelt MP with Khativ + Alami site sketches Tripoli Abu Ali River (2)

her professional and academic expertise including buildings and monuments to the entire urban
post-war recovery, energy efficient site planning fabric. This apart from the actual mapping of green
and sustainable urban greening. and open spaces, residential gardens, gardens of
It’s hardly surprising then that Makhzoumi’s educational and religious institutions, municipal
latest project encompasses much of the above. In gardens as well as streets and stairs.”
a recent interview with Landscape ME she told us Never one to rest on her laurels, Makhzoumi
that she is working with Beirut Urban Lab at AUB on is simultaneously working on another project
a project funded by UNESCO, to develop criteria for which she says, similarly couples ‘landscape’ and
the valuation and mapping of the city heritage in the ‘heritage’, albeit, modern architectural heritage. “I
neighbourhoods that were directly affected by the am part of a large interdisciplinary team assembled
devastating Port explosion on August 4th 2020. by the World Monument Fund aimed at restoring the
Makhzoumi said that the project, which uses Mosul Archaeological Museum that was damaged
the UNESCO Heritage Urban Landscape approach, extensively by ISIS. The project is funded by Aliph
is proving to be “a learning experience” for all of Foundation and I’m hoping that the redesign of the
the architects, urban designers and planners who museum gardens will inform the understanding
are involved. of landscape away from pictorial, visual products.
She said: “It is the first time that landscape Rather, we envision the garden as a dynamic context
is considered as ‘heritage’, a landscape framing that engages visitors and encourages reflection on
applied to shift the emphasis on heritage from cultural and natural heritage.”

20 Tripoli site sketches Rehabilitation Abu Ali River with URBI

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Tripoli site sketches
Rehabilitation Abu Ali River

See below for some of the highlights of our colleagues in the Architecture Department
discussion Reconstruction Unit at the American University of
Landscape Architecture is undermined as Beirut, were sceptical as to what landscape can do
a profession in this part of the world and in the face of the extensive destruction in southern
the public have a limited understanding and Lebanon. The approach was tested through a
appreciation of it…. landscape design studio I taught with Architect,
It will take time to cultivate the culture of landscape Urbanist, Rabih Shibli, Department of Landscape
in non-Western cultures. The reason lies partly in Design and Ecosystem Management, at AUB, that
the layered meaning of the English term ‘landscape’, was set in the village of El Qleileh. We presented
it’s difficult if not impossible to translate. the studio outcome at conferences and the AUB
‘Landscape’ was introduced during British and City Debates 2007 to much acclaim. The landscape
French westernization of cities. The word continues approach needs to be tested more widely to prove
to be associated with tree-lined boulevards and credibility before international agencies like the UN
municipal parks and traffic roundabouts that date, will consider adopting it.
for the most part, to the decades following colonial
rule in the region. As a result, public understanding My passion for teaching and research make
of the word landscape continues to be associated me an academic first…
with public realm landscapes, and perception of The rewards are immeasurable of working with
the professional scope of landscape architecture students, undergraduate and graduate, helping
is limited to urban beautification. Efforts to change them define the problematic, questioning their
local appreciation of the profession has started method and approach, debating the advantages and
through the work of young landscape professionals, shortcomings of a solution they propose, structuring
researchers and academics. the way they express their concept graphically and
verbally, are all integral to the teaching of design
Landscape is a tool for recovery in post in landscape architecture, but also in architecture
conflict regions and urban design. Successful teaching rests on two
The idea of using landscape as an approach to premiss, first, enthusing students, infecting them
post-war and post conflict communities is very with the love of landscape, second, building their
new. When I first proposed a landscape approach to self-confidence, to help them realize they are able
reconstruction following the 2006 war in Lebanon, and capable, provided the individual is willing and

