Landscape January 2013 by MEMEDIA Publishing

middle east

Jan 2013

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This Month EDITOR’S NOTE

MEMedia Publishing FZ LLC IMPZ PO Box 485005, Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 4470927 Fax: +971 4 4470928 Managing Partner Ziad Maarouf Copy Editor John Hampton Sales Manager Boushra Dinnawi Art Director Andy Mondaya Administrative Assistance Sarry Gan Contributors G. Allison Hedges Emanuelle Gautrand Alex Hanakazi Jim Fogarty Mario Pisani Jimena Martignoni Carlos G. Puente Printed by Al Nisr Publishing LLC 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

appy New Year to all of our readers! We’ve dived straight into 2013 with an issue packed with amazing garden projects by some of the world’s greatest urban designers and landscape architects that have been in the works for the past few years. Some are new projects that have just been completed and others are treasures that we’ve just discovered such as ‘A garden in Deift’ -a project that was realized in 2010 in Sothern Holland and is a typical Dutch design of Andrew Van Egmond. On page 24 Brian Van Bower gives us a detailed brief of his island garden project off the coast of Connecticut in the US. Bower credits the collaboration between designers, architects and contractors for this dream home project. From residential to commercial we look at the new Savanna resort in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. As tourists start to flock back to Egypt this is destined to be one of the years most talked about resorts. We also get an insight look at the workings of TDIC’s projects from Jay Cooper. Hope you enjoy the issue and please feel free to send us your feedback or contributions to editor@landscape-me.com

John Hampton For free subscription and to view the magazine please visit our website:

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The First Specialised Landscape magazine in the Middle East

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Contents January 2013- Issue 67

24 18

4- News and Events 10- Garden in Delft Netherlands 18- Jay Cooper interview 24- Teaming Perfection 32- The Savanna Resort 44- Campus Development 48- Latz+Partenrs 56- New Projects

44 32

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News & Events Us$38 billion uae construction industry surge to drive garden and landscape sector revival Outdoor Design Build & Supply show launches in Dubai as major new construction contracts in 2013 feed into outdoor environments

he UAE outdoor design and landscape sector will benefit from a US$38 billion surge of fresh investment in the country’s construction industry in 2013, and a new event in Dubai will create major opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers worldwide to capitalise on a market making a comeback The launch of Outdoor Design Build & Supply reflects a strong government commitment to develop the UAE’s natural outdoor landscape. The exhibition’s organisers, Streamline Marketing Group, estimate that at least 10 per cent of this figure, or $US3.8 billion, will go towards new landscaping and garden projects in the Emirates. “All signs point towards a lucrative future in the UAE and wider GCC garden and landscape sector,” said Thea Skelton, Project Manager for Outdoor Design Build & Supply, which is presented by Dubai Municipality and supported by Municipality of Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain Municipality. “The UAE construction sector is making a comeback, with a score of large projects going ahead, and more to be announced in the coming months. These will in turn generate new opportunities for the landscaping sector in the UAE, and as an industry guideline, we expect that about 10% or more of the construction sector investment will be allocated for gardens and landscaping.” Added Skelton: “We are also seeing a marked growth in investment into green open spaces, especially leisure destinations such as sports stadiums, family attractions and golf courses,

and the booming construction outlook along with strong governmental support will continue to drive this forward.” Outdoor Design Build & Supply is the only dedicated event in the Middle East to address the use of outdoor space in construction projects, providing support to developers, landscape architects and designers working to create outdoor spaces including public parks, hotels, private and palace gardens, green areas within urban communities, major residential and commercial projects, sports stadiums, golf courses, hospitals, irrigation and landscaping. The dedicated event has already attracted big players such as Terraverde, Orient Irrigation, Greenworks LLC, Toscana Landscaping, Fitco Irrigation, and the UK based wood chipper manufacturer Timberwolf, which is looking to tap into the re-emerging landscape sector in the Middle East. “Timberwolf has laid out an aggressive expansion strategy for the Middle East region,” said Patrice Love, Director of Marketing & HR, Timberwolf. “We have created a three-year strategy to grow our export business from 18% to 40%, and Outdoor Design Build & Supply will provide us with the platform to source a distributor, with the UAE as a starting point.” Outdoor Design Build & Supply is supported by the Emirates Society of Landscape (ESLA), Garedenex, and the UAE Society of Engineers. More information is available at www. theoutdoorshow.ae.

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Chairman’s award for Nakheel’s nursery man

Mohamed Al Zaabi honoured for bringing indigenous parks to Dubai

ohamed, who runs Nakheel’s nursery, received his award from Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah in recognition of his success in introducing a new style of green space to Palm Jumeirah and other Nakheel communities in Dubai.

Mohamed was pivotal in the development of Al Ittihad Park, Nakheel’s newly-opened, 1.1 million sqft, sustainable, communal garden on Palm Jumeirah. The park – the first of its kind in UAE– contains more than 60 varieties of trees and plants indigenous to the UAE. Presenting the award, Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah, said: “Al Ittihad Park is our special tribute to our country: an expansive display of the UAE’s trees, plants and herbs on the world famous landmark of Palm Jumeirah, made possible thanks to Mohamed’s expertise, effort and enthusiasm.” Mohamed, who has been interested in UAE flora since he was a young boy, was given 1.5 years to produce Nakheel’s first indigenous park. During that time, he did extensive research, testing and plant propagation, even making a small nursery at his own house to act as a testing ground. Mohamed said: “I am very proud to receive this award. Plants and trees are my hobby as well as my profession, and I’m delighted to have used my knowledge and love of UAE nature to bring Al Ittihad Park to the Palm.” Ittihad Park – the first of a series of indigenous parks planned for Nakheel developments – is flanked by a 3.2km jogging track and contains trees and plants found in the UAE’s deserts, mountains, wadis and coastal areas. Many have medicinal uses, and all need minimal water to thrive. The park provides a new focal point for Palm Jumeirah and has been hugely welcomed by Palm residents and visitors since it opened earlier this month. It is open 24 hours a day, and has parking for 700 vehicles. Nakheel’s Jumeirah Village community is next in line for an indigenous park, with planting starting this week.

