middle east
November 2013
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EDITOR’S NOTE
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his month, we take a trip to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra in Jordan, in an effort to explore the vital importance of the stunning archeological site’s heritage and future prospects. The impact of Petra’s survival on the country of Jordan as a whole is huge, so it is with great importance that a project known as the Petra Strategic Master Plan forges onwards with success. In order to investigate the plans in store for Petra, we go behind the scenes with the Design Workshop team on page 18, who have been charged with the task of raising Petra’s stature as an international tourism destination and providing new opportunities for residents of the region and the country of Jordan.
November 2013
We also get lost in the ambiance of The Swallow’s Nest – the stunning architectural creation that houses the Taichung City Cultural Centre, public library and fine arts museum. Utilising some of the most cutting-edge, organic materials and construction techniques, the ultra-modern building acts as an entrance to a new urban ecosystem, in which the public can get lost in a mellow yet modern environment, that sensitively caters to the environment of the bustling city landscape in which it sits. Experience the architectural utopia for yourself on page 42. 11/4/13 3:58:49 PM
All the projects explored within the issue would not exist, however, without the future generation of landscapers, architects and engineers who make the designs featured on our pages a reality. It is with this in mind that we visit the University of Pretoria, page 36, where the erection of the new parkade/engineering building, main entrance and upgrade of the adjacent Aula Building has been winning an array of awards and inspiring its students - who will one day take over the beacon of producing groundbreaking design - to engage in engineering reasoning and problem-solving through the inspirational setting.
John Hampton
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Published by:
MEMedia Publishing FZ LLC IMPZ PO Box 485005, Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 4470927 Fax: +971 4 4470928
I Managing Partner: Ziad Maarouf I Copy Editor: John Hampton I Sales Manager: Boushra Dinnawi I Administrative Assistance: Sarry Gan I Art Director: Ramon Andaya I Contributors: Tania Charaf, Giulia Pellegrini, Jay Lopez, Amirali Somji, Nino Pero, May Nakprasert, Johan Barnard I 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
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Contents
Nevember 2013 - Issue 77
24
18
10 18 24 32 36 42
Swimming pool: add value to your home
50 56
Vertical living
Petra Region, Jordan Designs for Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi Morrocan Touch History of the University of Pretoria Cultural center, public library and fine arts museum: Taichung City
Unipol Group headquarters in Bologna
50 56
36
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Sprinklers
Moisture Sensing Central-Satellite Control Systems
Fountains
Aerators
Circulators
Suction Scan Filters
Moisture Sensing Solar Controllers Micro-Irrigation & Light Powered Control Products
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News & Events
ITALIAN CARDIAC HOSPITAL IN SUDAN RECEIVES 2013 AGA KHAN AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE The Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Khartoum, Sudan, has received a 2013 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, one of the most prestigious prizes in the field.
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n selecting the Centre - conceived, planned, and built by the Italian architecture firm Tamassociati and commissioned by an Italian independent NGO - the Award’s Master Jury remarked that “the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery champions the vision and resilience of all involved in delivering a responsible, efficient and inspiring model of health services…. Intimately linked to surrounding nature, the ‘self- build’ project facilitates an environment of clarity and healing, while providing the fundamental human right of health, free of charge to all…. The compact state-of-the-art hospital also provides an exemplary prototype for the region as well as for the field”.
The Centre meets the high technical demands of a hospital with complex functions, including three operating theatres, while providing a number of eco-friendly solutions to common problems. Mixed modes of ventilation and natural light enable all spaces to be homely and intimate. “The project utilizes economical and accessible materials, but the design is focused on detailing the places critical to human experience and performance. This strategy is not only an innovative, universal approach to architecture, but also astounding in that its world-class quality, standard of excellence, and beauty is achieved in such a difficult place. The project achieves poetic presence through a clear vision, without compromising excellence”.
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The Centre is built as a pavilion in a garden with both primary buildings organised around large courtyards. Seeing the abandoned containers that had been used to transport construction materials for the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery, the architects were inspired to reuse them to house the Centre’s staff. Ninety 20-foot containers form the accommodation block, each unit consisting of 1.5 containers, with a bathroom and small veranda facing the garden. Seven 40foot containers are occupied by a cafeteria and services. Insulation is through an ‘onion system’ of 5-centimetre internal insulating panels and an outer skin comprising a ventilated metal roof and bamboo blinds. A solar farm powers the water-heating system. The Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery, which consists of a hospital with 63 beds, serves over 50,000 patients per year, drawing from a catchment area in eastern Africa of over 300 million people. The welcoming architecture “provides an exemplary prototype for the region as well as for the field”, remarked the Master Jury in their citation. The compact state-of-the-art hospital has had a tremendous impact, treating significant numbers of patients not only from Sudan and its neighbours, but from a good 23 other countries as well. In addition, people come to train here and, most importantly, its example and vision have encouraged the establishment of further medical centres of excellence in other African countries. Studio Tamassociati is a professional practice active in the fields of sustainable architecture, urban planning, landscape design, participatory processes, graphic design and social communications. It comprises an Italian team of architects based in Venice since 1996 and it is known worldwide for health-care works carried out on the African continent. In 2012, the project was awarded the Honourable Mention in the category Architecture for Emergency at the Gold Medal for Italian Architecture Prize, Triennale of Milan, Italy, following other international awards such as Best of Green Awards 2010 (USA) and Middle East Architect Awards 2010 (Dubai). Main recent exhibitions include 2012 Triennale of Architecture, Milan, Italy, and exhibitions and lectures at the International Biennale of Architecture in 2010 and 2012, Venice, Italy. The US$ 1 million prize will be shared with the four other 2013 Award recipients: Revitalisation of Birzeit Historic Centre, Birzeit, Palestine; Rehabilitation of Tabriz Bazaar, Tabriz, Iran; the Islamic Cemetery, Altach, Austria; and the Rabat-Salé Urban Infrastructure Project. http://www.tamassociati.org
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News & Events Supporting Dubai Expo 2020 bid
Palm Utilities unveils new Expo slogan emblazoned with 2020 UAE student hand prints
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alm Utilities (PU), a Dubai World company, recently unveiled its giant banner emblazoned with the ‘Dubai Expo 2020’ logo drawn with the hand imprints of 2,020 students from across the UAE. This complements PU’s recently launched initiative aimed at encouraging all age groups and segments of society to contribute to efforts to support the UAE’s bid to host the hallmark global event. Expo 2020 will run under the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.’
Marwan Al Naqi, CEO of Palm Utilities, said: “With its focus on the fields of learning, innovation and cooperation, Expo 2020 offers a great opportunity to promote culture and knowledge exchange. We believe that students are the embodiment of the future and that is why we made sure to make them part of efforts to support the UAE’s World Expo 2020 bid. We also aim to raise more awareness on the many opportunities the expo offers them to communicate with all the peoples of the world and take up innovative ideas and new concepts that will serve as important additions to our quest for excellence and success.” “We are overwhelmed by the great turnout and fast response from everyone to be part of this initiative. It shows how all spectrums of society unanimously agree on the utmost importance of Dubai’s hosting of Expo 2020,” Al Naqi added. Al Naqi further pointed out the prestigious international standing of the UAE as a whole. “Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has huge potential to host the premier event. It incorporates an advanced infrastructure, modern facilities, a suitable economic climate, and an encouraging investment environment, not to mention a multicultural social structure characterized by harmony among all. This undoubtedly is at par with Expo 2020’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ which aims to boost human creativity and contributions to human development.” Dubai is competing with three other cities, namely, Ekaterinburg, Russia; Izmir, Turkey; and São Paulo, Brazil, to host the 2020 edition of the World Expo. The winning candidate will be announced on November 27, 2013 after voting among 167 member states of The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organization in charge of overseeing the calendar, the bidding, the selection, and the organization of the World Expos.