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I INTERVIEW

Erbil Greenbelt MP with Khatib + Alami

eager to learn and develop of course. I have taught I was inspired to move from architecture
design studio since 1975, throughout the region, into Landscape architecture as ecological
and can’t remember a student that was not ready to landscapes were always my first fascination
learn. If they are not interested in the subject, it is and if you consider Landscape as a habitat,
mostly the fault of us as teachers. the practice takes on a deeper more
permanent meaning.
Our talent is often poached from us in this The overlap of ecology and design has fascinated
region in favour of opportunities in the West me since I first came across it in the writings of
Sadly, this pertains not only to the profession of Ian McHarg in the early 1970s. It took decades of
landscape architecture but to all professions/ research and practice to understand how ecology
industry’s in the region. Landscape architecture is can guide and inspire design that is responsive
an emerging profession in the Middle East and so to the local environment and culture – responsive
opportunities for student internships and training was the word we used before sustainability was
are often not available here even though it is a introduced, the outcome is one and the same.
necessary component of design education. I was drawn to the idea of landscape when I was

studying architecture in Baghdad. The
more I read, the greater my fascination.
I was attracted to the fact that design
creativity in landscape architecture is
ruled by the potentials and limitations
of a context, whether this is a project
site, the master plan for a city or the
planning of a region.
It is precisely because landscape
design is context responsive,
landscape architects have the potential
to contextualize the scenarios they
propose, so they are not imposed, not
imported from elsewhere but anchored
in the reality of the context, equally in
arid regions and Mediterranean ones.

Erbil Greenbelt MP with Khatib + Alami

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I INTERVIEW

Project in Cyprus - 37 ha tourist development

The link between architecture and landscape
architecture is becoming more and more
blurred. A good designer will breach these
boundaries and consider a holistic approach
Realizing the complementarity between
architecture, urban design and landscape architects
is slowly being realized by large practices and
by developers. I know this from the fact that
graduates from AUB with a Bachelor of Landscape
Architecture, are employed by large consultancy
firms in the Lebanon, for example DAR and Khatib
and Alami.

Projects in Cyprus - Hotel The teaching syllabus is evolving for
Landscape architects to focus on our climate
Right to Landscape Ecological Landscape challenges…
2013 Ashgate 1999 Routledge Landscape architecture curricula is evolving to
respond to the global crisis, be it environmental,
climate change, or related to public health, COVID
pandemic. The concern for and the conviction that
landscape architects can contribute to these global
issues was voiced by James Hayter, president
of the International Federation of Landscape
Architects (IFLA), in his concluding message for
the World Congress 2019 in Oslo. Hayter focused
on five goals (Climate change, food security and
agriculture, community participation, health and
wellbeing, indigenous cultures) that reflect the
expanding role of landscape architecture.

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I TRANSFORMATION

RLMauonsnsdiosact’osawpinnsg

A symbol of Soviet Landscapes in Post-
Industrial Russia, these urban settlements
built around single industries are undergoing
major transformations.

The Russian city of Almetyevsk located in Tatarstan Moscow based architectural studio Arcanika worked
Republic in the east-central part of European Russia on a multi-stage renovation project in the city of
provides Eastern Europe with the bulk of its crude oil. Almetyevsk to transform its public realm and provide its
The city’s bountiful natural resources are the backbone of citizens with a main hub to congregate, as well as open
its local economy, with manufacturing plants producing green spaces and parks to enjoy life. Arcanika’s CEO and
everything from paper to pulp to tires and soap. Almost founder, Nikita Vykhodtsev explained that the project had
one in ten Russians – live and work in one of these deep roots in the city’s history and should help to reshape
factory towns where a single industry accounts for most the mono-city’s future. “It shows how the city can transfer
of the local economy, according to UNESCO figures. from a resource-based economy to an innovative one by
However, in recent years, there has been a major drive improving the quality of urban areas.”
to transform these monotowns with innovative urban The project initiated by Tatneft, a Russian oil
design and landscape architecture projects. company and the largest tax payer in the country, as

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

well as the anchor employer in the monocity, saw major
landscape and urban design works carried out in its
streets, parks and surrounding buildings.
“A newly built community center replaced a former
department store from the 1970s, the goal was to create
a multi-functional building for all-season activities such
as arts, culture and science,” said Vykhodtsev.
Adding, “Patterns on the perforated façade relates to the
geology of the region. An original drawing is a stylized
sequence of the oil-containing layers of the Almetyevsk
ledge, which also refers to a corporate identity of
“Tatneft”.
“The Administrative cluster PJSC Tatneft is a set of
buildings constructed throughout times. Reconstruction
united these buildings into a cluster matching the
company’s status, creating an entirely new look of
curved black glass symbolizing flowing oil.”

