Landscape Magazine May 2014

middle east may 2014

2 i www.landscape-me.com i may 2014

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In the UAE we literally have the world at our feet. We have the most innovative buildings that seem to go up at the speed of light, modern transport systems and leisure and recreational facilities that would put any cosmopolitan city to shame, but all this has consequences for the environment and the UAE has

to step up its efforts to ensure its input matches output when it comes to being environmentally responsible. On page 40 we look at how sustainable UAE landscapes really are? and the practices landscape architects employ to ensure more efficient irrigation and better maintenance to improve the effectiveness of each individual landscape.

See page 22 for an inside look at Dubai’s new urban Botanical pavilion.

In this issue we also feature a Hyper Density Hyper Landscape (HDHL), in Dallas, Texas by Stoss and Shop, which connects the city and its river. And in Toronto, Sander Design brings an old rooftop in Queens Quay back to life!

Enjoy the issue and please connect with us via email or on our social media pages!

John Hampton

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EDITOR’S NOTE

middle east may 2014

Landscape May'14.indd 1 5/1/14 4:33 PM

I Managing Partner: Ziad Maarouf I Copy Editor: John Hampton I Sales Manager: Boushra Dinnawi I Sales Executive: Pavla Francke I Administrative Assistance: Sarry Gan I Art Director: Ramon Andaya I Contributors: Steven Velegrinis, Ahmed Salman, Silvia Pirotta, Sander Freedman, Scott Mitchell, Geoff Sandrson, Lang HyaI Printed by: Al Nisr Publishing LLC I Webmaster: www.pdinventive.com

Landscape is distributed free of charge in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Eqypt, and Lebanon by Emirates Post UAE


May 2014 - Issue 83Contents

2632364046

50

26

2218

40

18

46

36

50

al Fayah Park: abu dhabi

OP—eN re-imagines public space within a high-rise-concentrated environment.

expanding a vision

sander design brings life back to the rooftop of Queens Quay in toronto.

the future is bright

sustainable landscapes

a new arrival on the landscape of Khasab Hotel atana mussandam

dubai-based landscape architects win international Open ideas Competition.



News & Events

When joining Rain Bird International in 2007, my first question to the Rain Bird central control product manager at an introductory meeting in Tucson (Arizona) was — why doesn’t Rain Bird work on moisture sensing products that measure water moisture content instead of trying to indirectly estimate it through weather stations to compute irrigation schedules?

The answer was that diverting into a new product line is very expensive; moreover changing the market orientation to moisture sensor technology would nullify the already substantial existing investment in the marketing and promotion of the weather station concept. This answer, while somewhat convincing in financial and marketing terms did not technically satisfy my curiosity as an irrigation technician.

As it turned out, in order to find such a product I had to wait few years until I left Rain Bird and joined Fitco industries. It was during a USA Irrigation Association Convention/exhibition in Orlando Florida when I noticed a group of young energetic irrigation technicians who had an attractive demonstration stand and where many show visitors were excitedly enquiring about their amazing product line. That was the Baseline booth!

I instantly realized that ‘Baseline’ offered exactly what we needed in areas such as the Middle East, where we suffer the highest desertification expansion rate coupled with the lowest water availability on the planet. Finally it was available, ‘Baseline’ had developed an irrigation control system that works based on accurately reading the moisture content of the various soil types via the sensitive lower/upper threshold mechanism.

By installing the accurate TDT (Time Domain Transmission) fiber glass moisture sensors, watering simply starts when the maximum allowable depletion is reached and stops when the field capacity is achieved. In fact this is the ultimate goal of irrigation, the first thing I learned when I was a student majoring in irrigation and by which I now commence my lectures at the American University of Beirut and at the professional Radius Academy camps. This is what makes Baseline a system that reduces water usage by 70 percent, compared to just 35 percent through the conventional ‘Old Style’ weather station dependent systems.

Baseline Manager is an innovative control systems package ‘unique’ within the irrigation industry which can monitor an infinite number of sites and (contrary to most of the competition) is open to Building management system protocol. Baseline offers both conventional and extraordinary bi-coder or hybrid system capabilities with the highest sensing capacity (both in terms of number of inputs and accuracy) within the irrigation industry.

As a company dedicated to offering our market the latest innovations in the irrigation industry, we at Fitco are very proud to be partners and exclusive distributors for Baseline in the Middle East region. We therefore welcome our constructive alliances with the many irrigation professionals throughout the region who have realized and appreciate the benefits in use of FITCO products such as Baseline in order to conserve the most precious resource on our planet — WATER!

Fawzi MelhemIA – CLIA Regional Sales ManagerIA Certified ProfessionalFitco industries (London) Limited – Irrigation Division


In summarizing on this event Jim Haynes says “Baseline represents the Pinnacle of smart irrigation and water saving technology. As with all types of high end technology products it is essential to have access to ongoing professional back up service and support by qualified personnel in order to ensure they work at their peak performance. The synergy provided by the Baseline –Fitco – GWM alliance will guarantee the long term positive results demanded by our clients and often lacking in our market until now. Hence it will be our goal that the Baseline – Fitco –GWM alliance will form a seamless and integral part of all Baseline project installations throughout the Middle East region.

Baseline products are marketed exclusively throughout the middle east by Fitco industries, Jebel ali Free Zone, Uae.Tel: 04-2221217. Fax: 04-2289130. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.fitcoirrigation.com

Fitco GM Jim Haynes signing with Gulf Water GM Mahmoud Ramadan the central Control alliance within the UAE and the gulf region.

Baseline Basemanager includes software pre-installed c/w modem

Baseline mobile access advanced service for Basemanager with Basestation 3200 or Basestation 1000 controllers.

Baseline model Bl-3200 two-wire controller — expandable to 200 zones c/w Ethernet port. Wall or pedestal mount in powder-coated metal or stainless steel construction.

Baseline model Bl-1000 two-wire controller — expandable from 50 to 75 or 100 zones. Wall or pedestal mount in powder-coated metal or stainless steel construction.

Baseline Model BL-FLOWSTN-C Flowstation controller in metal wall mount cabinet. incorporates shared flow controller c/w built-in ethernet port.

Baseline direct burial bisensor c/w 50’ connection wires and (2) waterproof connectors.

Baseline Flow sensor with integrated flow decoder

Baseline 1, 2 or 4 station direct burial biCoder (Can be used as a master Valve biCoder) for use with dC latching solenoids. (shown with direct burial surge arrestor)


News & Events

Held under the patronage of Dubai Municipality, the organizers, Pure life Events, Exhibitions & conferences,

the venue sponsorship partner Emaar Properties, all strategic partners, sponsors, judges and the participants in the Garden competition were amazed to see a remarkable living wall of 80 square meters being setup in just under 24 hours, which was sponsored by JKD Hortitech for the event.

The simple, economical and easy to maintain concept of vertical gardens for indoors as well as for outdoors is introduced by Vertical Greens Landscape Gardening LLC in UAE.

Mr. Mohammad Hassan Al Fardan, Head of Parks & Recreation section, Public parks & Horticulture department, Dubai Municipality appreciated the Greenwall, while carefully understanding the complete system.

“This is so simple and easy” said Mr. Mohammed Al-Khoori, Director of Public Parks Dept., Ministry of Municipality & Urban Planning, Qatar.

New era of Vertical gardeNs iN Uae

Visitors were happy to see the living wall set up in the full sun with a combination of the flowering and ornamental plants, which was the first time at the venue Downtown Boulevard, Burj Khalifa, Dubai. I will love to come back to this event next year with

WITH THE SUccESSfUL DEBUT Of THE 1ST DUBAI InTErnATIOnAL GArDEn cOmPETITIOn 2014 (DIGc), THE nEW ErA Of VErTIcAL GArDEnInG In UAE AnD THE Gcc cOUnTrIES HAD STArTED AnD IS ALL SET TO rEAcH THE InTErnATIOnAL STAnDArDS, In ITS OWn STyLE.

an even bigger vertical garden said Mrs. Sheela Gala, Director of Vertical Greens Landscape Gardening LLC, over whelmed with the response & the support and reiterating “If it’s not the tallest, largest, biggest, then it’s not Dubai”.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION | Built on InnovationLearn more. Visit hunterindustries.com

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Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE), a luxury residential golf community located between Green Community and Dubai Sports City off the Sheikh

Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, is expected to throw the spotlight on its latest batch of Fireside and Juniper Way Luxury Villas, plots and other available properties in various districts during their participation at this year’s International Property Show (IPS) 2014, the Middle East’s foremost property marketplace to meet and do business with top-tier investors and property professionals from across the globe, which will be held from April 8 to April 10, 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). The offered plots and luxury villas overlook Jumeirah Golf Estate’s mesmerizing Fire & Earth Golf Course.

Fireside Luxury Villas have been designed with key features that range from top-of-the-line advanced entertainment systems to state-of-the-art energy-saving technologies, spacious three car garages, outdoor cooking to magnificent dining facilities that have been designed for modern living and beautifully landscaped lawns and even an integrated golf cart port. Outdoor living is a key feature of the community villas with spectacular views across Greg Norman’s stunning Fire course. Meanwhile, Juniper Way plots offer scenic views over Greg Norman’s magnificent Fire course. Each plot allows developers to build their dream home villas for their customers inspired by traditional Tuscan-style architecture and materials--all come complete with landscaped gardens, spacious courtyards, studies, basements, swimming pools and double garages.