Drake & Scull International Secures AED 251 Million Engineering Contract in Abu Dhabi Total year to date project awards rises to AED 6.1 Billion
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rake & Scull International PJSC (DSI), a regional market leader in the integrated design, engineering and construction disciplines of General Contracting, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), Water and Power, Rail Mr. Khaldoun Tabari and Oil and Gas, signed CEO of Drake & Skull today a letter of award International to execute a AED 251 million Engineering contract for a major government facility in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The scope of the contract includes electro-mechanical works of the hardscape and landscape components of the facility scheduled to be completed in 2014. The recent award in Abu Dhabi marks a series of
impressive contract wins in the emirate including the Iconic Fairmont Hotel and the Louvre Museum announced earlier in Q3 2013. Commenting on the award Khaldoun Tabari, CEO of Drake & Scull International said, “We have managed to secure AED 6.1 Billion worth of contracts across the region year to date. Abu Dhabi continues to add momentum to our growth strategy in 2013 and we aim to further cement our strategic position in this promising market that represents lucrative potentials to our business streams across all sectors. We remain optimistic on our growth prospects in the second half of the year and our focus remains on delivering on our record high backlog standing at AED 11.7 billion as of the 30th of June 2013.” DSI continues to enhance and strengthen its services offering with unmatched vertical integration and global footprint. The company
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successfully achieved total Revenues of AED 2.567 billion and total Net Profit of AED 114.9 million for the first half of 2013 ended June 30th. Total project awards year to date reached AED 6.1 billion in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Jordan and India. The Order Backlog reached a record high closing at AED 11.7 billion as of the 30th of June representing a 58.1% growth compared to AED 7.4 billion recorded during the same period last year. The collaborative capabilities of the Engineering services (MEP and Water and Power), General Contracting, Oil and Gas, Rail and Infrastructure development continue to deliver strong performance quality work on project sites. Armed with a multicultural workforce, inherent financial strength and solid regional experience, the company’s outlook remains positive in terms of realizing greater profitability and improving productivity across MENA, South Asia and Europe
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News & Events
Knowledge, technology and ideas converge at the industry’s most highly anticipated event GreenUrbanScape Asia Over 100 international brands will showcase their products and solutions to some 4000 visitors locally and in the region. Discover the very best and latest in landscape and urban greenery solutions. Learn best practices, discuss latest trends and network with industry players dealing in landscape construction, maintenance, machinery and equipment, urban greenery solutions, urban landscape design and architectural. Admission is free. International Skyrise Greenery Conference Get experts’ perspectives on urban greenery and landscaping R&D, planning and policies, installations and techniques, urban ecology and highlights on major international projects. Expand your industry network with some 800 business associates including landscape architects and consultants, city planners, engineers, government representatives and public agencies. Keynote speakers: Kathryn Gustafson, Gustafson Porter, USA Dr Liu Thai-Ker, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers , Singapore Stefano Boeri, Milan Municipality, Italy Wong Mun Summ, WOHA, Singapore Technical Tours Experience first-hand the tangible benefits of skyrise greenery in hospitals, education institutions, commercial buildings and residential estates. Route A: Skyrise Greenery: Social Spaces in the sky Skyrise Greenery can create social interaction spaces. On this route, one can learn more about how these spaces are designed for the occupants and users of the building. Route B: Skyrise Greenery: Beyond Commercial Value Skyrise Greenery can bring about economic benefits, amongst many other tangible benefits. Find out why buildings owners are investing in Skyrise Greenery.
Route C: The formula behind Singapore’s “City in a Garden” Participants can find out how our parks and gardens contribute towards Singapore’s vision of a City in a Garden. Business Forum (Free Admission) Join in the discussion with experts on recent research and development and real life cases on major horticulture and landscaping projects in the region. Admission is free. Regional speakers: Shikhar Aggarwal, Frost & Sullivan, Singapore R EndraSaleh Atmawidjaja, Ministry of Public Works, Indonesia LAr Dr Suhardi Maulan, Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia Paulo Alcazaren, PGAA Creative Design, Philippines Outdoor Exhibit Area Do not miss the exclusive outdoor exhibit area where you can get hands-on experience on the most current machinery and solutions in the landscape and urban design industry. Public Forum (Free Admission) Join our exhibitors as they share the latest technology and best practices in urban greenery, and how they can be useful in your everyday lives.
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Opening Hours 7 November:10am – 7pm (trade visitors only) 8 November:10am – 7pm (trade visitors only) 9 November:10am – 6pm (open to public) Venue: Hall 3, Singapore EXPO Michelle ROBINSON Account Manager (Ying PR) DID: (65) 3157 5633 Email: michelle.robinson@yingcomms.com Ms LEE Ying Kit Manager (Marketing Communications) DID: (65) 6403 2125 Email: yingkit.lee@singex.com.sg About GreenUrbanScape Asia GreenUrbanScape Asia 2013 is a trade platform for professionals in the landscape, leisure, greenery design, construction and technology in the urban greenery arena. Comprising of an exhibition, the 2nd International Skyrise Greenery Conference, technical tours, business forum and public forum, it brings together experts to explore key issues and challenges in urban greenery and landscaping in a global context. Jointly organised by the Landscape Industry Association, National Parks Board, Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects and Singex Group, the event has garnered the support of 22 industry organisations. It is also supported by the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau and the Singapore Tourism Board.
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Swimming pool
add value to your home
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f you’re thinking seriously about installing a pool, it’s probably because you’re looking forward to hours and hours of relaxation. But rushing into an agreement with the wrong pool builder could result in weeks and weeks of headaches and frustration. Not all pool contractors are the same – far from it! – and some of the people you may encounter offering pool construction services may not really be qualified to build pools or to build the kind of pool you want. And of course, as is the case in any boming metropolitan city, a few who put themselves out as pool professionals are outright scammers. In pool construction, as with pretty much every other trade or craft, quality work costs money, but it’s well worth it in the end. Remember, there’s a well-founded saying that goes, “If you think the cost of a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur.” In pool construction, hiring a contractor that is amateurish (or worse) could mean: • A yard that’s torn up for months, and stays torn up because the “contractor” goes out of business or leaves town after pocketing thousands of your, and others hard-earned money • Damage to your home or property for which your pool builder does not carry the proper insurance
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A swimming pool can make for almost unlimited family fun, put great exercise close at hand, and most importantly, add value to your home. For the Middle East, swimming pool season is close at hand, and the sooner you get started on your pool construction project the more time you’ll have to enjoy it before it gets too cold again.