27

I TRANSFORMATION

In order to unite different functions, Arcanika created a a local legend of Tatar woman-warrior sculpture called
public space, which became a new center of attraction28 ‘Karakuz’, and put it in the middle of the square.”
for the citizens of Almetyevsk. “The space is divided in Concluding Vykhodtsev said, “The reconstructed city
different theme-zones. In the center, there is a sculpture center has become a driver for growth not only for big
“Karakuz”, surrounded by pedestrian and green zones. businesses such as restaurant chains but also for local
An Eco-trail made of larch connects the main entrance of brands (fashion labels, dance studios etc.) Moreover,
the headquarters with an underground parking and a park the parks have become a magnet not just for children
with a square in front of the Community center. and family gatherings and people exercising but also for
“One of the problems of Almetyevsk is an absence influencers filming their ads and reels for social media
of the city center, as its infrastructure has not changed in the park. This shows how public spaces can mutually
since the Soviet time. For us, architects, it was benefit all of its citizens in very different ways.”
significant to create a project deeply connected with
history and traditions of the region and also contribute to
transforming the mono-city.”
“A new public space united the cultural and business
life of its citizens – a modern request, affecting the
quality of city space and desire of young generation to
stay in the hometown. The project gave birth to the first
area in Almetyevsk which can be described as a ‘city
center’: people hang out in the shade of the trees, work,
study and spend leisure time in this area all year long.
In order to accentuate consistency of tradition we found

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

29

I CITY FARM

FaTrhem
By: Landscape Consultants, Oman

Landscaping a modern day city farm

The purpose of any landscape design is not only to provide without losing the traditional identity of a farm from the
physical spaces but also to create emotions so the user region, while also acknowledging the fact that it’s located
can feel connected to the space. in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the region.
We at Landscape Consultants were fortunate enough to Therefore, our main brief was to create a modern yet cozy
be associated with such a project where we could show space while keeping the traditional values alive within the
various aspects of landscape architecture and design, development.
beyond simply creating green gardens. The farm already had a few fruit trees and palms that
were planted by the family. They use the farm mostly on
The Brief weekends or festivals for family gatherings. They also had
We were approached by Muamir Designs for a private a fish pond which they wanted to retain and enhance.
farm project. The client wanted to rejuvenate their farm We took the challenge to develop the farm while keeping
and the brief was not only to create physical spaces that as many existing trees as possible, creating spaces for
give a sense of place, but the client also wanted to have various buildings, providing a modern swimming pool,
a personal and emotional connection with the space as kids pool with slides and various spaces for seating and
they have grown up playing within farm and have fond entertaining, as well as a fire pit. The family also wanted
memories of it. The idea was to turn the farm into an oasis to house animals and birds within the farm.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

We wanted the design to have the balance between
traditional elements and modern spaces while keeping
sustainability at the center.

The Design Process
We started by providing a questionnaire to the client to be
filled out by all family members to find out their vision for
the space. Based on their preferences we started laying out
spaces in the most optimized manner.
We started connecting spaces while keeping the
position of existing palms intact. In an attempt to design
in the most sustainable manner, we covered as many areas
as possible with gravel and native grasses near the parking
area. The parking area is designed with permeable layers.

We came up with four distinct spaces: irrigation system known as ‘falaj’ system. We respected
• Farm Areas the demand, but at the same time never wanted the falaj
• Pool Deck system to be just a piece within design without purpose.
• Animal areas and services So the site was inspected for a water source and an old
water tank was found, which was above the ground. To
The client explained that his mother loved to do gardening make the falaj system work we connected the system to
and he has fond memories of growing up watching her the water tank. The tank puts the water into the falaj through
in the farm so he wanted a vegetable garden space near gravity flow. The tank gets the water through a well within
the existing house. The client wanted to have a traditional the site normally, but during the rainy season