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News & Events International Center for Biosaline Agriculture

ICBA conducted research

Optimizing irrigation usage through water productivity research (crop per drop)

Gorgeous Garden Galore as Dubai Festival City announces ‘My Beautiful Yard’ contest winners ACE sponsors garden beautification contest by offering valuable prizes

s part of Dubai Festival City Property Management’s continuous efforts to improve the lifestyles and quality of living in Dubai Festival City, three lucky winners received their prizes for the recently concluded “My Beautiful Yard” contest - a garden beautification event held amongst residents of the charming Al Badia residential district, sponsored by ACE and Dubai Festival City Mall.

UAE National Walid Al Hashemi, Afsaneh Sharghi from Iran and a Dutch National, Gunther Brandt clinched the first, second and third positions respectively in the garden beautification contest. All three winners received WEBER BBQ sets from ACE and gift vouchers to indulge in a shopping spree at Dubai Festival City Mall. Their gardens met a set of stringent criteria, including garden design, plant selection and arrangement, sanitation, lawn and plant health as well as water conservation and the list goes on. Al Badia residential district at Dubai Festival City is one of the prestigious residential areas in Dubai. Ian Plumley, General Manager, Residential at Dubai Festival City said: “This contest motivated many residents of Al Badia

into applying themselves towards beautifying their gardens and enhancing the look and feel of one of the finest residential districts in Dubai. The competition was also about community engagement which is one of Dubai Festival City’s key priorities. It provided many residents of Al Badia with an opportunity to win valuable prizes from ACE.” Joe Eid, Outdoor Lifestyle Buyer at ACE UAE commented: “ACE is proud to take part in such an important event that promotes the need to constantly preserve gardens and other green spaces in Dubai. This was the ideal platform to engage the community at Al Badia, one of Dubai’s most beautiful residential districts located at Dubai Festival City.”

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Good irrigation management is essential for water conservation under arid and saline conditions. This requires maintaining soil water content in the root zone within a range sufficiently high that the crop can easily use the water but without incurring wastage due to unnecessary downward movement below the root zone. Weather-based estimates of evapotranspiration and crop water requirements have been used for many years in irrigation scheduling, but only more recently has sensor technology developed sufficiently to enable cost effective near-continuous monitoring of water content and movement in the soil as a tool for irrigation management. During 2011, ICBA furthered its water productivity research program with the use of sensor technology to monitor near-continuous soil water content and movement in the soil. Soil water content was monitored at depths of 10, 30 and 50 cm every 10 minutes in a control plot as part of the Water Productivity Research program. Low-salinity irrigation water (2 dS m1) was applied at two day intervals using a drip system. Decagon® 10HS soil water sensors were used with a logger that communicates over the GSM mobile phone network to send the data to a server from where it can be retrieved over the internet as required. In addition, weather data were used to estimate daily and hourly reference crop evapotranspiration. Irrigations were adjusted during the season to maintain soil water content within a target range. Small grain cereals (pearl millet, sorghum, barley and triticale) water productivity was evaluated under three salinity levels in the irrigation water (2, 8 & 14 dS m-1) and under four irrigation amounts (ICBA conventional management, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 ET). Pearl millet and sorghum plants in two growing seasons (summer and late summer) were harvested and data collected.

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News & Events ideal ecological traits for green roofs: tolerance of drought, hot soil temperatures and occasional inundation. Surprisingly, some strong performers would not be apparent from their natural habitats. After several years of testing, two suites of plant guilds emerged and are currently being examined further: Succulents and annual green roof where there is no additional water other than from natural rain showers; Turf and bunch grass green roof - where there is some supplemental water available (from potable or grey water, air conditioning condensate or rain water). Supplementary irrigation, where available, is an advantage as it helps to maintain plant function to optimize air quality, thermal performance of a green roof and storm water handling by a green roof.

Mark Simmons Ph.D., Director, Ecosystem Design Group, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, Texas. 78739, USA. Email: msimmons@wildflower.org

Shallow, sustainable green roofs for hot climates

reen, or ‘vegetated’ roofs can offer multiple benefits to performance of individual buildings and urban areas. They can cool the building, detain and filter storm water, clean air (reducing low level ozone and particulate matter), reduce the urban heat island effect and increase the lifetime of the roof. Additionally, in densely developed urban areas, roofs may offer the only viable space to add green infrastructure, which positively impacts the human experience and contributes to biodiversity. However, the research and implementation of green roof technology has been almost entirely limited to northern, cool, temperate climates. This is unfortunate because green roof performance could exhibit even greater benefits in hot climates where sustained high temperatures and occasional flash floods characterize these subtropical and tropical regions. However, these climates pose a number of problems for green roof design due to high air and soil temperatures, high evapotranspiration rates and the lack of data on suitable plant species. Since 2004 the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin has been examining different green roof systems, growing substrates and plants. The research has focused on determining the best attributes for lightweight, shallow (less than 15 cm deep) “extensive” roofs rather than the deep “intensive” (greater than 15 cm) roof systems. Many existing ‘off-the-shelf” extensive systems are simply not suitable for warmer

climates and are prone to failure. However, our ongoing research in the Texas climate (characterized by daytime temperatures around 40°C, and frequent extended drought) is identifying the key attributes for having a successful, extensive green roof design in tropical and subtropical climates. Traditional green roof design has focused on balancing the limitations imposed by the engineering specifications of the roof design (e.g. load bearing needs and prevention of water penetration) and by plant performance (water availability, species selection).Typically the biological components are optimized to accommodate the engineered design, especially where a green roof needs to be retrofitted to an existing building. This has created a dependence on a somewhat limited plant palette that limits performance. The majority of plants selected for temperate green roofs are small-leafed succulents such as sedums which have low transpiration rates, low water demand, good cold tolerance and are excellent in a shallow growingsubstrate. Because they exist naturally in shallow, well drained soils, these plants are well suited to the temperate green roof environment. However, in warmer climates sedums are poorly adapted to high daytime and night time temperatures and infrequent rainfall. The Ecosystem Design Group has tested a suite of different plants types native to Central Texas, including succulents, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Certain species emerged with