• Violations of community laws or building codes that may require costly demolition and reconstruction to get into compliance • Improper or missing safety features that put your pool in violation of city law or community ordinances, put your children at greater risk of drowning and put you at greater risk of a possible lawsuit • Faulty construction and/or shoddy materials that make your supposedly long-term investment turn out to be unsafe, unsightly or unusable in just a few years To avoid these nightmares, don’t take the plunge into pool construction with any individual or company who:
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News & Events Swimming pool
• Only has a background in pool repair or maintenance, rather than construction • Has been building pools for less than 10 years; it takes a lot longer than a decade to master the art of building quality pools, and to survive through any possible warranty claims. • Boasts about how cheaply they can build, or how quickly they can get yours done. Concrete takes 3 weeks to cure. The faster your pool contractor builds your pool does not mean better. • Won’t provide a list of potential references from which you are free to choose a few to call at random. • Won’t let you visit their office – perhaps because they don’t even have one • Doesn’t have accreditation from Dubai Municipality... make sure you ask! • Is not a member in good standing of the Association of Pool and Spa Professional (APSP) or the Swimming Pools and Allied
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Trades Association (SPATA) • Cannot provide their Department of Economic Development license number, or gives you a number that doesn’t check out online (and do be sure to check!) • Presents you with a construction contract that doesn’t specify materials to be used or is vague on specific details such as country of origin, number of items, etc. • Pressures you into quickly signing their contract, and seems uncomfortable if you suggest having an attorney or friend review it Experiences such as these not only hurt innocent homeowners, but they also hurt the swimming pool industry. Unfortunately, all too often, homeowners just don’t know what they are doing when they go through the process of purchasing a pool. Having worked with so many pool shoppers over the past few years, we’ve seen occasions where contractors were clearly trying to take advantage of a trusting homeowner. This is why we always recommend that before a pool shopper chooses a contractor, they do the following 1-2-3 as a minimum: 1. Get ALL the references: Why so many homeowners are satisfied with only a few references is beyond us.
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2. Ask the pool builder for a name/number of a customer where they had something go wrong during the project and see how they handled it. (Any builder that says they’ve never messed up or had any miss-haps on the job is an absolute liar.)
3. Verify the payment schedule; this should run in conjunction with the progress on the pool and is much more homeowner friendly than a ridiculously large upfront payment. Based in Dubai, swimming pool contractor & landscaping specialist SilverFox has a long history of building top-quality pools for discriminating homeowners, builders and developers, with the highest standards. SilverFox has achieved a stellar reputation during our 25 years in the pool construction business. We have been members of the APSP and SPATA for over a decade, and have won awards for “pool of the year” as well as an “award for excellence”. Call the pool professionals at SilverFox today at 043476671 for a no-obligation consultation, and work with a contractor that will make building your dream pool almost as carefree as lounging in it.
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BELLITALIA srl aesthetically designs a new square on Lake Garda, Italy
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HOLIDAY DESTINATION ake Garda known as the largest lake in scenic Italy is a very popular versatile holiday destination. Mediterranean plants such as olive trees and citrus trees engulf its surroundings. Lake Garda is famous for its an endless source of beauty. To the north and west, the mountains rise vertically from the lake giving the landscape the look of a lovely postcard with the expansive scenery. It harbours both charming villages and modern towns. There are several water sports and theme parks such as the Garda land to indulge in, in the region. The expanse of water and the variety of countryside make the area a real attractive landscape goldmine. Urban spaces of Lake Garda are continuously being maintained and renovated.
PROJECT SPECIFIC BELLITALIA srl with an experience of 40 odd years is the leading designer and manufacturer of street furniture and urban furnishings in Europe. The designers at Bellitalia are focused at offering thier clients innovative solutions for contemporary street spaces. Thier wide variety of quality products enables them to work with clients to develop a customized range of urban products for multiple projects. LANDCSAPE SOLUTIONS Bellitalia has worked closely with the architect Lorenzo Tosolini to aesthetically design many elements that match the ethos of Lake Garda, focusing on bringing out the majestic and also serene and peaceful surrounding of the ambient environment. They wanted to give the street
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scape a new feel and breathe new life into the environment considering the popularity of the region. The renovation of an urban space along the lake breathes new life into a strategic point of the town on the banks of Lake Garda, in Italy. The place full of special features has been upgraded by creating a new well-organized space, which opens in an embrace towards the lake and the horizon, a splendid view for both the residents and tourists. DESIGN ORIENTED Single elements have been connected together to open the horizon to the lake, creating an aggregation place and underlining its touristic vocation. A mix between land and water has been created through the combination of a pool and various urban furniture elements that have been designed to define the geometry of the new spaces. The monolithic seats that surround the pool, the various benches with backrest and the huge circular seat have been realized in conglomerate of white granite with a fine finishing that create an impressive aesthetic result. Great lengths were taken to ensure that the outcome was not only extremely durable and of high quality but also had a fantastic finish and feel to it. COLLABORATION WITH BLUE STREAM In the Middle East, there are a variety of projects that are being touted as tourist destinations offering anything
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from scenic luxury on beach sides to theme park focused hotels as well as high adrenaline experiences such as Yas Marina Circuit. Tourist focused theme locations are not new to the Middle East and there are a variety of developments coming up in all of the GCC. Considering this Blue Stream Environmental Technology LLC the leading urban decor solutions provider in the region has tied up with Bellitalia, with the sole aim of bringing this wide variety of products and strong reputation and experience to the region in terms of catering to high-end tourist focused projects such as Pearl Qatar in Doha, Palm Jumeriah in Dubai, Burj Dubai area to name a few. The idea will be to offer regional consultants, contractors and architects an opportunity to work with the very versatile range that Bellitalia offers. Public spaces in these tourist locations are critical and their beautification adds tremendous aesthetic value to the location leaving an everlasting impact on the tourists. Blue Stream with a very strong foothold in the industry and a known name in the region with offices in Qatar, Oman, U.A.E. and India, will be launching Bellitalia’s range of products in The Big 5 Exhibition in November 2013. Blue Stream is excited about the prospects of offering Bellitalia’s products to a multitude of projects in the region and making an active contribution to enchasing public space design and development in the GCC.
BRINGING LIFE TO SPACES
sales@bluestreamme.com | www.bluestreamme.com I www.landscape-me.com I November 2013
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w o r l d h e r i ta g e
Petra Strategic Master Plan
Petra Region, Jordan A Sixth Century archaeological site, Petra was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1968. More recently it was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” and showcased in the movies “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and “Transformers.” In addition to its importance as an archaeological site and cultural icon, its tourism appeal is the second largest component of the Jordanian economy.
Treasury Petra is an internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World by the New7Wonders Foundation in 2007
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Garden-Amphitheatre Placemaking is required to create both a local and regional identity for each of the six towns within the region and to solidify regenerative and unique future growth. The vision synergizes tourism and community while cultivating the cultural landscape.