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I CITY FARM

City farm almost in the middle of the farm where we intended to
A storm water system is designed to take most surface keep the pool area. The fish pond was protected by a
water and channelize it into an underground tank, which mound and rip rap walls. To create the pool a natural
later can be used for irrigation purposes. stone retaining wall for the waterfall with water slides.
By combining the falaj system along with the track This way the services for the pool can be combined
which circles around the farm we created the walking path and provide two different ambiences and privacy for
which goes from dry landscaped wadi with some xerophytic the pool deck on sides of the retaining wall.
plants and grasses to farms and vegetable gardens, lastly While developing the pool we also noticed a grove
to the modern pool deck areas and seating areas. This path of palms and trees. We retained the trees by designing
also became the backbone for the project. a green island which binds the pool and deck. The
pool deck was connected by courts with planting to
Pool Deck areas provide a niche for separate seating the deck is kept
Another objective was to keep the old fish pond, rejuvenate wide enough to put loungers and enjoy barbeque by
it and use the same feature. The fish pond was located pool side.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Animal areas and services All remaining fringe areas like parking and boundaries are treated
The client wanted to keep various animals and birds at the with permeable materials like gravels and pavers to ease storm water
farm. For that we discussed with the client and they agreed to movement. The parking areas are surrounded with gravel, grasses
separate the animals from bird enclosures. The bird enclosure like fountain grass and succulents to minimize water usage.
is kept near the pool deck area, as well as a duck pond beside Throughout the design process the client supported us by
the lawn for kids to see and play. providing very valuable feedback and letting us experiments
Other animals were kept near service buildings. The animal with design elements, which made the design process smoother
enclosures are designed with natural materials and in a way and more cohesive. In the end through a combined effort, we
they provide open spaces for animals to move around. managed to create the oasis the client had envisioned.
Apart from the major spaces, the client wanted to have
some quiet seating spaces to enjoy. For that we created Land Area: 8000 m2
separate seating spaces with shades which can be used Loaction: Seeb, Muscat
during various seasons. They provide an intimate seating area Client: Muamir Deisgn, Muscat, Oman
surrounded by various flowering and scented plants and trees. Landscape Architect: Landscape Consultants, Muscat, Oman

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I ECOSYSTEM

The Many Faces
of the City

SPLACES: Reflections and
Aspirations of Hope in a City’s

Leftover Spaces

By Nora Aridi

The very nature of a city is complex and multifaceted. At happenings and were sometimes even temporarily
times delicately, and at times not so delicately, striving to exploited; temporary paid car parks, make shift children’s
balance the intricate shift of authority and freedom in the playground, a place to walk the dog, to hang out in hiding,
everyday. Places and spaces in the city are physical ever- to store things or oneself out of sight, and in some cases
changing imprints of these complexities. even occupied by squatters. Beirut, therefore, became the
2004 was an exciting moment in time for urban life stepping stone into the world of SPLACES, and a journey
in Beirut, the city was in the midst of the post war era; into a more thorough understanding of what makes a city.
regenerating, rebuilding, and redeveloping. An optimistic
flare of excitement and opportunity cradled every fragile The City
cell in the city. Many spaces in the city were previously Cities are made up of several layers. In fact, Beirut is
abandoned and searching for new life. Some spaces were literally made up of seven layers; seven entire cultures,
disputed over as their owners were now long gone, they sandwiched together one above the other. As we peel
had fled abroad as a backlash to the civil war. These very away each layer we find frozen deep within its core; time,
spaces were left to absorb and ingest the city’s social space, identity, language. Within each layer some of
and political complexities. The frail line between private these core findings may be at conflict with one another,
and public ownership was ridiculously ambiguous, thus and some may live symbiotically, feeding the whole
these spaces retreated, falsely denying their worth and harmoniously. The city is indeed an ecosystem of its own,
value. They became ‘neglected’ only housing temporary fragmented and connected in every way possible.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

But who are the participant in this ecosystem? This is a biological definition of life, non-living objects are lifeless
question that has many answers: Is the city for the many and are therefore sterile. Perhaps David Harvey said it
faces of the flora and fauna? Is it for the clouds, storms, best, where he describes built spaces as creating a divide
sun and planets? Is it for the buildings, monuments and of the physical senses; in which sight is more routinely
landmarks? Is it for the cars, planes, busses and trains, insulated from sound, touch and other human beings.
Technology, AI and virtual reality? Is it for the people; The symbiotic relationship between the sterile and the
people in power or feeling powerless, people with homes living has become deadening; “…a man sees from his
or homeless, the thinkers, the doers, the freedom seekers office window a tree blowing in the wind but cannot hear
and the conformists? And so, you see the list goes on…Of the wind blowing,” said Sennet.
course we all know the city is home to all of these things
and more, whether it is welcome or not. The Authoritarian City: With the rise of smart cities,
there has been a rise in authority over the individual.
The Body and the City: The physiological connection This is not to suggest that smart cities cannot and have
between our bodies and the outside world has somehow not contributed to better urban living, they have just
always existed, whether in the technology we design or encroached heavily on the threshold of individual freedom
the cities we build. The way our veins bump blood through and healthy collective relationships. As suggested by
our bodies creating networks of movement towards and Bridge and Watson, cities have an authority embedded
away from the heart, is much like the multiple networks within. The layout of streets and location of things, the
leading to the center of a city. “Patterns that exist in the traffic lights, and police impose structure in our lives,
world outside the body exist also in the world inside the behaviours, and chosen paths; power is both reflected
body.” Bonnie, Bainbridge Cohen, 1983: 66. The patterns and embodied in the city. The question is where do we
used to design a city are simply a manifestation of what draw the line?
exists within us both in body and mind, and this is no
accident. However, the design of the high-rise and the The Right to the City and Ownership: The right to
rapid speed of urbanization has come with its shortfalls, the city reflects on our previous question ‘But who are
creating a disconnect from the internal projection we the participants in this ecosystem?’. We have of course
sought to create. chosen to discuss the human participants, however, not
This detached, disjointed approach suggests that there all humans are truly welcome in the urban ecosystem.
has been a lack of understanding between the living and As well as hope, there is also hostility and a lack of
the sterile. In this context, the sterile is the introduction of acceptance towards many people and certain social
the physical non-living object; the building, the bench, practices. Let’s take a moment to familiarise ourselves
the wall and so on. Without the existence of the traditional with people’s social needs.