Yousuf Kazim, General Manager, Jumeirah Golf Estates, said, “We are looking forward to our participation at this year’s edition of the International Property Show, which presents us with a strategic platform to leverage our Fireside and Juniper Way Luxury Villas and plots across potential investors who have the means and desire to

JUmeirah golf estates throws the spotlight oN its fireside aNd JUNiper way lUxUry Villas aNd plots at iNterNatioNal property show 2014

Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, the event offers the perfect platform for key real estate investors, developers, regional and international investment promotion authorities, architects, designers and other real estate professionals to drive growth in real estate investment and development across emerging markets globally.

“We are about to create your pathway to world class luxury living via Jumeirah Golf Estates. We offer you the best of both worlds--exquisite golf courses that have been designed by some of the world’s best golfers and a unique gated community that presents you with a lifestyle of pure luxury and elegance. If you are ready to be part of this distinct lifestyle then come on down to IPS 2014 where we will give you a glimpse of how luxury has finally arrived at Jumeirah Golf Estates,” concluded Kazim.

purchase the finest property in the UAE. The event represents perfect timing as the UAE real estate market continues to demonstrate vibrancy and growth—ably reflected in the high demand for both commercial and residential properties in all of the emirates.”

The International Property Show was first organized in 2001 and has since grown to become the region’s premier property show. Held in conjunction with the

News & Events

Yousuf Kazim General Manager, Jumeirah Golf Estates



News & Events

K-Rain is pleased to announce the addition of Rita Pinto de Abreu to our Middle East marketing team. Rita brings with her a wealth of knowledge of the irrigation industry and

has extensive experience in turf irrigation, including irrigation design. In co-ordination with K-Rain’s Middle

East regional distributor Fitco Industries, Rita will provide sales promotion and product education support. For all K-Rain enquiries in the Middle East region please contact Fitco Industries Irrigation Division. Tel. 00971-4-2221217. Email: [email protected] or visit www.fitcoirrigation.com.

The programme of INDEX Design Talks – the free-to-attend seminars and workshops aimed at the region’s architecture, design, retail

and hospitality communities – has been announced by dmg events. Covering a wide spectrum of topics related to the interior design and architecture industry, the event will be part of INDEX International Design Exhibition and will run from 19th to 22nd May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

International architects and interior design trendsetters will headline the four-day programme and share their vision and valuable insights with the audience. Ranging from trends for luxury interiors, to how fashion influences design and the importance of illumination, the discussions will focus around five main topics: Architecture, Interior Design, Project Management, Hospitality Design, and Retailing.

“We are honoured to have some renowned industry leaders flying to Dubai to speak at INDEX Design Talks,” commented Frederique Maurell, Group Event Director for INDEX and workspace at INDEX. “The purpose of these seminars and workshops is to foster the discussion around some of the topics most relevant to the industry’s professionals and to provide them with some valuable food for thought. We’re excited

about this year’s programme which is very promising and we’re sure the industry will benefit from it”.

INDEX Design Talks is expected to feature more than 20 speakers including Matteo Bianchi, Owner & Director Matteo Bianchi Studio; Milou Ket, Trend Researcher; Juliette Van Putten, Lighting Design & Founder of Light Graphics; Charles Leon, Director of Charles Leon Associates; Oliver Kessler, Designer & Principal of Oliver Kessler Design; Helen Keighley, Director of Education for the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). London’s Chelsea College of Art will also be conducting an open evening at the show and will introduce their tutors and highlight the courses they are holding in Dubai.

“I’m looking forward to speaking at INDEX Design Talks and to visiting the fair and Dubai for the first time ever,” said Milou Ket. “My session will be covering the main trends for the global residential and hospitality markets and will be giving a foretaste of what to expect for the next years. My presentation will be all about images, through which I will highlight what to expect in term of colours, prints, weaves and much more.”

Commenting on her participation as a speaker, Kate Harcastle said: “I am delighted

to be speaking at the wonderful INDEX event again, which will see me bring my keynote on successful business, selling and building relationships to last to the audience. I like to call it the “oomph” factor”. At Insight with Passion we travel the world delivering our work and ideas, and speak at many world leading events. INDEX is always one of the highlights – as an event that brings trends, business and commercial reality to life to a vast range of the business community.”

Dmg events has also revealed the list of brands that will exhibit at the 24th edition of the trade fair within the nine different show sectors. With over two hundred new exhibitors that booked their space for the event, INDEX’s visitors can expect to see over 700 companies including PR Interiors, BOLD, Maltier, le Malletier, MDR Decruy , Hooker Furniture, Lourini Home, LG Hausys, Kansai Paints and Jotun Paints.

A total of 44 countries will be represented at INDEX 2014 which has drawn the attention of South African and Brazilian companies as never before; South Africa will in fact have a fully dedicated pavilion for the first time ever.

For further information on the show, its exhibitors and on the INDEX Design Talks programme, visit www.indexexhibition.com

iNdex desigN talks briNgs the expertise aNd kNowledge of the iNterNatioNal iNterior desigN commUNity to dUbai• INDEX DEsIgN Talks To focus oN kEy TopIcs rElEvaNT To ThE DEsIgN aND ArcHITEcTUrE cOmmUnITy• lINE up of guEsT spEakErs aND lIsT of compaNIEs TakINg parT aT INDEX 2014 rEvEalED• ovEr 200 NEw EXhIbITors To showcasE aT INDEX 2014

k-raiN welcomes New iNterNatioNal sales maNager

Rita Pinto de Abreu

http://www.indexexhibition.com


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News & Events

in partnership with renowned international hospitality group Kempinski Hotels, who collaborated on the development and management of Doha’s tallest hotel tower, the Kempinski Residences and Suites.

Surrounded by water this artistic themed waterfront hotel is set to attract thousands of visitors from all over the globe with its beachfront setting, extravagant interiors and exteriors, finest comforts and personalized service; appealing to both the business and lifestyle connoisseurs making it the most sought after hospitality address and one of Qatar’s most important tourism developments. Marsa Malaz Kempinski when complete will be a true tourism attraction for Qatar, in line with the recently announced strategy of the Qatar Tourism Authority to position Qatar as “a world-class hub with deep cultural roots” inspired from the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011 -2016 which sets an ambitious plan for the country’s growth in the tourism sector.

Omar Alfardan, President and CEO of Alfardan Group, said: “Marsa Malaz Kempinski - The Pearl, Doha will truly set itself as an iconic waterfront destination reflecting the true splendor of Doha; enhancing the international reputation of Qatar as a fast-emerging luxury tourist destination. We are proud of this accomplishment, to develop a world-class luxurious destination in Qatar, coinciding with the Qatar Tourism Authority’s Strategy and to be in line with the long-term economic development strategy of the Government in enhancing Tourism in Qatar thereby attracting more and more visitors to the country from various corners of the globe. Our promise to deliver unique properties famous for quality, luxury and excellence has been known throughout our venture into hospitality developments, as we aim to create unforgettable destinations and exceptional experiences for residents and visitors of Qatar.”

Alfardan continued, “Alfardan Hospitality and Alfardan Group as a whole have been in line with the development and strategic direction of the country under the visionary leadership and continuous support of H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, The Emir of Qatar; who has inspired us to strive forward and deliver the extraordinary in every development or service we develop. Our commitment and support to the long-term strategy of Qatar is evident today with the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha and will continue to be as we continuously develop iconic projects in the near future.”

Marsa Malaz Kempinki, The Pearl Doha will redefine hospitality in the region with its abundant facilities, amenities, entertainment elements and luxurious spacious accommodation offerings. Visitors to the hotel will appreciate the intricate architectural grandeur designed with precision, in a luxury environment with a meticulous attention to detail, making it the ultimate choice for either business or tranquil pleasure. Alfardan Hospitality during the duration of this development spared no efforts in partnering with the best consultants and contractors so as to deliver on its promise of offering unique and extraordinary hospitality destinations in Qatar and the region.