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s a result of increasing unplanned tourism growth, Petra is in risk of losing its designation as a World Heritage Site. The region faces complex challenges in managing its unique archeological park as well as environmental degradation, population growth, child labor, limited water availability, unchecked development, and lack of infrastructure and tourism accommodations. Three prior studies failed to comprehensively address the challenges plaguing the region because they only addressed the existing urbanized areas, which comprise less than 10 percent of the total land area, and failed to address the vast archeological and ecological resources beyond the existing archeological park. A multidimensional tension therefore existed between the need to protect and preserve the archaeological resource and to promote and sustain the tourism potential of the region for the economic benefit of the country. As a young tour operator expressed, “This is not our treasure – we share it with the world, and we need to hand it over undestroyed to our children….” Local residents and leaders understand that the integrity of these resources is critical to the long-term economic health of the region and the well being of local residents. To address these challenges, the Jordanian government established the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority (PDTRA), with authority over a 197,685-acre (80,000hectare) region including and surrounding the Petra Archaeological Park (PAP), which contains the most highly visited archaeological sites. The team of planners, landscape architects, tourism planners and local experts led by Design Workshop was retained by the PDTRA to prepare the Strategic Master
Public Meeting Extensive public engagement to gained input from both nomadic and urban residents. Meetings were held with women's, men's and youth groups in all six communities.
Context The Petra Region contains thousands of archaeological sites and some of the earliest records of human settlement. Six towns flank the valley, all struggling to accommodate growth and capitalize on tourism while maintaining a sense of cultural identity.
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w o r l d h e r i ta g e
Plan for the Petra Region. The Strategic Plan provided a guide to preserve the archaeological, ecological and cultural resources of worldwide importance while also planning for the needs of the future population, which is estimated to double in the next 20 years. The plan balances physical planning recommendations with strategies for economic and tourism development, exhibiting the full range of planning – from regional planning in the McHargian tradition to town-scale planning and placemaking. Such a comprehensive approach had been heretofore unknown in Jordan. In a departure from prior plans, the Strategic Plan focuses on the entire 197,685-acre (80,000-hectare) region, beginning with the creation of a comprehensive geographic information system database, the first of its kind on Jordan. The database draws information from non-governmental
Tourism Tourism is the largest factor in sustaining economic growth and developing a regional identity in the Petra region for future generations. Introducing novel tourism endeavors can stem from reconfigured uses, better preserved open space and the revitalization of natural systems outside of the archaeological park.
Strategic Master Plan Growth projections suggests that the population will double by 2030 and use 1.5 percent of the total area to accommodate the demand. The majority of the remaining land accommodates a sustainable pattern for cultural and environmental protection.
Central Park Vision Placemaking is balanced with economic and tourism development strategies to create identities unique to each community and; simultaneously, strengthen the overall image and attraction of the Petra Region.
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organizations, national ministries and original research. The creation of a public database overlaying once disparate sources of information, many previously not available electronically, has resulted in a tool for collaborative land planning. The land and infrastructure data were used to analyze land sensitivity and growth efficiency to identify areas for future development and areas for conservation. Over 400 participants including local leaders, women’s groups, youth groups and local subject experts provided input in prioritizing the land sensitivity factors such as steep slopes, wadis (water drainages), views and agricultural soils. High priority was placed on protecting wadis from encroachment.
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w o r l d h e r i ta g e Prototypical Town Center Centers that can respond to the needs of the local community and foster successful tourism development are necessary in a comprehensive vision for the region. These hybrid centers seek to reconnect people to the cultural landscape and react to specific landscape typologies. Jordan is one of the most water-poor nations in the world, yet ironically overdevelopment in and along the existing drainages has led to flooding within and around the park, damaging the archeological sites. The Strategic Plan addresses this by calling for a watershed management concept for the region. Town boundaries have been reorganized by watersheds, with land coverage and zoning within each watershed balanced to prevent flooding. Wadis were zoned as conservation areas with substantial setbacks to discourage encroachment. The future land use plan sets aside 93.8 percent of the region as conservation zones and open space, providing a regional conservation system that links the Dana Reserve on the north with the newly designated Massouda and Rahmeh reserves on the south. This strategic solution provides the “corridors and linkages” critical to the movement of wildlife within the region and also calls for a network of trails and a “lodge to lodge” ecotourism strategy, that will provide employment opportunities for the small villages of the region. The conservation zones does allow for continuation of the pastoral use that is the economic tradition of the seven Bedouin
tribes who occupy the landscape. An extensive public engagement process was employed to gain the input of the region’s nomadic and urban residents. In addition, the planning effort engaged national and international non-governmental organizations such as UNESCO, the Petra National Trust and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature for valuable input. Gaining an understanding of the perspectives of these different groups informed a plan to discourage an over-dependence upon tourism and creation of concepts for promoting continued traditional practices. The Master Plan employs agricultural soil preservation regulations, ensuring that current dry-land farming practices may continue. The economy of the Petra Region had traditionally relied on agriculture. However, the importance of agriculture has diminished compared with tourism due to the higher income prospects in tourism and the increasingly difficult climatic conditions for agriculture. The main growth driver over the last years has been tourism. But, tourism in Jordan has fluctuated due to external issues like political insecurity in the region or larger macro-economic developments. Therefore,
Development Analysis A rigorous development analysis was generated to depict logical, bioculturally sustainable land use for future growth and development patterns.
Conservation Analysis Vital to the economic, cultural and ecological sustainability of the Petra Region, sensitive lands were analyzed to identify future growth areas.
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economic diversification to reduce the dependency on tourism and offer a larger range of job opportunities was another focus of the communities in the region. Currently, international conglomerate companies dominate the economic opportunities of the region while the local people have little opportunity to earn a livelihood. Poverty juxtaposes a rich tourism-based economy. The Design Workshop plan outlines a series of strategic investments which will raise Petra’s stature as an international tourism destination and provide new opportunities for residents of the region and the country of Jordan. It also addresses dependencies on unsustainable tourism practices and provides opportunities for economic diversification. The plan provides strategies for destination management and marketing to increase the average length of stay and average spending per visitor as well as visitor satisfaction. The economic development strategy works with the land use plans to define high- and low-intensity tourism areas toww provide different levels of social functions, attractions, accommodation, investment, transportation and infrastructure.
Design Workshop created zoning and placemaking plans for each of the six communities in the region, taking into consideration public input regarding tourism development, density, character of development and transportation recommendations. Such recommendations included an integrated regional bus system which moves commercial bus traffic to an intercept parking and transportation facility at the outskirts of Wadi Musa, the major gateway to the Park. Tourists and locals are then transported, via smaller more environmentally friendly buses, to the archaeological park, other communities and other sites of the region. This was the first regional proposal for managing the transportation impacts of mass tourism. The Design Workshop plan is recognized as an important step in the Petra area’s transformation from a mere attraction to a global destination. The plan provides a long-term vision to guide the preservation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, serving as a model for similar circumstances where communities seek to balance tourism development with natural resource and cultural preservation.
Design Workshop Team Members Kurt Culbertson Sara Endsley Anna Gagne Ed Kafcik Jessie Young External Team Members Austria Tourism Consultants JCP SRL Ghassan Nasser Sr. Saad AlAyyash Majed Naber Dr. Erin Addison Georg Hauger Mahmoud Hasan AlFreihat
Water-Future GrowthExpansion zones were identified and impervious surface was balanced throughout defined watershed districts associated with each town to effectively manage and reserve stormwater for productive use. Current Jordanian practices do not utilize stormwater anywhere close to its full potential.
Awards and Recognition Honor Award for Planning, 2011 American Society of Landscape Architects, Colorado Chapter Pierre L’Enfant International Planning Award, 2011 American Planning Association
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n at i o n a l m u s e u m
Designs for Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi revealed
Looking South to Zayed National Museum by night
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Designs for the Zayed National Museum have been officially unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. I www.landscape-me.com I November 2013
North East elevated view of Zayed National Museum by day
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onceived as a monument and memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the UAE, the Museum will be the centrepiece of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District and will showcase the history, culture and, more recently, the social and economic transformation of the Emirates.