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I ECOSYSTEM

Lefebvre alleges that social needs have an Defining SPLACES
anthropological foundation. These needs are both SPLACES are situated around or beside the
opposed and complimentary; the need for security functional places in the city. These undefined,
and opening; certainty and adventure; organisation and uncontrolled margins offer a temporary retreat or
play; the predictable and unpredictable; similarity and hideaway from the more structured conforming
difference; isolation and encounter; immediate and spaces. They are momentarily possessed by their
long term prospects; exchange and investments of users; where they are free to plan, act, and practice
independence, communication and even solitude. With their free will without the interference of factors
so many needs, urban dwellers are already programmed beyond the SPLACE itself. If only for a short moment
with a set of inherent social practices that must be in time. After some years of effort to delicately
carried out, or else there becomes great dissatisfaction seize the free-flowing spirit of a SPLACE an ever-
in urban living. By appropriation of public space - or of evolving definition - quite unlike the purpose of a
the ambiguous public/private space - within the city, definition - was poetically transcribed. Much like
urban dwellers are inadvertently practicing their needs, the experience of a child taking delight in catching
and in many instances changing the city’s intended and gathering the seeds of a dandelion flower after
spatial configuration by doing so. Therefore, the right to having blown them out into the unknown.
the city implies the right to fully engage in and make use A SPLACE is a disruption in the typical urban flow
of spaces in the city (Harvey, 2000). or a moment of deviation, they are an expression of the
city’s natural transcendence when left to its own will.
The Experimental City: The city exists as a microcosm What may sometimes be viewed as untidy, unplanned
of a county’s virtues and vices; economic wealth and parts of the city, these spaces nurture an instant of
deprivation, social equality and inequality, climate fear, or hope, a happening(s) and a memory. If the
change control and climate change consequences - all city is a body and a being, then SPLACES are the
chaotically and systematically contained in the physical entrails; unappealing to some, visually out of sight to
and ideological foundations of a city. It is by way of right many, yet a vital functional part of the whole.
that the city becomes the dominant arena for creating
change, specifically in the wake of challenges. In order A Physical and Social Dimension: Take a moment to
to create and steer change we must first experiment observe your city, you will begin to witness how Mother
(Karvonen et al. 2014). By explicitly staging experiments Nature and city dwellers - sometimes simultaneously
we change the way in which we build, manage and live in - embark on a journey of appropriation. Creeping
cities. Experimentation allow for the smart city, the happy through the crevices of a SPLACE, to reclaim their
city, the low carbon city, the sustainable city, the eco-city. right to the the city by defying authority and structure.
These urban movements give life to the notion of better Over several years of similar observation, in several
living. Thus, it is the experimental city that is prominent cities, many SPLACES both alike in form and unique
across a broad spectrum of urban thought and practice in number began to unfold. By identifying specific
(James Evans et al. 2016). characteristics a global typology was created, ranging