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Structurally, green roofs comprise a protective layer (for the roof waterproof membrane) a drainage layer (which also can retain storm water), a root barrier, a growing substrate and plants. The substrate can comprise many materials, including furnace-expanded clay or shale, sand, organic material, and perlite among other components. Growing substrates have often been tailored to support sedum-like succulent plants. However, these traditional systems in a warm climate promote desiccation at the root level resulting from mass thermal airflow through the substrate and from a dry air layer being present in the drainage layer that is below the roots. Roots have reduced function above 30-35°C and die above 40-45°C – temperatures that could be easily reached in sub-layers of green-roof soils in the tropics. Our research on alternative materials (most of which are recycled) indicates that adjusting the composition and size classes of substrate materials can produce a moister, cooler substrate, which greatly benefits plant roots. Additionally, we are examining the use of synthetic and natural components in the substrate to improve water availability and its retention within the root zone. Whereas tradition green roof systems have been shown to retain 60% of storm water after a 3 cm rain event, experiments with more novel materials indicate that a retention rate over 90% is possible. From the design perspective, what is most important is identifying the performance goals for a green roof before designing it, framing decisions based on the limitations of a given structure. The exciting news from our research is that this approach can work successfully in tropical and subtropical climates when using the right expertise. Overall, despite the obstacles, the future for green roofs for hot climates is very promising. BIO: Simmons recently chaired the Hot Climate Session for the 2012 World Green Roof Congress in Copenhagen. His research focuses on ecological design, including: native turfgrasses, urban prairies, prescribed fire, invasive species management and green roofs. Consulting clients include: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NASA, National Park Service, and George Bush Presidential Center. He teaches university and professional courses on sustainable landscape design and sits on national advisory committees, including that of the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES™).

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Gardens

range of ornamental grasses connects the plants in the minimalist garden with the underlying fields. Misscanthus, Pennicetum, Stipa and Molinia species are the foundation plants in the garden. Supplemented with other Allium gigantheum, Perovskia and Liatris sprout from a mixture of grasses that sway in the wind and flowers that bloom throughout the growing season, which are real eye openers. Long horizontal lines, right angles, subtly refer to the long lines at the adjacent polders. The mainlines also run in the back garden by the home. When you walk through the front door, look through the right atrium into the backyard, where

Garden in Delft Ben Termull

Private Client â&#x20AC;˘ surface +/- 1200 m2 â&#x20AC;˘ realized in 2010

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This garden is adjacent to a nature reserve called Midden-Delfland [Central Delfland] Netherlands. This area is characterized by typical Dutch polders, meadows with flower fields and grazing cows. The design of this garden combines all its ingredients for this fascinating identity, which seems to flow in the polders over the garden.

BY: Andrew van Egmond

To further connect with the landscape and experience the poetry of the waving grass plains, a broad and spacious platform is designed. The wood has a gentle nature and is small in size. This softens the entire design and gives the rooms a pleasant feeling. A collection of large cushions gives the place meaning. Ideal for a group of friends to enjoy summer evenings. With the choice to allow the deck to come back flat against the house, calm

Ben Termull

you can take in a view along the open landscape. Since the garden naturally coincides with its surroundings, the pool lies as if it were naked in the landscape. A unique Dutch experience: swimming in the polder.

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Gardens and coherence has been created. For the deck surfaces, outside parquet is chosen. The use of this system where you see no screws - provides a very sophisticated image. With the combination of the slats at the end face of the stand and the edges of the platform surfaces, an identity of horizontal lines and refinement is created. This is typical of designs by Andrew van Egmond. Exactly that detail is important as a counterpart to the lush nature of the plants. Very aware of this design, a connection with the home is also sought. The garden and house must mutually reinforce each other. The architecture of the house or the building is always analyzed, because the vision is to connect with the concept of the house or urban development.

Ben Termull

Andrew Van Edmond

This garden is chosen to make planes, terraces are made to dimensionally

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Gardens connect with the measurements used in the home. The subdivision of a house into two clear parts is followed through in the garden. The floors used inside (an Asian hard stone) are literally pulled out through the patio adjacent to the kitchen and in the long line that divides the garden into two garden areas. This creates consistency between inside and outside, and helps strengthen the binding of the living room and the kitchen.The other material choices also strengthen the architecture. The light gravel, the greyed wood and white orbs perfectly match the identity of the house.

In my garden designs Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always looking for an interplay between lush greenery and architecture. A balance between the spontaneous nature and minimalist architectural interventions, by which the boundaries fade between the house and its surroundings. I want people to experience the beauty of the wild landscape. So that the connection with their environment is reinforced. As a designer, I am constantly looking for new approaches to landscaping gardens. I try to find the intersection of the spontaneity of nature and sophisticated, architectural interventions. If you drop an ultramodern chair into a field of wild flowers and grasses, you get both the furniture and the field of flowers at their best. Subconsciously you sense whether somewhere feels good or not. Each place has a soul. Every place tells the story of the landscape to which it

Andrew Van Edmond

Ben Termull

In daytime the white globes form a beautiful picture, but in the dark, they provide a special atmosphere. In the evening, the ornamental grasses give the light objects a soft warm glow. In evenings the inhabitants also enjoy the depths of their garden.

Design vision of Andrew van Egmond

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belongs. Through the right composition of the elements in a garden, you strengthen your relationship with the environment. I want to show how special the atmosphere or identity of a place is. The sunset is coasting, a sprouting mixture of flowers, or a unique quality of the garden itself. The trick is to highlight the beauty and power of the outdoor space and the adjacent landscape. If a garden can evoke an emotion, my mission is accomplished. As a designer, I find attention to detail is very important. Everything that gets attention has beauty. Often

Ben Termull

Gardens

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large architectural elements are unconsciously perceived in a design. Small accents arouse the human right to stand still and become aware of his surroundings. Designs with emphasis on details also have a timeless quality. They continue to fascinate and surprise. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always looking for a balance: what is, what is not? Less is more, but it should not be boring. In my work I often use the horizontal line as the base. I do this by using large long paths in my design process, such as a detailed wooden wall of horizontal slats. A horizontal gesture is the ultimate tool to bring peace to a room. It creates harmony and radiates kindness. In the choice of material, I think it is very important that it contributes to the character of the space. I do not choose an old olive tree in Italy or a palm from Bali. Those do not fit into a Dutch garden, unless it is a courtyard or enclosed patio. The same applies to brightly colored stone. I do not use it, because in the Netherlands the light intensity is very different than in climates where olive or palm trees naturally grow. In garden design, I choose materials that speak for themselves. The expression of the material does its job: so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t choose to paint wood, it ages in the air