Architecturally, the aim has been to combine a highly efficient, contemporary form with elements of traditional Arabic design and hospitality, in order to create a museum that is sustainable, welcoming and culturally of its place. Celebrating Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and love of nature, the museum is set within
a landscaped garden, based on a timeline of his life. The display spaces are housed within a man-made, landscaped mound. The galleries are placed at the bases of five solar thermal towers. The towers heat up and act as thermal chimneys to draw cooling air currents naturally through the museum. Fresh air is captured at low
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n at i o n a l m u s e u m level and drawn through buried groundcooling pipes and then released into the museum’s lobby. The heat at the top of the towers works to draw the air up vertically through the galleries due to the thermal stack effect. Air vents open at the top of the wing-shaped towers taking advantage of the negative pressure on the lee of the wing profile to draw the hot air out. These towers are lightweight steel structures, sculpted aerodynamically to work like the feathers of a bird’s wing. The analogies with falcons and flight are deliberate and relate directly to Sheikh Zayed’s love of falconry. This theme is further celebrated by a gallery devoted to the subject as part of a wider focus on conservation. These inner spaces open up to an outdoor arena for live displays with hunting birds. Balancing the lightweight steel structures with a more monumental interior experience, the galleries are anchored by a dramatic, toplit central lobby, which is dug into the earth to exploit its thermal properties and brings together shops, cafes, an auditorium and informal venues for performances of poetry and dance.
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View from the park looking North East to Zayed National Museum
Front view of Zayed National Museum by night
Throughout, the treatment of light and shade draws on a tradition of discreet, carefully positioned openings, which capture and direct the region’s intense sunlight to illuminate Hepworth.pdf 9/24/13 9:32:33 PM and animate these interior spaces. Objects are
displayed within niches and on stone plinths that rise seamlessly from the floor. The museum contains a variety of performance spaces. A large auditorium, lined with Emirati textiles, provides an evocative setting for presentations
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n at i o n a l m u s e u m Credits Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi, UAE 2007 Client Tourism Development + Investment Company Foster + Partners Team Norman Foster David Nelson Gerard Evenden Toby Blunt Martin Castle Ross Palmer Dara Towhidi Karsten Vollmer
and films. The lobby incorporates more informal venues for poetry readings, music and dance, where the audience can gather in a circle to enjoy the spectacle and atmosphere of traditional performances. The interior concept for the restaurant draws on the opulence and hospitality of the Bedouin tent, with carefully selected furnishings. The majlis, or VIP spaces, open onto a central courtyard. This traditional space offers guests a unique perspective, as it is the
only place in the museum where one can enjoy views of the wind towers. Lord Foster said: “It has been a great privilege to work on the Zayed National Museum, to carry forward Sheikh Zayed’s vision and to communicate the dynamic character of a contemporary United Arab Emirates. We have sought to establish a building that will be an example of sustainable design, resonating with Sheikh Zayed’s love of nature and his wider heritage.”
Barrie Cheng Ho Ling Cheung Sidonie Immler Joern Herrmann Andrew King Gemma Owen Jillian Salter Marilu Sicoli Daniel Weiss Bram Van Der Wal Simon Wing Munehiko Yokomatsu Consultants Architects Foster + Partners Engineers WSP/BDSP AKT Local Architect Planar Landscape Architects Atelier Dreiseitl Lighting Designers Claude Engle Cost Consultants RLB Facade Access Lerch Bates Specification Writers Schumann Smith Air Flow Consultants RWDI Environmental Engineers Transsolar Auditorium Consultants Shen Milsom + Wilke People Movement Consultants Intelligent Space Programme managers AECOM District Master Planners TDIC Master Planners Museography The British Museum For further information please contact Katy Harris or Thomas Elliott at Foster + Partners, T +44 (0)20 7738 0455 F +44 (0)20 7738 1107 E press@fosterandpartners.com
View from the oasis level of Zayed National Museum
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MORROCAN TOUCH
All of your senses are invited to take part in the pleasure of discovery. In the lush green grass, steppingstones punctuated by tasteful mosaics invite the visitor to take a walk amidst the fragrant lemon trees.
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Citrus varieties, roses and banana trees thrive alongside each other here. Local desert life naturally abounds as well, as is evident by the flourishing cactuses and palm trees.
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series of themed gardens and natural stone courtyards create a choice of living spaces on the grounds of this Doha villa. Despite differences in character and mood, these areas come together as one. They achieve a fluid continuity which, amplified by the presence of water throughout the landscape, culminates in the glistening waters of the adjoining lagoon.
Floor and wall patterns combine natural stone or terracotta with inlays of coloured tiles
A reflecting pool mirrors the blue of the swimming pool at one time of day and the clear waters of the lagoon at another.
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Sitting at the top, a large, circular jacuzzi overflows into the swimming pool.
Through their pronounced linearity and symmetry, the gardens also complement the Moroccan style of the villa. As a result, a rare balance is achieved between the interior and exterior architectures. This orderly, geometric composition is mirrored by the shapes given to various elements throughout the outdoors; a planter in the form of a square here, a star-shaped fountain there.
At the centre of it all, facing the lagoon, the main water feature unfolds over three levels. Sitting at the top, a large, circular Jacuzzi overflows into the swimming pool. From the pool, one can enjoy a unique vantage point of the lagoon, through the framed view offered by a wooden pergola. The impressive rectangle of blue that forms the no-edge pool ends in a cascade collected in
a long, narrow channel beneath it. On the same level is a charming, partially shaded Andalusian water channel with an octagonal fountain at the end. Rows of palms stand majestic on either side, framing the scenery. Ahead of the steps that lead to the beach, a reflecting pool mirrors the blue of the swimming pool at one time of day and the clear waters of the lagoon at another.
Once the sun sets however, the entire setting is transformed. Bathed in the magic of the light, the garden’s splendours seem to come straight out of a tale from the Thousand and One Nights.
A charming, partially shaded Andalusian water channel with an octagonal fountain at the end.
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Project: Moroccan Touch Place: Doha, Qatar Completion date: 2009 Landscape Architect: Frederic Francis Size: 8.000m2
The grounds happily marry Mediterranean and tropical vegetation.
Peace and order reign by day when everything is as clear and fluid as water.
Although the deep blue of the pool and green palette of the trees dominate the landscape, a closer look reveals defiant touches of colour in strategic spots, from a delicate wreath of red flowers at the foot of an ageold olive tree, the pink blossoms of a chorisia at the end of a lane of palms, or bougainvilleas in full bloom.
The property may owe its richness to the way the big picture fits together, but it also owes it to the smaller details. As you make your way through the gardens you are sure to notice how impossible it is to take everything Compost_CS_Var_2Code2_PH8.pdf
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in at once. There is always something new to catch the eye, whether it’s the delicate stone frame of a fountain spout, the mysteries of the secret garden or some other delight waiting to be discovered.
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On a floor of rose tinted stone, before a crisp and cool water fountain, carpets of blue tiles lie quietly, waiting for visitors to wander a little closer.