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I ECOSYSTEM

Alleyway Sidewalk out places of respite, imagination, creativity, opportunity
and above all draw one’s attention towards community
Back of House Stairs and connection. SPLACES offer room for escaping the
Car Park Through Road everyday urban bluster (noise) for those moments of
Dead End Train Track deviation that we all desire. All the while they become part
of a network of something larger in which every day urban
Large Space in Between Buildings Underpass life can be, and should be diverse.
With the pandemic still looming over us, now more
Narrow Space in Between Buildings Wall than ever should we design for alternative public spaces
in the city. Perhaps we will now realise that somewhere
Spatial Typology along our urban journey we lost touch of what it really is
of SPLACES to be human, to be a part of the nature world, and what
it means to find belonging and connection to ourselves.
Pedestrian Flyover And more importantly what it is to be living alongside
something larger, rather than just the individual.
from abandoned or temporarily un-operated train tracks When we think in terms of the collective, imagine the
to narrow spaces in between buildings; commonly numerous ever-expanding possibilities that may manifest
found in cities that have developed organically. A full, when confronted with a SPLACE. By understanding
and by no means final list can be found below: the role of SPLACES in a city we begin to visualise the
possibilities and opportunity for connection, to repair the
Contemplation and Design Interventions disconnect that has so rapidly spread throughout body
As a designer, we all too often find ourselves in this never- and build. Reconnecting the body to the city by allowing
ending loop of over designing, of no real understanding our senses to re-align; our ears can begin to hear, and
of the true ‘nature’ behind the space or the user, of our noses can begin to smell, and our hands can begin
compromising the better good with other less noble to touch what our eyes see. Through SPLACES we can
purposes, but the very essence of the profession is claim our right to the city and welcome the right for other
humbler. We have been given the vast privilege and living things (fauna and flora) to dwell in the city, where
responsibility to facilitate the lives of urban users, to seek we are free to create a temporary, adaptable and transient
space. SPLACES can offer the opportunity for ‘self-builds’
through large scale modules - similar to giant lego pieces
- free of digital connection so that we may truly reconnect
to ourselves, and work together, heal together and with
each other in person. Perhaps SPLACES can become
the inverted smart city, the experimental part of the city
where the signs read ‘leave your phone at the door and
reconnect’.

Nora Aridi is a senior Landscape Architect based
in the UK.

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

39

I LIVING ENVIRONMENT

The new landscape
experience that could galvanise

our industry

WILDEN proposes a shared vision for landscape
professionals that could improve personal wellbeing

and solve numerous challenges

40

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

I believe everyone reading this shares common values to All WILDEN gardens start with hand crafted layouts to
work with, improve, and share the joy of landscapes at find the best design ideas for every Client.
some level. Yet for most people having access to inspiring
landscapes is limited because of barriers of time, money, maintenance, with failing alien plants, extremely hot
and personal priorities. Few have the means to invest and surfaces and even emitting toxic VOC gasses… it’s no
fewer still choose to get involved with their own garden wonder there’s a pandemic of nature disconnection,
with any depth. and a crisis of gardens that lack soul!
But to improve our planet, we must do it first at Hiring a designer can be costly especially if you don’t
home. This is a founding belief of WILDEN Design. The get it right, and bespoke design can cost a lot; starting
landscapes of our homes are where knowledge grows, prices of AED 15,000 for a design are not in everyone’s
beliefs are tested and turned into our values. budget. Our kit gardens target middle-income, young
Our mission is to start a new movement of gardeners couples and small families that crave an outdoor lifestyle
and create a generation of inspired nature enthusiasts. and want to do their bit. A group that deserves a beautiful
WILDEN’s Kit Garden experience was created to bring and inspiring outdoor space without needing a second
together the worlds of inspiring landscapes, sustainable mortgage. So, we’ve packaged award-winning design
living, wellness, and outdoor lifestyle with high quality expertise to make this happen for prices starting under
design. If you’re reading this then we can grow this vision AED 6,000.
together. Here’s why: The kit service includes high quality 3D visuals,
plans, and planting design to ensure clients are excited
Let’s face it; landscape design isn’t that accessible and knowledgeable about their garden before it has even
Modern trends in garden design have focussed on begun. Our passion for nature is the reason Clients choose
rapid ‘greening’ by using oversized tropical species, us already so that’s why every step of this new approach
low quality imported tiling, and worst of all, plastic will educate and inspire others to experience garden
grass. For these sins most gardens in the UAE are high creation. Start as a customer, end as a gardener!