Alfardan Hospitality and Kempinski Hotels have again partnered to bring to Qatar an iconic hotel development anticipated to set

new hospitality benchmarks while further enhancing the country’s image as a world-class tourism destination. The development, Marsa Malaz Kempinski - The Pearl, Doha will be an artistic masterpiece and architectural landmark overlooking The Pearl, Qatar and the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Conceived to be the ultimate waterfront hotel destination in the region, this world-class private island development spanning over 500,000 sq.ft will go beyond offering 5-star luxury service by providing guests an extraordinary island experience in Qatar. Set to open in last quarter 2014, this grandiose development harmoniously blends the authentic Qatari culture in terms of Arabian hospitality with an iconic Venetian concept significantly highlighted in the overall architecture of the development. The attention to detail and comprehensive design is seen from every corner of the external façade and enhanced with a posh combination of sophisticated interior elements within the various areas of the hotel; making it a true iconic destination like no other in the region.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski is the second project to be undertaken by Alfardan Hospitality

alfardaN hospitality aNd kempiNski to laUNch 5-star hotel oN the pearl, Qatar

IN LINE WITh QTA TOurISM STrATEgy, MArSA MALAz KEMpINSKI WILL BE AN ICONIC WATErFrONT hOTEL dESTINATION SETTINg NEW STANdArdS OF Luxury ENhANCINg ThE COuNTry’S gLOBAL TOurISM prOFILE


Design and Execut ion• Soft & Hardscape• Swimming Pools & Water Features• Irrigation System• Outdoor Lighting• Playground Equipment

American Concrete Institute® American Society of Landscape ArchitectEmail: [email protected]

ISO 9001 & 14001 Certified US Green Building Council

PO Box: 48856, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +971 4 2956088, Fax: +971 4 295 60 77

Partner with Al Abel Project Contracting LLCPO Box: 99985 Riyadh, 11625 KSA, Tel: +966 1 291 35 62, Fax: +966 1 291 35 64

Email: [email protected]


keboNy wood selected for the world’s first QUiet mark treehoUse UNVeiled at the 2014

ideal home show

News & Events

Kebony has been working with Blue Forest Luxury Treehouses, John Lewis and Quiet Mark to develop an ambitious tree home

made from Kebony wood, the sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood.

The treehouse is built from Kebony, a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood and toxic treated timber. The technology behind the wood is an innovative process that enhances the properties of sustainable softwood species to give them similar characteristics to tropical hardwoods, making it suitable for use in indoor and outdoor applications. The wood is strong and durable, as a result Kebony has been used for a number of high profile projects in the UK, USA and across Europe.

Blue Forest is the world’s leading luxury treehouse and eco-home builders. They create treehouses which reflect the environment in which they are built, aiming to bring people closer to the natural world and the great outdoors. With environmental credentials and sustainability a key consideration in all of their designs, Kebony was a fitting choice for this project because

ThE QuIET TrEEhOuSE hAS BEEN dESIgNEd By BLuE FOrEST Luxury TrEEhOuSES ANd WILL BE dONATEd FOr pErMANENT uSE By ChESTNuT

TrEE hOuSE, ThE ChILdrEN’S hOSpICE IN SuSSEx

of its strength, beauty and environmental credibility. The silver-gray patina which Kebony develops when exposed to weather is an attractive quality of the wood that will add to the ambience of the treehouse when it is implanted to the tree canopy at Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice in Sussex.

A not-for-profit organisation, Quiet Mark is the international mark of approval from the UK’s Noise Abatement Society, encouraging the design of quieter high performance technology and solutions to reduce unwanted noise in our environment. An aural environment initiative, Quiet Mark are the headline sponsors of this year’s Ideal Home Show. The Quiet Treehouse will offer personal sound-portraits for visitors and a Wild Sanctuary animal soundscape.

Adrian Pye, Head of International Sales at Kebony said: “It has been a very exciting project for Kebony to be involved in; the exceptional design of Blue Forest’s treehouse and its use of sustainable materials throughout demonstrate how, with innovations such as Kebony, construction can be sustainable and integrated with to complement a building’s environment”.

Simon Payne, Director at Blue Forest commented: “Our bespoke treehouses only use only the highest quality products to ensure that they are in keeping with their secluded locations without causing any environmental degradation. The design of the treehouses needs to reflect nature and protect it so the use of Kebony was entirely appropriate for this pioneering Quiet Mark project. It has been a fantastic product to work with.”


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From March 31st to April 1st the Urban Agenda 2020 Summit was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre along with the Outdoor Design Build and

Supply Exhibition. The summit set out to examine how Dubai and such other ‘power cities’ continue to manage growth while being attractive places to live in. In particular the factors that go into making a developing city livable and understand how cities can develop dynamically and ensure economic growth – while maintaining a great living environment.

Steven Velegrinis, Director of Urban Design with Perkins+Will in Dubai was asked to moderate the Panel Discussion entitled ‘Dubai’s Urban Geography’ that examined growth scenarios for Dubai arising from the World Expo 2020.

Thinking AbouT DubAi’s urbAn geogrAphy in 2020Urban Agenda 2020 SummitDubai is hailed as one of the world’s most attractive cities to live in, with an ever-expanding number of businesses and people streaming in to make it their home. The Emirate has also been identified as one of the most innovative and disruptive cities on the planet, leading change and developing at an unprecedented rate.

events

Mr Steven VelegrinisDirector of Urban Design at Perkins+Will


The panel also included a range of representatives including Private Sector Consultants, NGO’s, Regulators and Developers to get a balanced view on the implications of the march to 2020.

John Achari is the head of Parsons Urban Planning and Design Department in the MENA region. He is a qualified architect and urban designer with over twenty-five years’ experience in a wide range of urban design, master planning and development projects in the UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Germany, Finland, the Pacific and South-East Asia.

Ivano Ivanelli is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost experts in the fields of Sustainability and Carbon Emissions Management. The Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, under the Supreme Energy Council, leverages the revenue stream from Carbon credits to improve the business efficiency and environmental performance of companies and organizations. As a development economist, he specializes in the integration of international financial incentives and PPP models into the project development phase with a particular focus on the carbon layer, green energy and sustainable commercial initiatives, thus increasing the profitability of socio-environmental projects.

Ajay Rajendran is the Vice Chairman of Sobha Group, UAE. In his capacity as the Vice Chairman, Ajay has helped shape Sobha Group’s growth in the UAE, a key market for the company. In his current position, Ajay manages a team of over 2000 colleagues ensuring Sobha Group projects

throughout the region are delivered to the highest quality standards. Ajay Rajendran is also the Director of Meydan Sobha LLC FZ an equally-split joint venture, responsible for developing over 47 million square feet of prime freehold land in the heart of Dubai. This landmark project, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District One will deliver exclusive villas in one of the lowest density residential developments in the center of any international city.

Mr. Abdulla Rafia, is currently holding the post of Assistant Director General for Engineering and Planning Sector which is considered to be one of the core business sectors in Municipality. Engineer Rafia is also head of The Sustainability Committee in Dubai Municipality with a deep interest in the sustainable development of Dubai.

The central theme of the panel discussion was the fact that the World Expo is expected to create over 270,000 new jobs and with that attract more inhabitants and growth in infrastructure and new developments. The panel sought to respond to how will this and the general growth around 2020 effect Dubai’s urban geography in numerous ways.

One of the key issues was the question of how to safeguard the future environmental, economic and social needs of Dubai’s growing population through effective urban planning. Engineer Rafia highlighted the numerous measures that the Municipality is currently undertaking in this regard including the City Masterplan and a series of additional measures which are complementary to that.

In particular Engineer Rafia highlighted the new mandatory Green Building Regulations which will impact upon all developments and likely have minimal effects on the cost of development in Dubai.

Mr. Ivanelli also highlighted the measures which the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence has taken to demonstrate through studies the benefits of more sustainable modes of development.

Mr. Archari also highlighted the social aspect of urbanism and how the new development of Dubai would need to take account of providing the right kind of outdoor space so as to avoid creating indoor town centers within lifestyle malls.

Mr. Rajendran also raised the topic of economic sustainability highlighting that the Meydan Sobha District 1 development was a sign of Sobha’s confidence in the economic sustainability of Dubai’s Property market. The creation of an estimated 270,000 jobs by the World Expo was a key element in the consideration of whether such a development should be pursued.

In considering Multi-Use developments the panel was quick to highlight that the development that has occurred since the financial crisis has been very much guided by end-users. This has resulted in heavily lifestyle-focused projects like City Walk and The Beach Mall which have exemplified outdoor living and a higher level of build quality.

The panel highlighted that urban form and urban design must attempt to reconcile some of the drivers that are leading Dubai’s growth. In terms of the Public Realm this raises the importance of the look and feel of Dubai as it evolves further into a ‘world city’ towards 2020.

An associated issue is the reconciliation of transportation needs with the day-to-day needs of pedestrians. This is already resulting in attempts to create a walkable Dubai.

There has also been an attempt to consolidate the urban fabric through developments such as the Dubai Design District to rationalize the development strategy of the city.

In all the panel was an interesting exploration of the evolving thinking around the question of “What sort of city will Dubai be by 2020?” As Landscape Architects it is incumbent upon us as designers of the public realm of our cities to ensure that we honor these goals and design with the intention of creating places and buildings that honor the broader goals of society.


Al Fayah Park Fractured Desert

public park


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Al Fayah ParkAbu Dhabi

Can you make a park out of the desert?

The studio was asked to re-conceive a major piece of public land in Abu Dhabi. Following the rapid pace of the city’s recent development there was a desire to provide a local park as a public space devoted to the

well-being of the people of the city.

Designing a park in the desert presented the studio with a series of challenges, the most serious of which was how to provide protection from the hot desert sun for visitors as well as for the parks plants and vegetation. Offering a place for

relaxation and leisure for those using it, the park also needed to be energy efficient and sustainable in its use of water to

irrigate vegetation. The existing public space evoked the style of a european park by covering the desert with a blanket of grass. However, counteracting evaporation caused by the intensity of the sun was requiring a significant amount of purified water to irrigate it, produced industrially from salty sea water using a costly and high energy consuming desalination process.