Emirates Environmental Technology LLC T: +971 6 5569663, +971 3 7838033 F: +971 6 5569668, +971 3 7838102 M: +971 55 5465097, +971 56 1189515 Email: sales-alain@theiutgroup.com Homepage: www.eet-uae.com
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enhancement
Award Winning construction project in the history of the University of Pretoria
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he erection of the new Parkade/ Engineering Building, main entrance and upgrade of the adjacent Aula Building won an award at the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) 2013 awards ceremony for Mixed Use Development. It was the largest single construction project in the history of the University of Pretoria (UP). The project came about as a result of an announcement in 2006 by the Department of Education regarding their intention of allocating funding to five universities in order to increase the number of engineering graduates. The additional engineering facilities were built to accommodate the annual growth in student numbers as per UP’s long term strategy. The project has also won an award from the South African Landscape Institute (SALI): the Bristle Cone Trophy for the Most Innovative and Original use of
Plant Material. The award was presented to Life Landscapes, who implemented the project. The construction period was just over two years, and the project was officially opened on 25 August 2011 by Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, and Prof Cheryl de la Rey, the University’s ViceChancellor and Principal.
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Project description: Building numbers and figures The entrance and adjacent six s torey building features four full-height external green sun screening panels, comprising vertical planting strips in boxes and twenty planters located inside the building. The building has six lecture halls with a total of 1,800 seats, a hall with 450 seats, and two levels of laboratories and offices totaling 10,800 m2. The entire floor area of the building covers approximately 40,000 m2. A seven-lane entrance eases traffic flow into the parkade as well as onto the Campus. The architects were ARC Architects from Pretoria. The parkade comprises four-and-a-half levels of parking (two-and-a-half of which are underground) and makes provision for 996 parking bays. This consists of reserved parking for lecturers and University staff, as well as open parking for students and visitors.
Green planning
During the design process, partnership with the University ensured continuity of the campus plan. Engagement with the Botany Department guaranteed the extension of the existing Botanical Garden, which was developed using a carefully thought-out planting palette and the use of specimen plants sourced directly from the University’s greenhouses. In addition, an integrated approach to the irrigation design ensured that harvested water is
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pumped from a basement storage filled with roof and seepage water and topped up, when necessary, with borehole water from an existing supply line adjacent to the building. Johan Barnard of NLA explained that the design of the new Engineering Building creates places for students to form informal groups between classes, where they can engage in engineering reasoning and problem-solving through teamwork. The idea was to provide the students with a ‘home away from home’, where they can spend their time in a productive, studentfriendly environment. The landscape design contributed to this overall effect and provides an interesting counterpoint to the building by the following approach: • Screening: The purpose of the green screen is to visually and physically screen the adjacent road from the pedestrians inside the building, utilising raised planter boxes and indigenous plant materials.
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• Main Traffic and Pedestrian Entrance: The staggered water-feature at the entrance follows the contours of the site. The tiered water feature also has abstract art installations on different levels to announce the nodal change.
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• Planting: mostly evergreen and indigenous, both climbing and hanging plant species were used to soften the large concrete structures and frame the different vistas.
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• Walkways: The wide walkways are shaded
with indigenous trees to easily accommodate the many pedestrians who use them on a daily basis.
A N PR O D
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enhancement • Furniture: Seating walls and robust furniture design were used around the Aula to accommodate students during rest periods.
Environmental focus and impact consideration: Careful planning was required in order to protect and retain two historical avenues of Fever Trees (Acacia xanthophloea) and Canary Palms (Phoenix canariensis) as well as the relocation of the entire succulent botanical garden, which is now located adjacent to the Boukunde building. The existing Fever trees were marked and protected to retain this as far as possible, without damage, during the construction process. Newtown Landscape Architects Tel: 011 462 6967 www.newla.co.za
The Team
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UP
Company
Contact person
Telephone
Client:
University of Pretoria
Prof Schalk Claasen
012 420 2433
Schalk.claasen@up.ac.za
Landscape Architect:
Newtown Landscape Architects
Johan Barnard
082 442 6114
johan@newla.co.za
Main contractor:
Stefanutti Stocks
Greig Bastion
011 244 0300
Greig.bastion@stefstocks.com
Landscape Contractor:
Life Landscapes
Ida Marie Strijdom
011 959 1000
ida@lifelandscapes.co.za
Architects:
ARC Design
Anton de Jong
012 362 7350
arcpta@arc.co.za ants@arc.co.za
Civil and structural:
Aurecongroup
Nicol Labuschagne
012 427 3071
nicol.labuschagne@aurecongroup.com
Quantity surveyor:
Pentad/Davis Langdon
Walter Weidemann James Reid Nicolas Sheard
012 991 8191
walter@pentadqs.co.za james@davislangdon.co.za ns@pentadqs.co.za
Electrical Engineer: Mechanical
Claasen Auret Spoormaker & Vennote
Johan Weimann Jonathan Johnson Anton Frylinck
011 496 3101 012 663 3125
jonathan@cal.co.za antonf@spoormaker.co.za
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THE SWALLOW’S NEST
TAICHUNG CITY CULTURAL CENTER, PUBLIC LIBRARY AND FINE ARTS MUSEUM Taichung 2013, Taiwan
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t the North end of the new Gateway Park, located on the site of the old airport of Taichung city, the “Swallow’s Nest” project is an entrance to a new urban ecosystem. The project develops itself under the shape of a three-dimensional Möbius’ ring that extrudes its triangular section around an elliptic path. This organic building is thus created by the simple repetition of a standardised section that turns eighty times clockwise by 4.5 degrees to make a full revolution of 360 degrees around a huge central patio, known as the “Endless Patio”. The architecture is inspired by nature and seems to grow harmoniously, such as a plant from the earth to the sky. This shape of a horizontal spiral creates three huge vaults, which serve as connection hubs between the central patio and the cultural centre, the city and the park. The project comes from the natural repartition of the urban flows between the Gateway Avenue 2 (leading to Taiwan Tower in the South of the site), the Convention and Exhibition Centre (in the North) and the Gateway Park (spread from the North to the South).
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THE ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT Eco-designed from bioclimatic rules, renewable energies and state-of-theart technologies of Information and Communication, the new cultural centre of Taichung City aims to become a pioneer project, symbolising the symbiosis of nature and human engineering sciences. Each architectural, structural and technical component is thought to provide maximum spatial and functional flexibility, aiming towards the construction of a building with zero carbon emission.
A box of nature to welcome the public Möbius’ ring is based on 1000m² of ground and spread out over three great pilasters on which the three vaults are set up with strength. This structural concept liberates the ground by transforming it into a huge aquatic and floral garden. This open landscape multiplies the visual perspectives towards the Gateway Park and constitutes a permeable architecture to the flows which cross it. In order to limit the visual impact of the building volume, the Swallow’s Nest takes root
into the ground through three great spiral banisters that extend the mineral or planted public spaces towards the main reception hall located underground at basement one. This creates a wide central agora where all the functions of a reception, ticket offices, shops and cafeterias centre around under a huge canopy in pretended steel structure and e-low glass, which provides the space with a natural light. The hall gives also access to the convention centre, the educative workshops, and the archives of the cultural centre.