Ben Termull

naturally. For stone I choose grey or neutral tones. Concrete should be grey brick and has an earthy color. Too brightly colored stone materials do not fit my idea in the Dutch climate. These colors do not come into their own against the mostly grey skies. I like working with concrete in combination with wood and coated steel. The refinement of wood and the malleability of steel give a nice contrast to the coarse nature of concrete. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always looking for new materials. Each year there are new materials on the market. They are actually meant for housing, but can also be used nicely in gardens. For example, Eternit, epoxies, cladding etc. In addition, I strive as much as possible for durability. I make sure that materials do not come from far. I see sustainability as a growth. Although sometimes it has happened that I have used large areas of natural stone from China, I always try to look for appropriate solutions in an alternative closer to home. Turnkey solutions are not always available, but I notice that there are more and more choices. So I like to use special materials in the details. For example, a terrace of concrete slabs containing a line of exclusive polished stone from Brazil. This is a good compromise.

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Interview

Monte Carlo Beach Club

Jay Cooper Can you give us a brief about your educational background and your experience in the GCC area? I received my Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the College of Environment and Design, University of Georgia, USA in 1992. I also minored in Horticulture through the Department of Horticulture at the College of Agriculture, University of Georgia. Prior to coming to the GCC, I had several years of experience in desert and tropical climates while working in Arizona and Florida. My first experience in the GCC came in 2002-03, providing master planning on Arabian Ranches for EMAAR in Dubai, while working for Canin Associates, Orlando, Florida USA. I returned to the region in 2008 as Senior Design Manager – Landscape for the Tourism Development Investment Company (TDIC) in Abu Dhabi. A few months ago I left TDIC to begin directing business development for MESA, an American landscape architectural consultancy that has established their firm in the

MENA region over the past 5 years. Now, I’ve accepted a position with the Lusail Real Estate Development Company as Senior Landscape Manager, starting in mid January on Lusail City. Why did you decide to take Landscape Architecture? I wanted to be an architect at age 6, so my grandfather introduced me to an architect who influenced me to consider landscape architecture. As a teenager I thoroughly enjoyed working for landscape construction and maintenance companies. Finally, in my junior year of high school my parents arranged a tour of the landscape program at the University of Georgia, which helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a degree in landscape architecture. What inspired you to become a Landscape architect? I’m inspired by landscape architecture because I believe that it combines art, architecture and

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landscape very well. The profession has endless opportunities. It also blends architecture, planning and urban design. When did TDIC first set up the business? TDIC established their business in April 2006. I was their first design manager over landscape projects. My primary focus was on the majority of Saadiyat projects over the past 4 years. How has TDIC expanded since its inception? TDIC expanded very quickly to develop major tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi. TDIC has contributed very positively to the economic and cultural environment through key projects like Saadiyat and the Desert Islands. I’m proud and honored to have been a part of these wonderful developments. What has been your experience working in this field in the Middle East? My experiences in the Middle East have been

Jawaher

Saadiyat Manara diverse and rewarding. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on many project types from residential and hospitality to recreation and infrastructure; in-fill projects to master planned developments. The Middle East experience is more special to me than experiences I’ve had in other countries because the Middle East has such a rich and long heritage dating back to the beginnings of human civilization and religion. The Middle East environment changes dramatically from the coast to gravel plains and more so in the mountains. The climate can be very harsh in the late spring, summer and autumn, but very inviting and pleasurable in the late fall, winter

and early spring. Most of all, the region is open to countless development opportunities with exciting design challenges and great business aspirations from developers in contrast to what I’ve experienced in other parts of the world. Which project has you been most proud throughout your career and why? I’m most proud of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Expressway landscape on Saadiyat for the following reasons: I created a strong vision of artistic design employing sustainable landscape practices. I was inspired by the way winds shape

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Interview

Saadiyat Beach Public Realm

coastal waves and sand dunes in-land. I directed design consultants to translate those abstract shapes into large bands of plants and colored gravel along the expressway. Keeping in mind that drivers through this expressway would experience a “fast-scape”, I thought a simple palette of colorful plant material and local decomposed rock in large bands that curve like waves up and down the highway’s shoulders and continue across the central median would make the best impression. I thought sustainable practices ought to include: using native plants and other desert tolerable plants to drastically lower irrigation water demand; reducing planted material areas to only half or less of the project would further lowering water needs; the other half of the project has colored gravel, sourced locally to lower the carbon footprint; gravels were also used to create a mulch layer around trees and succulents to retain soil moisture and lower water needs still even further. My greatest compliment was hearing from TDIC executives that the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was greatly pleased by the expressway landscape and that it calms him when he drives or flies past the project. What is your dream project? My dream project would be designing and overseeing construction of a palace landscape for a GCC Royal family.

Saadiyat expressway

What other plans would you like to pursue in your career? After working on the consultant and client side for several more decades, I would eventually like to give back to the community by working for a municipality and / or teaching aspiring landscape architectural students.

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In your opinion, what changes need to be adopted in the GCC landscaping industry to become on a par with the rest of the world? GCC landscaping needs to continue to focus on landscape sustainability, especially water use. I’m excited and inspired by practices like subterranean irrigation being advocated by Geoff Turn ball of Alder in trail plots on Yas Island with plans to implement this system in future projects. This system uses capillary action of water moving through the soil without all of the pipes and pumps of past practices. The amount of water reduced is as much as 70! I also commend the hard work of staff at Abu Dhabi Municipality and Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council that have given us the sustainable codes like Estidama and a renewed focus on more sustainable and usable parks. Developers and design consultants need to adhere to these codes and goals to employ even more sustainable practices as ought to be done by good stewards of our local environments. Finally, the biggest change of all is having qualified landscape contractors train their staff to deliver and maintain these new practices. I still see contractors butcher trees through bad limb pruning practices to name only one problem. Tree staking advances also need to be made to allow young trees to mature without them blowing over. Designers can write better maintenance specs. Property managers have much room for improvement on making sure landscape maintenance is being done correctly. After all the hard work and vast amounts of money spent on good design and installation, great maintenance needs more attention in the Middle East. How do you cope with having so many projects going on at once? I coped at TDIC managing 33 projects by hiring reliable consultants and contractors that

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Interview

Jawaher

performed well, prioritizing key projects and dedicating a great deal of my time beyond normal working hours. I also depended upon excellent professionals within TDIC project teams that made our visions and designs a reality.