Al Fayah Park Oasis

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The idea for the park’s design developed in response to these challenges and as a way of celebrating the beauty of the desert and its distinct surrounding landscape. Instead of denying the presence of the desert that the city is built on, we set ourselves the task of making a park out of the desert itself.

We became interested in the patterns of the desert landscape and looked at the shapes created when earth cracks from the heat of the sun. We also became fascinated by how, in previous times, people living in such intense heat had grown their vegetables in the shade of a palm tree to reduce the strength the sun’s

rays. Experimenting with the idea of a structure drawn from a fractured desert crust, we started developing a scheme based on revealing partially-shaded planted spaces below a desert surface.

The project evolved as a series of cracked pieces of the desert surface raised on columns to form a gentle dome across the site. These elevated pieces create a perforated canopy of partial shade under which a lush garden can grow, protected from the harsh excesses of the hot desert sun. This sunken oasis becomes a landscape of plants and mature trees, forming a series of interconnected public recreational spaces.

The twenty metre high shaded garden is conceived as a place for families to gather and picnic, as well as a place for learning and festivals. Visitors will find cafés, play spaces, a library, pools and streams, as well as date palms and community vegetable gardens. By creating partial shade for the planting, the canopy aims to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation and so will improve the park’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Whilst providing the shade for the oasis in the daytime, the elevated plates also become a network of social and meeting places in the cooler evening hours.

Al Fayah Park Shaded Gardens

public park

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urban escape

OP—EN re-imagines public space within a high-rise-concentrated environment.

The Urban Botanical Pavilion was developed as an architectural and aesthetic break from the incessant array of high-rise structures in a typical urban cityscape. It serves as a public sanctuary space, allowing residents and pedestrians to easily access a reflective, open and non-commercial environment.

Interior view showing the botanical wormholes (day)

Aerial view (day) Aerial view (night)


Designed by Ahmed Salman, founder and principal of Dubai-based interdisciplinary creative Practice, OP—EN, the pavilion aims to foster

new modes of urban encounter through a dedicated immersive public space, breaking the monotony of the skyscraper aesthetic, while blurring disciplinary boundaries.

With an eclectic educational and professional background spanning a range of disciplines, and an evolving body of work, Ahmed

OP—EN re-imagines public space within a high-rise-concentrated environment.

Salman is primarily a creative thinker, with a keen interest in discovering the new. The project utilises botanical and flowing water elements, fusing architectural and artistic elements, ultimately creating an immersive sensory experience for visitors, and a civic focal point for a city. On approach, the pavilion is large and geometric in structure with an underground water feature as one of the primary components. Additional elements are revealed upon exploring the space, deepening the overall experience.

“Balancing many elements in a fast-moving urban environment is key to a thriving city where we see more commercial spaces fast encroaching on any area deemed fit. The Urban Botanical Pavilion engages the public strictly with aesthetics while creating a context for exchange and communal integration,” said Salman.

Large centre-hinged doors on either side of the structure allows the space to be fully open for a greater flow of visitors.

Interior view showing the botanical wormholes (night)

Entrance view (day) Entrance view (night)


Inside, traversing the two levels, are ‘botanical wormholes’ which encase lush flora within a modular translucent mesh housing, and suspended from a kinetic photovoltaic canopy. The canopy is comprised of individually-controlled photovoltaic panels, where solar energy is harnessed and multiple cell-configurations can be realised, creating an ever-changing array of interior.

The underground water feature extends beyond the edges of the concrete structure and into the surrounding area. Glimpses of the water and the floating light orbs can be seen through glass tile blocks within the pavilion interior and through benches made of clear acrylic, which are dispersed in the pavilion’s immediate exterior. The flowing water introduces a natural soundscape to the atmosphere, complementing the underlying design ethos.

urban escape

Elevation

View of underground water feature and floating light orbs from interior of the pavilion

Plan view (day) Plan view (night) with descriptions

Exterior night view with closed doors


With an eclectic educational and professional background spanning a range of disciplines, and an evolving body of work, Ahmed Salman is primarily a creative thinker, with a keen interest in discovering the new.

Ahmed held instrumental positions within various global branding consultancies, working with a wide-range of industries and organizations. In 2013, he established Dubai-based creative practice OP—EN (Of Possibilities Engaging Novelty), whose primary thrust is interdisciplinary thinking, resonating with the global climate of prevalent flux and movement across creative boundaries.

He has designed and published projects in the spaces of art, design and architecture and also created NOOSPHE.RE, a collective of inspirational work, which he regularly curates and contributes to, largely informing the practice’s approach and thinking.

Exterior night view with closed doors

Canopy structure with half of the panels opened at an angle

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u r b a n i s at i o n

l Dhakira is a small city developing on the oriental coast of Qatar, only 60 km from the capital, Doha. Grown on a natural creek, where the sea extends itself to the desert, Al Dhakira holds a fertile oasis where mangroves flourish and local animals can find shelter in a natural habitat unique in the area.

The city-as for the rest of the country-in recent years is being driven by the future event of 2022 FIFA World Cup, pulling together a progressive urbanisation of the different urban realities of the country. It is in this context of urban growth that the expansion plan for the city of Al Dhakira is located.

The project is set as the correct mix between the city’s need to grow and the will to preserve its natural-landscape value, protecting the territory from the urban undifferentiated growth with no quality. The master plan combines the aesthetical and functional aspects focalising the attention on the sustainable land use and on the optimisation in terms of dimension and settlement of the different constructions, in order to develop not only sustainable buildings but also a new vision of the city based on the quality of spaces and on energy conservation.

Expanding a vision

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urban park

The project involves the development of a new part of the city with residential and commercial settlements of 275.000 sqm and introduces a continuous increase in terms of density starting from the sea inland. The coastal area features a park that hosts several public functions, among which a museum, a multimedia library, a congress centre, connecting in a unique landscape belt the two natural reserves on the south-east and north-west sides of the city. Such reserves are among the most important of the area because they are characterised by the presence of the mangroves and of a delicate local fauna.

The design of the park defines different spaces, some of which more natural, other more urban, filling it with constructions, of diverse destination of use, inserted in harmony within the nature. In the south-west area of the park, where the vegetation is left wilder and the mangroves are thicker, sits the museum of the natural reserve. With its nature paths and footbridges on the water discovering the uncontaminated, and a resort with measured constructions, it integrates with the surrounding landscape thanks to their materials and forms.



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The central part, the seafront of the historical city and of the expansion features a geometrical and neat design. This area, the most lively and picturesque of the coast, presents two wide equipped beaches separated by the touristic port and the by the marina building. Commercial buildings such as bars and restaurants with sea view terraces are located here and, just beyond the park, in the first built area, the accommodation facilities. Here a luxury hotel is organised with a central body destined to the rooms, main services and several amenities to satisfy all the needs of a wealthy

clientele. The north-east side of the park goes back to nature, until houses and vegetation fade into the desert.

The urban design, in harmony with the surrounding and the existing architecture, features different building typology and meeting places in order to promote community awareness and to carry out common activities or to simply relax. The residential area is present in different typologies of blocks featuring detached villas, multi-family residences, condominiums and private complexes.

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Villas arise from the composition of white pure volumes in opposition to the blue sky. Such buildings are completed with pierced and shimmering volumes, made of technical insert, in blue and white ceramic tiles which rotate with the wind and filter the sunlight. The complexes, more or less closed towards the road, are open to inner courtyards, protected and shady thanks to the presence of vegetation and some specific architectural elements characterised by movable curtains.

The condominiums, out-and-out urban blocks, are composed by volumes of different height and width, able to create multiform spaces. Through narrow passages it is possible to get to the inner court-an oasis made of water and palm trees.

The financial and business district of the city is collected around the renewed stadium where the highest skyscrapers of the city are located. The towers, along with multi-storey buildings of similar aesthetics present a stone facade which highlights an accurate study of light, volumes and widths. This guarantees the right balance of light where a variety of activities can take place comfortably.

The architectural choices configure the buildings mixing aggregations of forms and traditional elements and are reinterpreted with specific technical and technological solutions committed to energy conservation and to urban and landscape sustainability. The sun, the wind and the water are indeed elements defining urban design and are exploited for

the benefit of the environment through a sensitive landscape and treatment plants.

Around the stadium the shape and placement of the buildings create a closed urban space, a sort of square built around the new sports centre where the commercial buildings overlook large windows and porticoes spaces. The architectural design indeed presents two different formal results which characterise the interior, toward the square, transparent and porous, and the exterior, toward the residential areas, solid and essential, in order to invite the user to enjoy the interior spaces of the complex.

Each single building, composed of different levels, is set as a container of the commercial and leisure activities, accommodating retail spaces, several activities such as the cinema, the library, exhibition spaces and an indoor square with restaurants and bars.