A beautiful lifestyle, simplified
We create uniqueness in kit gardens through understanding
and responding to the site. Our team of senior landscape
designers brings freshness to every plot by crafting a layout
to improve each garden in its own way while utilising tried

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I LIVING ENVIRONMENT layout which embeds our personalised design thinking;
a key feature which is lacking in most domestic
and tested elements from a chosen design. Future WILDEN kit landscape services.
garden releases will include options for planting and materials Our fiercely local approach showcases native and
for personalisation and we see this as a central philosophy to adapted species of flora that thrive in the increasingly hot
engage people as passionate custodians of the land. We know weather of the region, not to mention saving our Clients
we’re successful when we see a client getting their hands dirty buckets of money in maintenance and water use. We
pruning shrubs for the first time or posting pictures of recent love desert plants and want to prove what we’ve always
butterfly visits in the garden. Nature nerds unite! known; that nature knows best and being immersed in a
We continue to share our learning openly with Clients garden which is in harmony with its environment we feel
and the public. This works fantastically when friends or our shoulders drop and our spirits lift.
neighbours can benefit from shared knowledge. It’s part of
the collaborative ‘pay-it-forward’ ethos that we encourage A better world starts in your garden
with our team, our suppliers, and our Clients. Better still, by We hope you see gardens for what they represent – our
prioritising locally sourced or manufactured materials our individual pockets of Earth’s surface which we are guardians
commerce will support domestic businesses and other local for; here to nurture, love, and improve their contribution to
entrepreneurs, reducing reliance on global supply chains at our own lives and all living things nearby. We view gardens
the mercy of economic shifts, pandemics, and commodity as an ecological patchwork, a jigsaw of rich greenspace; at
prices. This reduces shipping and the carbon cost of once entirely separated yet in fact deeply connected in all
importing materials as well as promoting local character in dimensions to that of our neighbours - spiritually entwined
our designs. We say: buy local landscapes, locally! through the various contributions from surrounding flora,
Our dedication to this approach will create fauna, water, air, sun, shade, neighbourly noise and drifting
opportunities for our suppliers to receive repeat work and aromas of winter BBQs.
in turn we select suppliers that are like minded in their
operations choosing materials sustainably, high welfare WILDEN kit gardens is the vision to multiply our shared love
standards and opportunities for their workmen along the and common good that comes with nurturing a pocket of
way. We’re always looking to grow our network of builders nature by turning individual gardens into our global green
than are professional, communicative, collaborative and network.
love sharing their passion for landscape. This support
will help us to collaborate with developers and real Will Bennett is a Chartered Landscape Architect and award-
estate agents where we can add significant value to large winning designer from the UK. He is the Founder of WILDEN
property portfolios and support larger environmental and Design and their kit gardens experiences are available from
sustainability targets, putting gardens and nature at the 10th November; www.wilden.design
heart of 21st century living.

Fresh, fast and fun
The experience begins with an online consultation to set
up the service which uses remote and digital solutions
wherever possible to reduce the cost. This improves the
standard process of engaging design services to match
what’s expected when buying other high value products
online. The human touch is not lost though with a full
presentation of the draft design and our hand-sketch

The WILDEN kit approach will deliver a chosen style of garden for any budget. Shown here is the ‘wadi’ garden for budgets of AED 30k and 150k.

42

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I SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE

Rebimouagnidnainrigescity
An ambitious green infrastructure project
has put a Russian city at the forefront of
urban sustainable living
By: S&P Architecture

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Shyshymska Gorka project is the first stage for a major disorderly carparking that has been a major problem of
urban transformation scheme by Polish Landscape many world cities. The impact of car parks that will still
architecture firm S&P Architektura Krajobrazu (S&P). remain at the street level, have been carefully mitigated
The project was recently completed in Uktus, a district with use of planting and thoughtful planning. Courtyards
of Ekaterynburg – the two million inhabitant capital of have been turned into communal gardens, with 75%
the Sverdlovsk region, in Russia. The ambitious urban covered by planting. With children’s playgrounds, sport
scheme, developed together with the Dutch architectural facilities, water features, shrouded in dense planting of
firm KCAP, for local developer Brusnika, aims to transform shrub, perennials and large tree specimens, courtyards
a mix of dilapidated wooden and brick houses, and provide shelter from the heat of continental summers
haphazard blocks of flats constructed during the last 50 with temperature rising to 30 plus degrees, as well as
years in various styles, into a cohesive urban structure. the strong Ural winter winds- with temperatures plunging
The aim is to provide all necessary amenities to current below -25 C.
and future inhabitants, including a substantial green “The surrounding streets have been planted with
infrastructure component. The scheme also establishes lime tree avenues and a mix of deciduous and evergreen
an equally ambitious set of goals that if met, will at least shrubs mitigating the heat island effect and organizing
partially, make this area of the city more climatically, space. Wide bicycle lines constructed along the streets
economically and socially resilient. create the core of a future district-wide bicycle system
“The project is a good illustration of our client’s motto that will be integrated with the planned city network.
– ‘we do not build flats, we build cities,’ explained S&P. “One of the major challenges while working on the
“The first stage, consists of four parts. Designed design, was a steep change of levels going down eastward
by various architects as urban blocks, with traffic free towards the Iset river. In some places, the central West-
central courtyards that form green hearts for each of the East avenue was climbing at a 12% steep slope - making
four neighborhoods. The scheme also includes a major it unusable for elderly or disabled. If not solved, it could
transformation of streets between and around the blocks. have resulted in difficulties with commercialization of
“All four blocks are constructed on underground carparks, spaces along the avenue. The problem has been solved
freeing internal courtyards and surrounding streets from