The Curve Building, Showroom 12, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al, Quoz 3, Dubai, UAE UAE OFFICE Tel: 04-3408626 Website: www.nahar.ae Fax: 04-3408636 Email: dxb@einwood.ae www.einwood.ae
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Fine arts
A peripheral seismic joint to be protected from earthquakes To assure the protection of the building in case of earthquake, the base of the building is set on earthquake-resistant supports located under the last parking level of the isolator floor. The horizontal movements of the centre are isolated from the earth by a seismic joint that surrounds the perimeter of the basement levels. A moat is thus created between the floor edges and the slurry wall. This is covered by planted walls and becomes a peripheral light well that enables ventilation and natural light. The fire escapes are integrated along the slurry wall and lead to the open-air ground floor. Finally, to protect this moat from typhoon, a glass canopy overhangs it, assuring the tightness of the earthquake-resistant system. A parametric structure divided into three ruled surfaces The strength of the concept resides in the genesis of a complex geometry for the steel structure, with the repetition of standard and simple elements. A typical section forms the shape of an isosceles triangle, made with three great tubular beams that form an arch. The 80 arches are linked together at their centre and ends by columns that form the main edge
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PICSPAVE Pattern Imprinted Concrete combines colour & texture to create an aesthetic yet highly wear resistant hard landscaping medium. PICSPAVE enables the rapid construction of all sizes of internal and external paved areas. With a wide range of designs & colours and the flexibility to accommodate different forms of trafficking. PICSPAVE is the Rolls Royce of paving.
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Fine arts from the central agora as well as MEP flows of inputs and outputs. To highlight these spatial landmarks, they are separated from the slabs by hollow joints covered by glass, which enables one to see the cores all the way from the ground floor to the solar roof. Finally, a snake of escalators and panoramic elevators in structural glass allow visitors to take advantage of the green landscape of the Gateway Park, as well as creating an outsideinside connectivity. Between these Tree Towers, the functions are organised in open spaces interlaced by themes between the Arts, the Literature, the Sciences and the Foreign Languages, or between the permanent and temporary exhibitions of the museum.
and spread the loads to the ground. The 360-degree twist of the three faces of the triangle is adjusted and decomposable into flat panels for a more pragmatic feasibility and better cost control. A spatial hyper-flexibility provided by alveolar double decks The eight floor levels draw arabesques along the three-dimensional ribbon by ramifying the tubular structure. The whole forms a functional thick pile where each museum gallery or reading space is double oriented, either towards the Endless Patio or towards the city. The plans are dynamic and generate
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a multiplicity of spatial typologies with variable height in simplex, duplex, triplex. The flexibility is obtained by a doubledecked system that pinches a radiant alveolar beam network. This network of perforated beams enables integration in all the flows of canalisation, air conditioning, electricity and optical fibres in order to enable transferability of each space and assuring everywhere has an optimal ceiling height. Three Tree towers to distribute the vertical flows The floors are crossed by three cores, entirely planted by living walls. This creates three vertical gardens to welcome visitors
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Intelligent Facades of elow Glass Pixalated by the Photovoltaic Solar Cells assuring an Energetic Autonomy The Swallow’s Nest is the future landmark of the Gateway Park. The project assures maximum transparency and lighting effects by the treatment of façades, from the integration of renewable energies, intelligent glasses and effects of progressive translucency. The glittering skin is made of e-Low glass with a high rate of thermal isolation. Like a musical score opening out along the glass ribbons, pixels of photovoltaic solar cells and panels of translucent glass and stainless steel assure 50 per cent of opaque façades, in order to avoid the greenhouse effect and to protect the exhibited works.
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Fine arts
A POETIC GREEN LANDMARK From the Endless Patio to the Gateway Park or the Gateway Park Avenue 2, the façades create mirror effects by reflecting the rustles and the vibrations of the city and surrounding nature. These façades question us by transforming themselves in mirror of our society and acting as a spectre for the creation of contemporary art and the protection of knowledge. During the day, the adjusted surfaces of the façades degrade the azure blue towards the tender greens of the luxuriant vegetation of the park, whereas during the night, the Klein blue of the stars progresses into the gold colour of the dawn and the lights of the urban landscape. The new centre of Taichung has been transformed into a nest of preservation
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and cultural creation that sees the birth of history in real time, with sensitivities and Taiwanese philosophies mixed worldwide. In this sustainable architecture dedicated to the biodiversity and the right balance between humans and nature, the museum intertwines in the library, where the plant embraces the mineral and the shadow mixes up with the light. The swallow’s nest is a glittering landmark that elegantly expresses the swirling of the imagination. Like the Möbius’ ring, it is a cultural centre without end, which will constantly question, intrigue and attract the attention of its visitors. © Vincent Callebaut Architect
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Type: International Competition Host Organization: Construction Bureau, Taichung City Government “TGC” Sponsor: Cultural Affairs Bureau, Taichung City Government “CAB” Project Title: Taichung City Cultural Center Planning, Design and Construction Supervision Service Project Contract Performance Location : Xitun District, Taichung City Surface Area: 62.720 m² Budget: NT$ 2.410.000.000 Team: Vincent Callebaut, Frederique Beck, Julien Combes, Benoit Patterlini
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Lifestyle
vertical living
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angkok has changed and so have her people. In the past, Bangkok residents may have preferred to live in small houses outside the city areas, commuting in and out of the city daily. Not any more. To fit the present time’s fast lifestyle, the new generation keeps moving between many condominiums inside the developed areas instead. Horizontal living is out; vertical living is the thing to do.
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s a result, Thai developers are competing hard for the perfect plots of land in town. They do not care much about how big the plot is, or how great the view it would get might be, as long as it is right next to a BTS (Bangkok Sky Train) station, it is perfect. In 2010, Trop received a commission to design the Pool of Pyne by Sansiri, a high-end condominium in
Bangkok. Its site is ideal, located right in the middle of busy urban district and just five minutes walk from the city’s biggest shopping malls. The plot is alsot the right size, 2,900 sqm, and, to make it even better, a BTS station sits right in front of the property. Architecture-wise, most condominiums in Bangkok are quite similar. The residential tower is built on top of
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Lifestyle
parking structure. Normally the parking part has a bigger floor plan than the tower, leaving the left over area as its swimming pool. The Pool @ Pyne by Sansiri is no different. It is designated to be on the eighth floor, which is also the roof of the parking structure. The area is a rectangular shape terrace, around 370 sqm. Having the train station right in front really helps when selling residential units (which sold out in one day), however, space-wise, the station is a nightmare for designers. It is designed as a huge structure, about 100m long and here to four storeys high. Basically, it is like placing a huge building right in front of your doorstep. Together with other surrounding old buildings, our project is trapped among concrete boxes on all four sides. In order to get rid of that boxy feeling space, our first move was to create a “loose” floor plan. Instead of a typical rectangular pool deck, we proposed a series of smaller terraces integrated with the swimming pool. Perpendicular lines were avoided, replaced by angled ones with round corners, while a series of “green” planters were also inserted here and there, combining the three elements of water, terraces and plantings seamlessly. Again, most pools in Bangkok share the same name. They are called “Sky Pools”, because of the location on top of the roof. The first couple designed sounded very exciting, but, after a while, it got boring. Our design task was not only to design a pretty swimming pool, but we also wanted to create a unique landscape feature that can identify the character of our residents.