The building, on the facade and on the roof presents a modular skin made of a steel structure and circular ceramic tiles. This solution, through the use of integrated technological systems, allows the control of natural light into the building in order to reduce the need for electrical lighting. The building-besides this light control device-presents several other advanced technological systems which facilitate natural ventilation or control the internal microclimatic comfort to make the complex an example of sustainable architecture.



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roof top terrace

Sander Design brings life back to the rooftop of Queens Quay in Toronto.

Modern MakeoverThe rooftop space of 260

Queens Quay was dated and lacked functionality. The multi-residential condominium reflected the

design elements of its time, featuring a minimal yellow brick exterior void of detail and an outdated colour scheme throughout the interior and exterior. This 1980’s building clashed against the modern high rises that quickly occupied the surrounding area of the urban lakefront in the booming Canadian city of Toronto.

A complete renovation was needed in order to improve the quality of the building and increase the property value. Sander Design was commissioned to create an updated design for the rooftop terrace to coincide with an entire building


Modern Makeover

makeover. The landscape architecture firm located in downtown Toronto, Canada was founded in 2005, by owner and landscape architect Sander Freedman. The company offers design solutions for gardens of all styles and sizes, be it relaxed country, sophisticated urban, estate or pocket gardens.

The building was built without balconies, so developing this space was a crucial element for the buildings success. The space would offer residents access to a green outdoor space with a mix of urban skyline and lakefront views. The Canadian city of Toronto endures extreme annual weather conditions moving between the dry, hot and sunny conditions of summer, through to the snowy, icy, windy and frigid temperatures of winter. These conditions were taken into consideration throughout each step of the project as a rooftop space. Due to its close proximity to the water, it is especially vulnerable to the elements. Therefore it was important to consider how the space would function throughout the


seasonal changes. Sander Design wanted to construct a comfortable space that was both low maintenance and resistant to extreme conditions, while showcasing the unique urban waterfront view.

Before the updated design, the rooftop space was unsightly and unappealing for the residents of the building. The space lacked greenery and colour and was left damaged following a rampant fire. The only features of the space were the views and a few plastic chairs. The company was determined to create a durable, functional and inviting space offering users an oasis escape. One significant alteration was to replace the old damaged brown cement parapet wall with glass railings. This offered a sense of transparency and views of the waterfront and capitalised on features including the urban skyline, Toronto Islands and the CN tower.

In order to meet client’s needs and budget restraints, the existing concrete tiles remained and were combined with artificial turf designating a centre sitting area. The old concrete tiles where painted with contemporary colours to match the new buildings interior and to add life to the ground plane. Beige and charcoal grey were used throughout the space in painted floor tiles, furniture and screens to pick up on the interior design

roof top terrace

of the buildings hallways. Greens tiles were used to complement the planting, adding vitality as planting pockets are limited. The tiles surrounding the BBQ were painted dark colours to hide grease from cooking, while integrated yellow accent tiles offer a hint of colour. An indoor/outdoor connection was made possible by using this colour scheme. Keeping these tiles also meant reduced costs which eliminated potential complications. The artificial turf acted to soften the hard surface and provided a sense of green without the maintenance issues.


Custom planters and furnishings were designed to work with the overall colour theme. The irrigated planters were created and filled with a mix of colourful perennials, hearty shrubs, grasses and vines surrounding the turf area. These help to define the central quad sitting area and offer a touch of nature, which otherwise would be a bland space. All planters, furniture, screens and decking were made of a wood composite product that is extra resistant to damage and extreme weather conditions. Contemporary light posts were integrated into the space allowing for night time usability and security.

Screens were also an important element in the rooftop space. Designed with a durable wood composite in beige and grey colours, the screens blend with the colour scheme and are used to create an architectural outdoor backdrop. They help to define seating areas, offset hard concrete tiles and hide unsightly mechanical equipment such as the HVAC units. Café tables were clustered at the South side of the space facing the lake for residents to enjoy.

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Hyper Density Hyper Landscape (HDHL) is a new strategy and vision for the future of Dallas, Texas. The project

reunites the city with its river and sets the stage for transformation. HDHL strengthens the existing qualities of the city’s urban and natural landscapes and aims to realise the full potential of the region’s development opportunities and economic prosperity. It is about dense city districts full of energy and

exuberance, and intense landscapes that play many roles—social, economic, and environmental. The project builds off Dallas’ entrepreneurship, natural resources, business acumen, and diverse urban lifestyles.

HDHL is headed by the collaborative efforts of Stoss and SHoP. Stoss is a Boston‐based, collaborative design and planning studio while SHoP Architects are a world renowned design firm. The team’s proposal

connects the city and its river through an alternating pattern of “grid-green” development. The proposal identifies 176 acres, to be developed as three distinct neighbourhoods. These will be arranged across 489 acres in a pattern of alternating bands of lush landscape and high density urban development. Each of the three new neighbourhoods offers a unique identity, continuing the city’s longstanding development of great neighbourhoods

urban landscapes

The future is bright


Starting in the north, these neighbourhoods include DeCCo (Design Crosses Commerce), which is a vibrant mixed-use area that connects downtown with the emerging design district. The residential development also includes commercial and light-industrial spaces, drawing the city’s emerging tech and arts sectors together. The central business district extends along the Houston and Jefferson viaducts towards the river, linking Union Square to a new high-speed rail station, a signature office tower, a commercial retail centre, a central plaza, a new tech campus, Reunion Tower, and the Convention Centre. The Riverfront South bridges the rail corridor to connect Dallas’s South side neighbourhood to the Trinity, creating a southern anchor


for Riverfront Boulevard with attractive housing, water and music gardens, and two signature institutions.

The Connected City Jury has recognised Hyper Landscape as an innovative approach to activating public land as entrepreneurial urban forests and farms. The proposal extends the natural systems of the Trinity River towards

Dallas’s downtown, providing forests for people. It is ecologically diverse and programmatically rich. These playful, active forests weave between the highways and interchanges with a new walk that connects Dealey Plaza with the waterfront. The area offers lush gardens, cafes, and trails along the way as well as providing clean air and water and a new habitat.

The heart of these new neighbourhoods and landscapes is a revived and revitalised Old River, transformed from lonely flood basins into a beautiful chain of parks and water gardens that reconnect people with the river that is so important to Dallas’s history. The proposal is organised around a productive water system that reimagines life along the Old River,

urban landscapes


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improving its quality and creating new urban amenities, including wetlands, gardens, and an urban beach. It re-works the water systems that move through the current “sumps,” holding more water in place; creating new urban amenities; improving its quality; and reducing overall volumes that enter the levee at flood stage. The storm-water runoff serves as irrigation to the new urban forests.

A variety of new public amenities will be on offer at the river. From water gardens with lush islands and floating cafes; water amphitheatres, playgrounds, and wet forests; floodable sport courts to new wetland habitats. A signature urban beach is nestled into the DeCCo district overlooking

the river, while the new Pump House Amphitheatre will provide a new outdoor venue and connect the central business district to the waterfront.

The vision for Dallas is one of many decades, through initiatives and projects that engage the public and pave the way for change. Stoss and SHoP propose to illuminate the river through artistic installations, directing Dallas’s attention back to the contours of the river. Tree nurseries and urban gardens can slowly build stock in the future, while providing visual improvements to the city today. With small, key investments in new spaces and new programs, the Trinity River can quickly regain the attention of the city and begin to reinvent itself as a public space

The proposal is supported by a strategy for connecting DeCCo, The Viaduct, and Riverfront South through well-designed streets and a robust transportation network. A new light rail and pedestrian promenade intensify the growing energy and vibrancy in the heart of Dallas, where people can live, work, and play in a revitalised, connected city. New streets, sidewalks, bike routes, and streetcars will connect the new neighbourhoods with each other and with downtown. The Design District to New Riverfront South, which is newly designed as a “complete street,” will feature a rich tapestry of urban environments, natural zones, and gathering spaces.


A few summers ago I went away for a month leaving my garden in the hands of a “trustworthy” gardener. In the UAE that is like leaving

your dog in the hands of someone you know little about, and who has the ability to fill you with dread just before you leave for your holiday.

On my return, I found part of my garden dead or close to death. I managed to save some of the plants with tender loving care but the rest were beyond help. Clearly part of the plant collection was due to the pet category-communicating special maintenance needs was not effective due to the language differences. I discovered and learned a few lessons, the first that the maintenance gardener’s skills were well below an acceptable standard and the fact that the gardener failed to mention his expected absence during the Eid holiday. I had failed to ask and so it made me ask how sustainable is our landscape?

In hindsight, the impact of absence from the “pet” garden had not been well considered. At the time that the collection was put together, the method of water delivery lacked guidance and it all depended on a person with a sense of caring and knowledge of plants to maintain it to the expected standard. So what does this teach us about the so call ‘sustainable landscape’?

Design and managementDesign should not begin until there is a clear understanding of the ability and dependability of the maintenance personnel, sighting examples of their work and making backup provisions just in case. The design is likely to be a significant departure from standard practice therefore this has to be communicated well, along with the design intent embodied into long term maintenance procedures. Unless systems are put in place to ensure the design intent will be fulfilled then it is likely the landscape will be modified to suit the comfort zone of those who maintain it.