Saadiyatr Manara

Saadiyat Golf Bridge

Who are your major clients and what major projects have you been involved with on their behalf? My major clients within TDIC were our executives. I was initially involved across all projects in late 2008 and early 2009, moving forward I focused mainly on Saadiyat projects: HHSK Expressway, Manarat, Jawaher Show Villas, Monte Carlo Beach Club, UAE Pavilion, Saadiyat Beach Apartments, Saadiyat Beach Villas, Saadiyat Beach Public Ream including the first beach access; Saadiyat Island-wide strategies for addressing and naming; irrigation, lighting, way-finding and signage; and finally master developer reviews of early concepts for other districts public realms, hotels, museums and residential design guidelines.

Saadiyat Pavillion

What about the real-estate slowdown? Could that affect the future of the landscaping industry? I’ve seen the slowdown as a natural and prudent response to the global market changes. These changes have already affected the landscape industry through changing designs to more effectively comply with their natural surroundings in more sustainable practices which save money, reduce water use and lower maintenance costs. I’ve also seen and advocated proper phasing and delivery timing of landscape projects to coincide with adjacent and surrounding development phases. For example, in large master planned projects where plots along roadways are delayed or phased for later dates, there is no need to deliver public realm landscaping in those parts of the roadways running adjacent. It is a waste of money, water and maintenance to deliver landscapes prematurely, especially when no one will be there to use them until development plots deliver later. What advice can you give to the aspiring landscape architect? I advise aspiring landscape architects to dedicate themselves to learning their materials and methods, hone their creative and artistic skills, and prepare themselves to constantly learn from their clients, projects and team members. What is your professional motto in life? I believe in tailoring each design through good collaboration that meets and exceeds stakeholders expectations, on-time and on or under budget. How will TDIC’s market position evolve in the future? I believe that TDIC’s position in the market is strong and will continue to be strong for Abu Dhabi. More will come from TDIC on the current projects like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. I look forward to monitoring TDIC future successes.

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international designs

Teaming Perfection E By Brian Van Bower

very great project involves a measure of design inspiration followed up by an equivalent measure of excellence in execution. In some cases a single entity or person drives both processes, but it’s increasingly common these days for superb projects to be the result of a team effort – a collaboration among architects, designers, landscape architects, contractors and subcontractors aligned in pursuit of a shared goal. Some projects start out on the right foot and stay that way: the right client, the right ideas, the right combination of skills on the design/construction team and a setting that inspires everyone involved to bring his or her very best to the table. The project profiled here is a case in point and is very specifically an example of teamwork at its finest. The result is a tasteful design executed to near perfection

in a project that’s beautifully visual while being extremely functional in the fun and luxury it affords the clients. All in all, it’s one of those rare and wonderful projects in which all the right notes were hit.

Located on an island off the Connecticut coast of the United States, the property is a second home for fun-loving family that had the resources to create a great venue for its outdoor gatherings. The site is indeed spectacular, seven acres in all graced by a beautiful 12-bedroom house and stunning views of the Long Island Sound. It was one of those spots that cried out for a design suited to its scenic beauty.

STARTING POINTS The homeowners heard about me from clients I have on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I was contacted shortly thereafter and soon made the trip to the island for

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Some projects start out on the right foot and stay that way: the right client, the right ideas, the right combination of skills on the design/construction team and a setting that inspires everyone involved to bring his or her very best to the table.

a meeting. I stayed overnight, inspected the pool, walked the island and began raising various ideas and possibilities. They indicated at first that they were satisfied with leaving the pool alone and were mainly interested in reworking the deck area, but once we rolled through the portfolio of images on my laptop computer, they became excited about the notion of reworking the pool as well. They were particularly intrigued by images of knife-edge, perimeter-overflow details â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and stayed that way even when I explained that such systems require significant design and construction effort and would require a complete remodeling of the existing pool. The old, rectangular pool sat on a raised wooden deck that cantilevered out over the rocky shore. It had a nice offset step detail and a fiberglass spa sunk into it, but overall, the deck was slightly stretched and bowed out of shape. It also featured an intrusive box/track system for an automatic cover at one end as well as a basketball hoop on the side. As they explained, the pool had hosted many a family gathering and was used primarily for play. Any eyesore factors were mitigated by the fact that the pool area couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be seen from inside the house. The pathway leading to it ran through a lovely area

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international designs

landscaped with flowers and rockwork, but it was clear the clients saw the pool/ deck area as a utilitarian place intended for spring and summer parties rather than as a beautiful destination. For them, in other words, the space to that point had been all about entertainment rather than about the visuals.

it to include some sort of lounging area and a water-in-transit detail, but as we considered the technical challenges presented by this notion, the possibility seemed less and less practical. Before long, I suggested that we needed to rip out the old pool completely and start fresh, and the clients ultimately agreed.

And I have to say the existing pool wasn’t all that bad visually. It had direct, simple lines and in fact served the space well. But functionally, it was an altogether different story: The equipment pad was set uphill in a little shed, and a simple inspection revealed that the original contractor wasn’t up to par with respect to hydraulics or technology: flex pipe (laying mostly aboveground), no automatic sanitizing system, no auto-leveling device – none of the features you’d expect to find on a pool for this type of property.

In effect, what had started out as a basic deck renovation turned into a pool remodel before morphing into a completely new project. The potential effects of this new work on the property led the clients to call in their architect, Nelson Denny of Hadlyme, Conn. He had worked with them on past projects and proved a fine collaborator as we developed a preliminary design that incorporated various ideas from our conversations to that point.

The pool’s structure was unusual as well, made up of a combination of a concrete floor and steel walls capped with a concrete beam. It didn’t leak and appeared to be structurally sound, but it was something of a puzzle and left me wondering what the original contractor had been thinking.