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Lifestyle
To make our pool different to the others, the “Skeleton”, a light, cladded structure, was proposed to “frame” the swimming pool threedimensionally. Before, the socalled sky pool was just flat piece of water on top of a building. Sure, swimmers can enjoy a great view outside, but looking at the building from the ground, nobody would recognise the presence of the pool from below. With the “Skeleton”, our pool was fully integrated into the architecture. Now the BTS passengers can look up and see the special space inside the frame. At night, the “Skeleton” glows, giving the architecture the light feel that it needs badly within the crowded surroundings.
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Project: The Pool @ Pyne Design Company: TROP Co. Ltd Location: Rajthevi, Bangkok, Thailand Status: Completed Start date: 2010 Completion date: 2013 Area: 370 sqm Client: Sansiri Venture Co,Ltd. Photographer: Wison Tungthunya
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31 MARCH - 2 APRIL | 2014
DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The only dedicated trade show for the region’s outdoor design and supply sector Promote your products and services to senior level decision makers including: Consultants
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Contracting, Construction & Engineering Companies
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Urban landscape
UNIPOL GROUP HEADQUARTERS IN BOLOGNA FrassinaGodiciotto
Landscape Architect and Landscape Contractor The well-structured project for the new Unipol Headquarters in Bologna spans a vast area of about 10 thousand square metres along Via Stalingrado, redeveloping an entire swath of urban decay located in a now strategic position between the exhibition complex and the city. Photographs by Giovanni De Sandre 56
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T
he extremely detailed project, including a redesign for the roads and general urban planning, has its central structure on Via Stalingrado; a structure that can’t be considered as a separate building but as existing and functioning at the service of the overall urban planning strategy. The area, mostly housing the headquarters of the Unipol group, has room for up to 900 employees, and includes a congress centre, two restaurants, commercial enterprises and exhibition space. The fulcrum of the pedestrian path and historic entrance to the city meet in the vast plaza at the top of Via Stalingrado. From street level, access ramps and two elevators connect to pedestrian paths in the plaza and the courtyards that lead to the various entrances, commercial amenities and catering. The multi-functional approach and architectural additions help revitalise a long-abandoned island in the midst of urbanised surroundings. The complexity of the project includes landscape design used to connect architectural elements spread over
the entire area - an actual green infrastructure - reducing impact and connecting the spaces. The planting plan uses organic forms and broad curves that contrast effectively with the strong rhythm created by the vertical elements. Planting evokes a natural landscape, and the theme reoccurs in all the main areas: the plaza, the inner courtyard, the entrance area, the area just off the entrance area, the arena, the landscaped area facing Viale Aldo Moro, and the building perimeter. The green roof plaza, situated at one of the main points of entry to the city from the north, sits on a rectangular structure disguised by planting. A harmonious design combines curved beds and circular lines, with organic forms creating view shafts over the landscape. The building’s rectangular inner courtyard, parallel to via Stalingrado and Via Felicori, is also designed with space-defining sinuous lines and threedimensional effects. Paths alternate with grass-covered dunes, their “soft” quality highlighted by species like Pennisetum spp. and Rosmarinus officinalis.
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Urban landscape
The rhythm set up by the elements of vertical plant material also attracts the visitor’s gaze. Following the prescribed route, we reach the formal entrance with four large Carpinus betulus “Pyramidalis” – in Corten steel bases – acting as a filter between the access area and street traffic. Place-marking clipped balls of Buxus sempervirens in large terracotta vases are reflected in the building’s façade, while the pervasive harmony spreads inside in a discreet but generous use of plant material. The strong verticality of
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the architectural volumes echo the vertical green elements and the containers, contributing to an overall sensation of anchoring nature to architecture. A multi-stemmed Acer Palmatum is the arena’s central focus, drawing ones’ gaze from the circular forces created in the space. The large tree planted in the centre of a walled space is surrounded by burnished steel panels, patterned with square laser cutouts that thin out from bottom to top. The height of the
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tree’s containment housing creates an unusual illusion of reversed elevation, while crushed black marble gravel (instead of paving) highlights the planting scheme’s colours. In keeping with the context, the designers also specified the lighting, with low lights pointing up to border the space and illuminate the garden’s botanical treasures. Posts and lights with wall-washing LED bulbs were used to limit operating and maintenance costs.
I PM D U BAI
17 – 19 November
Dubai World Trade Centre
International Plants Expo Middle East
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports
JOIN IN AND BE A PART OF THE REGION’S ONLY DEDICATED
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IN THE MIDDLE
2013
EAST !
Put your business in the spot light:
Register free online now!
V Touch, see & feel beauty at its best with
www.ipm-dubai.net/visitors/registration.html
latest cut owers and plants on display
V Establish a dominant presence in the Middle East market V Source new local agents V Discover the latest developments of the horticulture technologies,
oristry, and market trends
V Expand your business
www.ipm-dubai.com An event organized by:
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New & Ongoing Projects
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UAE
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Conin Incorporated Consultants (Dubai)
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Construction of Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District comprising a modern art museum, an opera house, cultural facilities, including two hotels, studios and leisure facilities.
Emaar Properties PJSC (Dubai)
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Atkins & Partners Overseas (Dubai)
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Zabeel Investments L.L.C (Dubai)
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Arabtec Construction L.L.C (Dubai)
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Ministry of Finance (Saudi Arabia)
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United Development Company q.s.c. (UDC) – Qatar
Qatar
Arab Engineering Bureau (Qatar)
Construction Development Company - CDC (Qatar)
56000000
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Construction of a new shopping mall comprising (11) retail units and (16) new food and beverage outlets.
Union Properties PJSC (Dubai)
UAE
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New Project
Muscat City Centre Mall Expansion Project
Carrying out expansion of Muscat City Centre Mall.
Majid Al Futtaim Investments (Oman)
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Douglas OHI (Oman)
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Design and construction of five-star Kempinski Hotel comprising (309) rooms and (77) hotel apartments.
The Wave Muscat S.A.O.C (Oman)
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300000000
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Construction of 340-metre, 63-storey The Address The Boulevard Tower comprising a 5-star hotel and serviced apartments consisting of studios, one-two-three and four-bedroom apartments.
Emaar Properties PJSC (Dubai)
UAE
Atkins International (Dubai)
Brookfield Multiplex Constructions Middle East L.L.C (Dubai)
N/A
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Design and construction of Muharraq Seef Mall comprising two floors offering approximately 30,000 square metres of retail space with ample parking underneath on the ground level, including an open air amphitheatre that will be used for public and cultural events.
Seef Properties (Bahrain)
Bahrain
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Almoayyed Contracting Group (Bahrain)
45000000
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Lebanon Waterfront City - Phase 1
Development of Lebanon Waterfront City, a master-planned mixed-use community comprising six towers, various pedestrian plazas and a lively marina promenade - Phase 1.
Majid Al-Futtaim Properties (Dubai)
Lebanon
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N/A
N/A
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Project Name
Description
Client
Entisar Tower Project - Sheikh Zayed Road
Construction of Entisar Tower comprising more than (100) storeys offering (444) serviced apartments, including a 112key hotel.
Meydan L.L.C (Dubai)
Stella Dubai Hotel Project - Dubai Marina
Construction of Stella Dubai Hotel comprising three basements, one ground floor and (30) additional floors.
Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District Project - Downtown Dubai
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