The surviving plants from my garden were those able to withstand a period of seven days-in peak summer-with no irrigation. There was surprisingly more alive, than most would consider possible. A neighbour mentioned that the plants appeared to be fine for up to four days before they succumbed to the absence of water. Sadly, the neighbour also went on holidays so her surveillance role also ended.

Fulfilling design intent needs to include long term uninterrupted surveillance, in the hands of a competent person. A person equipped with clear statements and drawings showing how the landscape is to evolve over time. The fact that most plants survived for four

days without water in late July suggests that whatever published irrigation rates or regulations that have been in common practice are simply wrong.

We don’t need a gardener to be absent for a week due to Eid holidays to determine what plants will be alive on return and what will not. Identifying the elements of a landscape based on degree of importance is fundamental to it reaching the design intent. Trust is not good enough unless support systems are in place and unless the technical input is as good as the aesthetics.

There seems to be an inherent fear of science being applied in the landscape industry. Science defines the best methods and materials, assists the design of the best equipment and yet, tradition and old wives tails prevail. What does this say about those who represent the industry? Thankfully the petroleum, the aerospace, the health and the agricultural industries access good science but, the landscape industry does not.

My role, seconded from AECOM, as a public realm adviser to Qatar Public Works Authority, is as much to do with systems, procedures, common practice and technical capabilities employing good science as it is to do with aesthetics. Whether it is expressways, residential neighbourhoods, rural villages, bridges, metro stations or FIFA World Cup

Sustainable landscapes

By Geoff Sanderson

A fine example of a street pergola in Seville, Spain. Details such as this can easily be retro fitted into urban streets.

management


sites, they all depend for success on the capacity to maintain them well. Operations and maintenance to ensure the right pavement reinstatement methods are employed, after utility repair, are as important as the original design and construction phase. Repair to paint work on street furniture or proper tree management is equally important in the long term stewardship of the public realm and there are no aspects of O&M that can’t benefit from science, especially materials science.

Designing in the absence of any knowledge of public realm stewardship is a bit like painting a room in total darkness then switching on the lights to discover the paint was the wrong colour and badly applied. Is it smarter to understand the way soft landscapes are commonly maintained in the absence of science and design accordingly? This is the easy way out, as it avoids change of any kind and avoids struggles with those who fear change.

The established landscape character is clearly maintained by traditional methods, not always relevant to Dubai or to the region at large. Arabian Ranches started life as a classic example of a well-designed, naturalistic xeric landscape but it was maintained in a very different way from the design intent. The traditional instincts prevailed-irrigation rates are much higher than a xeric landscape needs; all shrubs and ground covers are trimmed just like Mogul gardens. Flowering shrubs have the flowers trimmed off well in advance of their peak and many plants are shaped beyond any chance of recognising the species. Trees are similarly trained to conform, severely cut and shaped believing this is the answer to best fit suburbia. Few residents recognize the difference between what was the original design intent and the landscape they view each day as a consequence of traditional maintenance, so, who cares?

As a consequence of traditional maintenance, the resulting landscape is dramatically different from the design intent that was approved by the client. The residents don’t know what they are missing and somehow the client has never questioned the disparity. The original design would have provided better

Capparis spinosa flower, a very attractive ‘native’ species well suited to urban landscapes.

Where trees cannot be accommodated, climbing plants can, with spectacular results


habitat for birds, a more natural landscape character as an escape from suburbia-a chance to appreciate the character of plants allowed to reach their unfettered potential.

The significant reduction in water use could also have been factored into the project budget. The fact that the maintenance traditions have continued only serves to prove that sustainability is not yet part of the maintenance language.

ProcurementOne of the other major aspects of our work in Qatar is a procurement strategy for all materials, a strategy that follows the Qatar sustainability guidelines, GSAS, regarding regional supply as well as use of locally occurring plant species and low energy maintenance methods. The strategy is as much aimed at reducing transport costs as it is encouraging local manufacturers to provide for the landscape industry. Plant supply suffers from the unpredictable nature of the design industry and expectations that require a much greater landscape industry depth than any of the GCC countries can offer.

Too many construction projects blunder along in the belief that when contractors try to source the specified materials, it will all be ready, at call, exactly as specified. When some products, plants, equipment, methods are unprocurable it is deemed to be the fault of the landscape contractor, not the designer. The reality is that no one bothered to make certain that all of the ingredients were on the kitchen bench when the cook set to work on the cake. The result is either, no cake or one that bears little resemblance to the picture in the recipe book and even less taste than anticipated.

All too often assumptions are made that standard specifications will do the job. When the contractor supplies materials or installs them according to standard specifications and it is not what the designer had in mind, whose fault is it? There are standards, frequently used, that were developed for cool temperate climates, despite their conflict with GSAS (The Qatar sustainability guide), ESTIDAMA and UPC’s Public Realm Design Manual.

It is time some British and American standards were replaced with local standards or at the very least with clauses that suit local purpose.

Irrigation water useThe reality is that irrigation should respond to soil moisture levels and evapotranspiration rates-not a daily schedule that has no basis in science. The data from soil moisture sensors can aggregate to an acceptable mean which is the scientific basis for the Abu Dhabi, UPC Public Realm Design Manual. Such information can be used to calculate total irrigation water allocations but should not be used to set irrigation events on control systems. Control systems need to be linked to soil moisture sensors and to apply data from evapotranspiration weather stations.

Water management is the most significant component of landscape. The entire GCC region has severe water management issues, despite the availability of TSE. TSE will not be available if cheaply produced fossil fuels are more valuable to the world market than continuing to supply the energy for desalination.These fuels will find ever increasing demand worldwide to the extent that GCC countries will try to reduce the amount they allocate to water supply possibly using alternative energy forms with less capacity.

Qatar has a current excess of TSE but it has limited distribution, by 2018 the excess will be replaced by a shortage and subsequent further reductions for landscape. Less potable water means less TSE and competition for TSE with food security, district cooling, industrial cooling and road construction. When the taps are turned off, will we then change our habits and learn to play a new game with a strict umpire? Will we then apply good science to soil management, species selection, production and maintenance?

SoilsFunctional interactions of soil biota with organic and inorganic components, air and water determine a soil’s potential to store and release nutrients and water to plants, and to promote and sustain plant growth. Mismanagement of soil such as overuse of fertiliser has led, in the European Union, to nitrogen deposition that threatens the sustainability of an estimated 70 percent of nature. Over-irrigating produces large volumes of water that drains to the water table carrying contaminants with it.

Development and management of soil is not currently a conscious design or maintenance topic, rather, it is divided into its parts without really considering soil as a living organism. Think about soil as an organism needing careful attention to maintain good structure for passage of air and water and regular feeding with natural minerals and organic materials. A healthy soil does not pollute the environment; rather, it contributes to mitigating climate change by maintaining or increasing its carbon content.

Un hygienic plan nursery practices such as this are uncomfortable for labor and promote spread of soil borne disease.

Irrigation ‘rings’ encourage a very limited tree root system. Irrigation needs to provide water to the full extent of a root system.

Nursery plants in this condition are only fit for the tip; they should not be used as landscape plants due to their very poor root systems and poorly structured branching.

Compacted soil, overwatering in accordance with traditional irrigation rates and pavement preventing oxygen/CO2 exchange with tree roots must be avoided. Such badly designed and specified conditions are clearly unsustainable.

management


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To make nutrients and moisture available to plants, landscape soils need to be designed to contain natural minerals and organic matter and be able to hold moisture via the natural composition of the soil to a level comparable with good agricultural soil. Soil needs to provide habitat for millions of bacteria and other microorganisms, especially mycorrhiza, a fungi which has a positive symbiotic relationship with the roots of vascular plants. Mycorrhizal fungi burrow into the plant roots and then create a massive root extension that effectively provides ten times more root

surface area. These symbiotic fungi allow the plant greater access to key minerals like phosphorus, potassium and calcium and they produce immune supporting bio-chemicals for their host. They also produce a sticky substance called glomalin that is now known to be the triggering mechanism for 30% of the humus in the soil.

The most important “understanding” in relation to humus relates to reversing climate change. When we build organic matter in soils, we are intervening in the carbon cycle

and sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. This CO2 sequestration is actually the only way we can effectively address global heating within an increasingly small timeframe.

Managing soil includes avoiding abuse by using potentially toxic levels of certain nutrients or use of synthetic amendments that swell rapidly and severely restrict gas exchange such that the soil cannot breathe due to saturation for extended periods. Regular addition of organic material via leaf litter, even black coal, produces humus by

Rimming shrubs too severely can cause significant die back. Trimming and shaping is not a sustainable practice and landscape design needs to avoid this as does operations and maintenance practices.

Well grown semi advanced ‘native’ trees need advanced planning to ensure their availability when needed. These trees are more than 5 years old.


feeding the soil microorganisms and ensures a healthy, breathing soil able to support healthy plant growth, without over irrigating.

PlantsThere are trends toward greater use of locally occurring plant species (often incorrectly referred to as native) but the nursery industry is reluctant to venture too far into that realm when they cannot predict species and numbers.