COMPLETE REVISION For a brief time, we’d talked about keeping the odd shell and simply altering

Ultimately, we agreed that the pool should stay in roughly the same location and should still be a rectangle, but we expanded its size to 47 feet long by 20 feet wide and included a range of new features, including a large in-pool lounging area, several umbrellas in and around the water, a raised concrete spa, completely reworked equipment and a new floating cover. We went with a floating cover to avoid having tracks on the new deck, which was made using Ipé, a tropical hardwood

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of incredible density and durability. We didn’t want any visual distractions on the deck surface, so the choice of this material was ideal, because it involves tongue-ingroove construction using anchors that can’t be seen – hence no visible deck screws or nails or even wooden plugs. The refashioned deck also cantilevers out farther than did the original, providing more area around the pool and taking even greater advantage of the views. (As it turns out, the old pool was built closer to the property line than is currently allowed, but the architect worked patiently with the local building department and was able to grandfather the new structure onto the same basic footprint.) The perimeter overflow operates on three sides of the new pool – at both sides and along the far end. The deck rises above the edge at one end, giving us a convenient place to hide the vault and a cover supplied by Aquamatic Cover Systems (Gilroy, Calif.). Aquamatic’s staff did a fine job of overseeing all details related to that aspect of the project. A seven-foot-wide, shallow lounging area now transitions to a step-and-bench detail leading down to a three-and-a-half-footdeep shallow area. The floor then slopes gradually to a center area that’s five feet deep, rising again on the opposite end to a four-foot depth. On the upper deck level,

The Irrigation Innovators

TECNIDRO MESC

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international designs the in-ground concrete spa has 33 therapy jets and is connected to the pool (although it doesn’t seem that way) so both vessels share the same circulation system.

CHALLENGING INSTALLATION The island location meant that everything had to be shipped across the water on barges. That could have been a real hassle, but general contractor Nick Fischer and his crews handled everything seamlessly, making certain every component was where it needed to be when it needed to be there. The timeline could have been an issue as well, because the clients wanted everything to be ready for a season-opening party in the spring. Fortunately, the participating contractors all were familiar with coldweather work, and we constructed a large, heated tent over the job site so the workers could keep going despite the harsh winter weather. The wind and rain were intense at times, but everything kept moving forward with no discernible hitches.

seeking guidance where they needed it throughout the project. They took to heart the fact that the edge had to be absolutely perfect to make the perimeter-overflow effect function properly and basically did what it took to get everything just right. They were responsive at every turn and never sought to cut corners – a problem that almost invariably arises when a contractor is working off someone else’s plans. Throughout the entire process, there was a great deal of give and take among the homeowners, the architect, the pool contractor, the landscape architect, the general contractor and me. Without exception, everyone performed at an extremely high level and was refreshingly pleasant about the process from beginning to end, no matter the difficulty of the challenges or the critical nature of the discussions.

Pool construction was handled by Bob Hinchcliffe of Crystal Clear Pools (Guilford, Conn.). He’d never installed a perimeteroverflow system of this kind before, but despite my initial concern on that point, Hinchcliffe and his crews did a great job, always asking questions and

Fischer’s crews worked so completely handin-hand with Hinchcliffe’s, for example, that it reached a point where Fischer’s people did portions of the forming for the pool and Hinchcliffe’s did some of the concrete work for the deck’s support columns.

EYES ON THE PRIZE As is often true in teamwork situations, careful (and collective) supervision was the key. General contractor Fischer (or his superintendent Jeff Haines) was on site constantly, for example, and paid close attention to every detail, making certain at each step that the plans were being followed to the letter. Architect Denny was also a steady presence, constantly checking and rechecking details, and I was on site often during construction, making certain that tolerances were being met and that the complex hydraulic systems were accommodated precisely and effectively. As an example of the extent of our cooperation, the perimeter-overflow system required a precise plumbing detail in which the six-inch trunk-line pipe was to drop gradually by onequarter-inch per foot along the length of the pool as it moved toward the collector/surge tank. To be certain this important detail

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international designs

In one case, we had long been thinking of using glass panels in a railing system for the far side of the deck but had second thoughts because the wind-driven salty spray off the sound would have made the panels a maintenance nightmare. Denny took the lead here, researching various options and ultimately developing a custom system of stainless steel mesh panels and specially finished supports that won’t oxidize. It’s a great looking system – extremely transparent but possessed of a uniquely sculptural appearance. The aforementioned wind also posed issues with the umbrellas we wanted to use. With a bit of legwork, we found a sailboatrigging company that built the uprights and umbrella structures for us, topping them with a special fabric designed to hold up in high winds.

would be installed precisely, Denny did a site survey ahead of time and marked the exact levels where pipes should be – and then followed up with Hinchcliffe and his subcontractors to make certain everything was communicated clearly. The project also features a beautiful bluestone coping. It was to be cut to exact dimensions, but we discovered upon its arrival that it hadn’t been sized properly. To save time, we elected to recut the material on site despite the fact there was a precise undercut angle to be met and that we had to cut channels on the bottom of each piece to accept the support system. This was a tedious, labor-intensive remedy and could’ve been a huge problem, but we all rallied and worked together to handle it and get the job done. The same attitude prevailed in handling the typical concrete detail on the top of the perimeter-overflow edge: It had to come to a precise point, which meant concrete coverage over the rebar

at that location wasn’t as thick as it should be normally. This meant we had to use stainless steel rebar at that location. Denny also designed an extremely complex stainless steel support system for the cover vault. This was important because it enabled us to minimize the space occupied by the vault while maintaining a concealing cantilever. He also designed a custom, roll-away basketball stanchion so this important play fixture wouldn’t be a permanent affair. The pool itself was finished with a gray Pebblesheen material from Pebble Technology (Scottsdale, Ariz.), and we added some bluestone tile details inside the throat of the cover box and on the angle of the knife-edge. We used the same stone tile to finish the spa waterline.

WIND-RESISTANT

The project team eventually worked its way around to scores of finish details.