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I SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE

by turning the street into a pedestrian, green boulevard/ central axis as an exhibition place for art installations or
linear park. With a path at a pleasant incline of 3%, happenings with the main aim of involving all residents
all groups of potential users can enjoy the space, of the district. So far, the results of their activities
making a former problematic area into the new center show that a skillful use of landscape and commercial
of neighborly activities. It has been transformed into techniques together with cultural and social activism
a green axis, a linear neighborhood park, providing can create vibrant, lively spaces.
such needed in densely build cities public verdant “At the landscape level the project demonstrates how
space. With a strong geometry, the avenue provides with the right use of topography and a bold planting, a
a no-fuss, bold design statement, strengthened by a potential design problem can be turned into an asset.
mass planting scheme of shrubs and modern perennial The scheme uses landscape as a unifying feature, with
border mixes. A mix of evergreen pines, spruces and simple repetitive components, that bring clarity to the
eastern hemlock with deciduous limes, birches and public realm.
acers, creates a strong structure for the space, twelve The first stage of the Uktus district transformation
months of the year. During winter the steep grass slopes provides a bold footprint for the rest of the area. If
of the boulevard turn into a wonderland for tobogganing carried out it has the potential to create a vibrant, friendly
children and their parents. neighborhood with a strong and unique character.”
“To help activating the new neighborhood “Brusnika”
together with an art foundation “Kulturnyi Tranzit” Photo credit: S&P Architektura Krajobrazu
created an art residency. Various artist started using the Photographs of art Installations: Art Residency “Shysymska Gorka”
www.sztukaipartnerzy.pl

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

47

I BOOK REVIEW The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

BOOKS OF INTEREST

The book “REFLECTIONS IN THE LANDSCAPE” was recently
published by Editorial Arquine, a prestigious Mexico-based
publishing house specializing in architecture and design, and
written by Jimena Martignoni, Argentinean writer and curator
of urban and landscape design projects in Latin America and a
regular contributor to Landscape Middle East Magazine.

The book delves into the most recent works of Chilean landscape
designer Teresa Moller who was awarded with the 2020 Global
Award for Sustainable Architecture, sponsored by UNESCO, and
included as one of the fifty most important landscape designers
worldwide in the book “250 Things a Landscape Architect Should
Know” (Ed. Birkhäuser).

Unlike other books that list and describe projects, for
“Reflections in the landscape” Jimena Martignoni proposes
ten subjects, through which is possible a poetic exploration
of landscape design. With this perspective and by means of
many conversations with Teresa Moller about these subjects
—Earth, Water, Trees, Fruits, Stone, Trails, Signs, Essence...
among others— are portrayed some of the most interesting
projects of this celebrated designer, such as the 2016 Venice
Biennale, the 2017 International Garden Exhibition of Berlin, the
gardens in Shanghai and of course many projects in Chile like
the unforgettable oceanscapes of Punta Pite. 

Together, the scope of projects and the stories behind them,
which make up the work of Teresa Moller, offer a legacy for
landscape designers and lovers.

The book is written both in Spanish and English and has 268
pages. A series of full-size images with descriptive captions
marks out a differentiation between the two languages.
The book is now available in the webpage of “Editorial Arquine”.

Publisher: Arquine
Texts: Jimena Martignoni
Size: 14 x 21 cm
Pages: 268
Spanish/English

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