Designers too often underestimate the lead time required by nurseries to propagate and grow plants to a size that is saleable. A three year old plant is really as large as we should go before it is planted out in the landscape, so, four years is typical of lead time. More advanced trees are not cost effective and not able to compete with the root development of a younger tree.

Understanding tree roots is an essential aspect of design and maintenance. Tree roots are simply not part of the equation. Tree root mass is equivalent in dimensions to the above

ground mass of a tree and needs to spread in all directions to provide structural security and increase options for moisture and nutrition search. The tree goes from a well-aerated bag or pot in a nursery into an impermeable hole. With gas exchange at the base cut off, the lower roots die and the tree sheds its leaves in shock. The only source of oxygen to the roots is near to the surface. This situation is akin to wearing a plastic bag (pavement) over your head and noticing that your lungs (roots) no longer work.

A typical tree favoured for street planting needs a root volume of at least 40 m3 (and preferably a lot more) at maturity (say 50 years). The typical hole dug in the pavement is less than 1 m3. The tree won’t make it to maturity. The roots can’t enter the hard-packed base, so they grow into the thin layer of coarse sand and lift the pavement.

There are many locally occurring species that have not been tested as landscape species such as Ochradenus baccatus and Lycium shawii but they would perform well. There are also many local species already in use or species closely related to more familiar plants. The locally occurring species in my own garden, all survived abandonment as did their exotic ‘tough’ cousins. The exotic “pets” however all died. Sustainable planting needs a thorough understanding of species, their compatibility and their natural habitat. Learning where plants originate helps to determine their needs.

Communication and Training The training and communication of industry personnel is essential. How many foremen have sustainability training in their first language? How many industry personnel are prepared to change the habits of a lifetime? Understanding the reasons for change is a major factor, especially if they can be personalised; otherwise all too commonly you hear “it is not my problem”.

Trees shaped like this can no longer provide shade for pedestrians; to keep the shape the trees need regular trimming. Neither the absence of shade nor the frequent trimming is sustainable practice.

Placing soil moisture sensors in Al Ain public landscape as part of a research programme to determine actual irrigation water needs. This research formed the basis of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council’s Public Realm Design Manual, irrigation guide.

A naturally occurring example of aesthetically pleasing plant associations (Aerva javanica and Boerhavia elegans) easily applied to urban landscapes.

management

Ghaf trees, well grown as street trees.


Technology The technology applied to edible food production, including satellite imagery to identify crop health will, before too long, be introduced to the ornamental landscape industry. It can determine plant cell turgidity (wilting) and therefore irrigation needs, nutrient deficiencies and even the health of soils. Managing landscapes using satellite imagery as a tool will be a substantial benefit to the industry, removing much of the guesswork and replacing it with reality. Structural soils under pavements and new ways to evenly deliver water to tree roots, low energy maintenance machinery, more durable coatings for street furniture are all part of trends in the landscape industry.

Soil science is determining the best content, aggregation, physical and biochemical content for agricultural soils and this will flow on to sustainable landscapes. The evidence to date supports the biological reality of soil and its symbiotic relationship with plants and other microorganisms to maintain a holistic, healthy condition.

Irrigation using sensors that record soil moisture content and evapotranspiration and convey that information to irrigation controls has to be the way irrigation is determined and monitored. Better ways to produce root systems of nursery plants and monitoring methods for nursery water consumption are all out there but rarely considered because it is either too hard to change or it is not deemed to be cost effective. One would hope that by now, several years after the sustainability issues have been well addressed by governments that consultants and contractors would be willingly abiding by the government intent. Sadly, in too many cases, the will is not there; guidelines are ignored or twisted to get a rating dishonestly, making claims that are not true and depending on a lack of follow up by government agencies. This appears to be just a game to be played by too many consultants and contractors.

Nurseries continue to stock high water demand plants, the landscape industry continues to use these plants, maintenance staff continues to pour on the water, synthetic polymers and aquifer contaminating fertilisers still stock the garden shop shelves. Too many contractors only respond to specifications where it is noticeable but otherwise cut corners as standard practice. Tokenism is alive and well, biodiversity is ignored; carbon footprints are treated as cartoons.

Little change to these game playing practices are anticipated until regulations are invoked and policed. Governments can only guide and attempt to persuade for as long as the persuasion works but when it does not, the rules of the game have to change and become very one sided. I thank the gardener who left my plants to die, a lesson was well learnt; will it take equally dramatic experiences for us all to learn?


A new beauty spot on Khasab’s

landscape

oman escapes

Hotel Atana Mussandam


Dubbed the “Norway of Arabia” because of its spectacular land formations, the small Omani town of Khasab

attracts built by the Portuguese attracts visitors from the UAE and neighbouring regions throughout the year.

Tourists have been flocking to this remote region of Oman since the main highway was built along the coast from Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE making it much more accessible as a weekend getaway. The road from Ras Al Khaimah also allows access to the village of Tawi, famed for its prehistoric drawings of boats, animals and warriors on rock faces. The

mountainous region of Khasab is rich in natural beauty with an abundance of sheltered forts, some only connected to the mainland by narrow cliffs and Khasab castle, which houses a museum demonstrating the history of the area and its old mountain building techniques is also a rich cultural experience for visitors.

The unique tourist features of Khasab and its growing popularity have prompted Oman’s leading tourist-related investment, development and management company, OMRAN, to come up with a beautiful hotel property in this isolated region of the country reachable from Muscat only by air or sea without passing through

Khasab has justifiably been dubbed the “Norway of Arabia”


the UAE. Hotel Atana Mussandam is a water-fronted four-star property on 21,277 sq m of reclaimed land designed around salient features of traditional Omani architecture without compromising on the best in modern hospitality. It has been designed and built using eco-friendly and low energy emitting materials extensively. Many of the materials used are locally sourced, reusable and recyclable.

The construction of Hotel Atana Mussandam was carried out by Al Ansari Trading enterprise llC, an ‘Excellent Grade’ contracting company in Oman, established in 1975. Al Ansari Trading Enterprise were supported by its sister company in Dubai, Akar Technical Services llC, in carrying out the hotel’s landscaping works, which have made extensive use of local Omani lime stones, traditional wood work, and plants with low water consumption and high sustainability in local climatic conditions. The plantation has a mixed variety of flowering plants for all seasons. The

landscape consists of a total built up area of approx. 9,000 sq. m. involving 2,500 trees, 2,300 sq m of shrubs, 3,700 sq m of ground covers and street furniture. The work was carried out under the design and execution supervision of renowned consultants, Arch Group and Cracknell Landscape Architects. Under the leadership of Al Ansari Trading Enterprise and the consultants, the project followed strict QHSE practices and achieved a record of two million safe hours.

As a leading landscaping contractor based out of Dubai, Akar Technical Services has in the past two decades made rapid strides and established itself as a leading player in every aspect of landscaping. The company specializes in enhancing the physical environment of residential and commercial spaces by providing not only aesthetically pleasing but also cost effective landscaping solutions. Akar can be contacted through its website www.akartech.com or by email to [email protected].

oman escapes

Hotel Atana is a water-fronted four star property on reclaimed land designed around salient features of traditional Omani architecture

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mailto:[email protected]


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email: [email protected]

Hadir Projects & Environment Systems LLC

Hadir Projects and Environment systems L.L.C. (HPES) is the leading sports and leisure trading construction company in the region since 1999. HPES is the only company to undertake in-house design, construction, installation and maintenance of sports and leisure facilities. HPES represents the biggest names in the

world for sports surfaces, track and field equipment, play equipment, stadium and auditorium seating, timing systems and scoreboards, climbing walls, pneumatic domes and sports lighting. The company has revolutionized the sports construction industry and achieved tremendous growth through the years. Located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Beirut, and recently in Qatar.

We produce world class sports facilities and surfaces.

Hadir Projects & Environment Systems LLC

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Hadir Adv_3/14.indd 1 2/26/14 9:29 PM


competition

New life for the LawnDubai-based landscape architects win international Open Ideas Competition.

Last year, the Urban Rede-velopment Authority (URA) launched the PubliCity Open Ideas Competition for Public Spaces in Singapore.

From over 160 entries world-wide, first place was awarded to the team from Perkins+Will in Dubai.


Rendition

Velegrinis taught landscape architecture for three years in Singapore while Chia-a Singaporean-was one of his former students. So it was no surprise that the pair’s connection to the site and the competition was deep from the beginning. The 13,000sqm site is located along Marina Boulevard, directly above the Marina Bay Link Mall and between the Marina Bay Financial Centre and The Sail at Marina Bay. Linked seamlessly to the nearby Raffles Place MRT, the Lawn is well served by public transport and has functioned as a popular but under-utilised public space.

Located above an underground car park, its existing condition comprises of a simple green lawn lined with park benches. It currently functions as a venue for both public and private outdoor events such as kite-flying and picnicking. The URA’s objectives for the space aimed to introduce public amenities and short-term uses that can enliven the Lawn to be a gathering place for the community. The intention was to turn the lawn into a vibrant space that draws people and encourages interaction on a greater level.

The project had to consider Singapore’s tropical climate, the limited access to services, possible noise restrictions and operating hours-given the proximity to residential developments-as well as offices and most importantly, the possible structural problems on the turfed area due to load bearing capacity.