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Last but far from least, we replaced what had been a pathetic equipment set with topflight products, including a 350,000 Btu High-E heater from Jandy/Zodiac Pool Products (Vista, Calif.); a salt-chlorine generator from AutoPilot (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.); a Total Eclipse corona-discharge ozone generator from DEL Ozone (San Luis Obispo, Calif.); a K-2000 water-leveling unit from Levolor (now owned by Jandy); three filters – one on the main circulation system and two on the perimeter-overflow system and all from Jandy; a 5EQK-500 spa pump from Pentair Water Pool & Spa (Sanford, N.C.); and a three-horsepower circulation pump from Jandy. The entire array is managed by a Jandy control system and is housed beneath the deck in a new concrete vault engineered to minimize noise. From end to end, this is a project that represents quality in every detail and exemplifies exactly the sort of teamwork so often discussed in the pages of this magazine. It’s a worthy principle – and goes hand-in-hand with quality design and execution in making projects like these come to pass with all the excellence these homeowners deserve. Brian Van Bower runs Aquatic Consultants Inc., a design firm based in Miami, Fla., and is president and co-founder of the Genesis 3 Design Group; dedicated to top-of-the-line performance in aquatic design and construction, this organization conducts schools for like-minded pool designers and builders. He can be reached at brian@aquaticconsultantsinc.com and www.aquaticconsultantsinc.com

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resort

The

Savanna 32

Resort I www.landscape-me.com I January 2013

BY Florian Klein

Loc ation: Idyllically and strategically located only 5 minutes away from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, the Savanna Resort is 5 minutes away from one of the best international recognized diving destinations, the delightful Sharkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay beach. Adjacent to the Four Seasons Golf Resort and a few minutes away from the beach and the sophisticated area of the Soho Square, the resort is surrounded by comfort and top class leisure facilities and destinations.

Master pl an: Inspired and based on the three main characteristics of the Savanna, the overall master plan of this development is divided into RAINFALL, GRASSLAND and WILDFIRE zones. Accordingly each zone has its emphasis on different uses.

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resort C o n c e p t m a s t e r p l a n s k e t ch

The Wildfire - zone 1: In this part of the resort the main entrance building is combined with retail and business areas as well as several restaurants, bars and guest houses and defines the resorts main entrance. This part of the resort is a very lively, dynamic and active area. The main usage of this zone is for Retail/

Business/Activity. The Grassland - zone 2: This part is located in the centre of the resort and is focused on families. It provides several activities such as adults and kids pools combined with pool bars and grills as well as kids dry and water play areas. The main usage of this zone is for Family/Kids/Play.

The Rainfall - zone 3: Focused on health, well being and sports, this part of the resort offers a broad range of facilities such as spas, sports courts, restaurants, therapeutic walks and tranquil outdoor spaces. The visitors can enjoy an quite and relaxed atmosphere aside from the other zones. The main usage of this zone is for Health/Spa/Sports.

Sh o w n p l a n i s z o n e 2 o f t h e m a s t e r p l a n Not only on the master plan level, the three main characteristics of the Savanna are defining the holistic design base line for the resort which is reflected in the architectural, interior and open space character. Wooden architectural structures, thatch building roofs, a natural colour and material selection for interior as well as exterior spaces and a thoughtfully selected planting palette create a unique atmosphere that makes the visitors feel like they are in a luxurious hotel in the middle of the African Savanna.

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resort

Images to be related to architectural, interior and open space character

grassland interrupted by clusters of trees. All these are distilled into the landscape design of the SAVANNA RESORT. Meandering grass mass plantings run along paved paths that terminate to activity zones, “puddles” of water that seem to interconnect are interrupted by architectural elements that are functional. Overall, the SAVANNA RESORT encapsulates the essence of the savanna landscape … a “canvass” of grass of space, of continuity that is only broken by elements that enrich the space. Open space: In these three different zones the open space plays a important role to create a supporting and enhancing environment which respects the overall scheme of uses and at the same time connects all zones with each other aesthetically and functionally. SAVANNA IS THE NEXUS OF THE DESERT & TROPICAL LANDSCAPE It is therefore a mix, a synergy … an integration … making it a unique landscape space. It is a sprawl, a generous space and a rhythm of elements … a

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resort

Thematically these typical savanna features are translated into design features and placed at important locations. Natural puddles of water, which are typical elements of the Savanna after a rainfall, transform into lagoons and pools. While in zone 1 this distinct element is use as a representative lagoon with a imposing water feature installation, in zone 2 natural puddles are used as kids and adults pools with pool bars and beach grill. Thematically in line with health/spa and sports the puddles of zone 3 are designed as reflective pools, often with only small trickling fountains or natural swimming ponds which can be used after a relaxing massage or sauna session. Acacia specimen trees as significant element of the Savanna are placed in the bigger open landscape areas of the resort. This significant tree is used as special feature in the welcome plaza of zone 1. In

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zone 2 this canopy tree morphs into artistic shade structures in landscape and pool areas. Hanging seating bags for relaxation and meditation are installed in combination with the acacia trees in zone 3. Open grasslands as the most significant element of the Savanna are generally used for the design inspiration of the resorts wayfinding and signage as well as it is part of the basic softscape selection. Artificial flambeaus made from metal are important features in zone 1 and are impressing the visitors especially in the night time around the main entrance, retail and water feature area. The interactive play equipment of the dry play and splash pad area in zone 2 is inspired by the shape and movement of grasses. In zone 3 with its partly small and intimate spaces, grass is used as sculptural feature, mass planting or view protection.

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.

Tanseeq LLC P.O. Box: 28665, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Tel:+971 4 3415005 Fax:+971 4 3414909 Email: info@tanseeqllc.com Web: www.tanseeqllc.com

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resort

Z o n e 2 c e n t r a l p o i n t: Centrally located in zone 2 a wooden structure creates one of the main attractions of the Savanna resort. This elevated structure allows the resorts residents stunning views throughout the resort and is at the same time part of the pool play area with integrated water slides and a water cascade. Adjacent to this area kids can enjoy spacious themed playground areas and a refreshing wet play splash pad. All these areas are designed for all different ages from toddler to teenager. Between the apartment buildings open lawn areas are providing multi functional spaces, which families can use for recreational sports, picnics and other activities. Throughout the open spaces elevated and shaded seating decks are inviting the resorts residents to linger and to enjoy the atmosphere. All these different features in combination with warm natural stone hardscape materials, wooden decks and boardwalks create the superb Savanna resort which welcomes you to experience the nature of Africa.