In November 2013, Steven Velegrinis, Director of Urban Design and Jason Chia, Senior Landscape Architect from Perkins+Will, made a submission for the Lawn at Marina Bay-the small but very prominent site situated in the new downtown area of Singapore.

‘Lang Hwa’ is a Mandarin Chinese term representing the essence of the project. The word ‘Lang’ means wave and ‘Hwa’ means flower, together the term represents the white water sea spray that occurs when a wave breaks. Therefore due to its waterfront location, these water images were key inspirations.

The Lawn at Marina Bay.

The Plan

Site Diagram.


Last month, Velegrinis and Chia travelled to Singapore to accept their first place prize for the Lang Hwa scheme. The Minister for National Development presented the prize and cited the jury praise for the scheme for being a playful and dynamic idea that softened the hard edges of the Lawn. The pair has since opened discussions with the URA and National Parks Board and hope to see the scheme implemented in the near future.

competitionDue to the structural load limitations on the Lawn, the centerpiece of the scheme is a wave-like structure that blurs the edges of the Lawn and invites use. It is an interactive system-a lightweight metal structure of operable hydraulic extendable arms which serve as numerous purposes. The operable upper sections of the arms support a tensile membrane, that when combined with a simple wind vane automatically adjusts to sculpt wind flow to promote outdoor thermal comfort, or to provide shade to people seated under the arms. The base of the structures serve as fluid seating forms, allowing various reclined and upright seating positions.

The hydraulic arms are operable via a joystick mounted at the back of the structure. Children of all sizes can operate the arms and extend, swivel or rotate the arms. Mounted at the end of the arm is a spotlight that moves, and along with the arm to reflect a dynamism and activity. At night the structures come alive as multimedia elements. The tensile membrane, when set to upright serves as a projection screen. This structure opens up numerous possibilities, such as an open-air cinema, or a media screen projecting live images of people playing at Lang Hwa, a digital media art canvas and projections of live coverage of major events. Lang Hwa is a visitor-oriented environmental, artistic and events space that dynamically responds to changing environments and conditions.

Exhibition of all Entries

Jason Chia with winning Entry.

Schematic showing Movie Screen and Operable Lights.

Functional Diagram of Hydraulic Structures

53 i www.landscape-me.com i may 2014 53 i www.landscape-me.com i march 2014


Company ListingsLandscape Contractor Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Akar Technical Services Co. LLC +971 4 2963955 +971 4 2963954 [email protected] www.akartech.com

Al Jaber Landscape LLC +971 2 5554300 / 971 4 4250444 +971 2 5554370 / +971 4 4411885 [email protected] www.aljaber.com

Al Ryum Contracting Co. +971 2 6328960 / +971 4 4510066 +971 2 6330932 / +971 4 4510077 [email protected] www.alryum.com

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Landscaping products supplier Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Tanseeq LLC +971 4 3617199 +971 4 3607966 [email protected] www.tanseeqllc.com

Sport's Facilities / Playgriund equipments Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Bin Sabt Sports and Leisure LLC +971 2 6440303 +971 2 6441123 [email protected] www.sabtgroup.com

Hadir Projects & Environment Systems LLC +971 2 6812158 / +971 4 2633371 +971 2 6812155 / +971 4 2633378 [email protected] www.hadirprojects.com

Ithara Group +971 7 2046455 +971 7 2046456 [email protected] www.itharagroup.com

Raymond Sport +971 4 3391331 / +971 2 4499196 +971 4 3391080 [email protected] www.raymondsport.com

Outdoor Furniture, Planters & Pots Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Blue Stream +971 4 3393199 +971 4 3393194 [email protected] [email protected]

Desert River General Trading +971 4 3233636 +971 4 3233686 [email protected] www.desertriver.com

WT Burden +971 4 8860700 +971 4 8860701 [email protected] www.wtburden.ae

Artifical Grass Supplier Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Green Vision 80047277

Green Walls Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

JKD Hortitech +91 22 23713340 +91 22 23725754 [email protected] www.jkdhortitech.com

Soil Additives Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Zeoplant LLC +971 4 4473588 +971 4 4473587 [email protected] www.zeoplant.com

Wood Flooring, Decking Supplier Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Nahar +971 4 3408626 +971 4 3408636 [email protected] www.nahar.ae

Plastic pipes, fittings & accessories Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Hepworth + 971 4 2894670 + 971 4 2894620 [email protected] www.corys.ae

Drainage Solution Supplier Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

ACO Systems Fze +971 4 8806998 +971 4 8806997 [email protected] www.aco.ae

Tree Anchoring Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Platipus +974 3 3369344 / +44 0 7921 876935 +44 1737 773395 [email protected] www.platipus-anchors.ae

Acquatic Play Solutions Telephone number Fax number E-mail address website

Vortex +15146943868 +5143355413 [email protected] www.vortex-intl.com


Ornamental Plants of arabia covers the geographical area of saudi arabia, Oman, the United arab emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the yemen. This book has been written as a definitive reference guide for a wide audience. it is suitable for the professional landscape designer or architect who is based in a different part of the world and is working on a project in the arabian Peninsula for which local knowledge is required, or for any local landscape professional, horticulturist, nursery grower, plant propagator, estate manager, operations and maintenance personnel, parks and garden staff, enthusiastic gardener or any other interested party.

the information presented in this encyclopaedia is a synthesis of knowledge that the author has gleaned over more than 35 years in the region and will hopefully be useful in providing answers to most questions about ornamental plants in the design, construction and maintenance of landscapes in and around the arabian Peninsula. His sources include personal observations, and gardening successes and failures; endless discussions with colleagues, horticulturists and trade professionals, all of whom share the same passion and desire; as well as extensive research in articles, books, the publications of specialist plant societies and the world wide web.

The plants in this book are arranged by genera in alphabetical order rather than by Family. the genera listed here are those used or observed by the author at various times in landscape schemes over the years. Plants vary in both popularity and availability and additional species and cultivars are being continually introduced. it would not be practical to list all the cultivated plants that should grow well in this environment.

the plants are cross referenced in the indices by scientific name and common name. A list of synonyms is also included. a glossary provides clarification of the descriptive terms used in the text that may be unfamiliar to some readers. it is important to note that trademarked names are used in an editorial context only, with no intent of trademark infringement.

the book is arranged in three main parts:Part 1 begins by explaining the plant categories, how botanical names and author citations have developed, an explanation of their family name,

their botanical name, the phonetic pronunciation and common name, the plant’s origin and hardiness zones.

this is followed by 13 sections which discuss and explain the various categories used to describe the plants in Part 2. the categories are: plant type and habit, environmental adaptation; landscape uses; foliage and bark; flower, fruit and seed; soil, water and drainage; installation; root system; maintenance; propagation; pests and diseases; hybrids, cultivars and alternatives; miscellaneous observations and a short section on composting green waste.

Part 2 contains the plant directory, with 588 entries, from Abelia x grandiflora to zoyzia tenuifolia. The plants have been chosen on the basis of their proven success in the arabian Peninsula and are described in terms of how they are best used to suit the climate and local conditions. many more species

have been introduced in recent years, and horticulturists are experimenting with these on a continual basis. some of these will doubtless prove to be great additions to the landscape, others will fail to thrive. the successes will, no doubt, be described in future publications.

the author has endeavoured to illustrate each entry with five photographs: specimen, flower (if an angiosperm)

fruit/seed, foliage, and bark. When it has not been possible to photograph these five features, photographs have been added, either of cultivars or hybrids of the species. all measurements are metric.

Part 3 includes plant lists that will, at a glance, help the reader with plant selection and nomenclature. Plants are listed within size ranges under the headings, palms, Trees, Shrubs, groundcovers and Vines. there are also lists giving their suitability for use as seasonal flowers; in honey production; butterfly gardens; moon gardens; xerophytic gardens and in areas with possible urban atmospheric pollution. there are also lists showing plants with (perceived) medicinal uses; salinity tolerances and high pollen producers which may be possible causes of hay fever. here you will also find the glossary of terms, a coded list of fungi and an index of synonyms. some plants have a large number of synonyms and placing these within the individual plant entries was not possible due to space restrictions.

Book is available in dubai garden Centre.

i book review

Books of interestLandscape pLants of arabiaby JuLian Lee


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n Soft Landscapingn Hard Landscapingn Irrigation Systemsn Swimming Pools & Pondsn Fountains & Water Featuresn Landscape Lightingn Sports Fieldsn Street Furnituren Leisure Equipment

PO Box 14652 Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTel: +971 4 2963955 • Fax: +971 4 2963954E-Mail: [email protected] • www.akartech.comISO9001:2008, 14001:2004, OHSAS 18001:2007

Akar Technical Services Co. LLCA member of Al Ansari Group of Companies, Oman

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RIYADH: King Khalid Airport Road: Tel. No.: 00966 (1) 4655555

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DUBAI Sheikh Zayed Road Tel. No. 00971 (4) 3296630

• email: [email protected] • PO Box 4756 Riyadh 11412, KSA• email: [email protected] • PO Box 181581 Dubai, UAE

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