Contributor Florian Klein is principal landscape architect at Signature Engineering Consultants and part of the design team for the Savanna resort. With offices in Egypt, Germany and UAE Signature provides integrated solutions for clients by offering consultancy services for architecture, interior design, master planning, landscape and urban design.

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campus development

Designing the Place to Be By CULD - Jaakko van â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t Spijker

By CULD - Jaakko van â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t Spijker

here is no ready-made recipe for a good campus. What makes the idea of a campus appealing is the relaxed and open atmosphere that it represents. The power of a campus is that it is a vibrant urban place in which landscape and buildings work together and reinforce each other to create a strong sense of place. To realize that kind of quality requires the implementation of precise, bespoke and site-specific analysis, understanding and design solutions.

Global success factors

A campus is an optimistic, stimulating learning environment where social and functional practicalities are embedded in an attractive, warm and hospitable atmosphere and landscape. Over the years, CULD has realized a number of Campus designs, for both universities and companies.

Philips High Tech campus, central strip

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Coolhaven Urban Campus, overview with Waterfront Park

No two of these designs are alike. However, they do share certain qualities. The campus typology, as we have discovered through the analysis of successful campuses around the world, is enhanced by a number of global success factors. A good campus at least features a central, icon. It has to have clear accessibility and a pleasant landscaped environment with informal pathways. It displays certain monumentality. Within a defined identity it has to be flexible over time. And, crucially, it has to have a heart: The place to be, of which every user and visitor intuitively understands that this is the center of the place.

Reykjavik University campus, main building, impressionw

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campus development Public space quality and sustainability The connecting tissue in any campus is its public space. Through public space, a campus design gets anchored into its context. It is public space that binds together individual buildings and it is here that people can meet in an informal setting. The public realm determines the atmosphere of a place. The concept and design of the public space quality, design and system, is therefore critical to the success of a campus.

A clearly defined hierarchy is an important tool to ensure that public space comes alive and functions as required. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The place to beâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is generally the central point of focus in this public space hierarchy. Landscape design and specific features subsequently fill in the design, to make sure enough variety is provided, including gathering spaces, intimate and secluded places to relax and prominent iconic features like a central water body. In general, campuses facilitate sports activities successfully, to increase the

feeling of a healthy and energetic lifestyle. Landscaping quality lends itself extremely well to being combined with sustainability measures like water purification and green diversity. It can be taken to a new level by adding alternatives for car transport (such as bicycles) and applying good, upscale materials.

Philips High Tech campus, Eindhoven: creative exchange of ideas

The campus for the Philips Electronics

Erasmus University Campus, rendering of central place to be on Plaza

Philips High Tech campus, aerial overview Philips High Tech campus, parking solution

company, is the place where all the inventors and technology wizards have been grouped together. The campus provides a green, car-free environment with a central water body and the so-called facilities strip. This is the central spot where shops, restaurants, auditoriums and meeting rooms of the whole campus have been grouped together. It is the central square of this working village.

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Erasmus University Campus, overview

Erasmus University Campus, interior of the garage

Credits: CULD is a joint venture owned by Juurlink [+] Geluk ltd. and jvantspijker ltd. The CULD partners are: Huub Juurlink, Cor Geluk, Jaakko van ‘t Spijker.

Erasmus University Campus, Rotterdam

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The campus for the Erasmus University, which is currently under construction, is based on a strong new organization of the area by two central axes. These axes define the entrances, the wayfinding and the new atmospheres for university visitors. A new underground parking garage has been centrally inserted across the campus: it frees the public space for pedestrians and it brings visitors straight to the new heart of the campus: the crossing of the axes, where a new festivity square and a new student pavilion are the iconic eyecatchers of the place.

Coolhaven urban campus Rotterdam

The urban campus in Rotterdam is an urban puzzle piece on a crucial waterfront location in the center of the city of Rotterdam. A mix of different programs is envisaged for here, including a higher education college, student housing, a medical boulevard and care-programs. An extensive waterfront quay park will be the central connecting feature providing added quality to all programs alike.

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Reykjavik University campus, Iceland

The Reykjavik Campus project based its core identity of the adjacent forest. The campus was designed as an open place of knowledge surrounded by trees. A large central building with a large front square forms the central heart of the campus while a new public spine connects the rest of the complex together.

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Pa r k

Nobel Lake Park Redevelopment Concept

Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye-view of the proposed park

An urban park proposal for the redevelopment of Nobel Lake Park in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Zone of Shanghai, China, covering 4.4 hectares.

PROJECT SUMMARY:

he focus of this proposal is to revitalise the dead space and the surrounding community and businesses by adding attraction and additional functions to the Park. As a result, the Park features a new plaza with cafe and restaurants, aim to attract nearby office workers; Interesting Playgrounds, lawn and a multifunctional boat house, which provide more entertainment for nearby residents; while improving the passages and landscape, ecopreservation and environmental sustainability are also assured. Multi-functional Boat House, it has a viewing platform and a basement space that can be fitted for different social or commercial purposes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as cafeteria, park administration etc. Sunken Plaza, it revitalises the previously neglected open space by building commercial

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activities upon it. Perfect for nearby office workers and commuters to have lunch, casual client meetings or after work chill out. It features restaurant, bar, cafe and small retails. Section of Bibo Road towards the central island, featuring roadside parking, the health & fitness centre, lake canal and lakeside walk with wetlands.

PRESENTATION SUMMARY:

PREFACE From a primitive farmland into a Technology Park, the Zhangjiang Technology Innovation District Nobel Lake Parkland Redevelopment signifies

the acceleration of Zhanjiangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urbanization. This urbanization process carries great vision and wishes of developing Zhangjiangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Tech Zone with unprecedented innovation while achieving social, economic and environmental sustainability and harmonious social development envisioned by the council. With an already lush green parkland system and well established business, research and residential community within the Zhangjiang Technology Innovation District; the aim of Nobel Lake Park Redevelopment Project is to upgrade this ecological green land in to a space that provides better social

Section of the sunken plaza, right next to the lake.

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interaction and site linkage. This requires a strong understanding of the existing site condition, which is where our design proposal is generated from.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Nobel Lake Parkland is located in the heart of Zhangjiang Technology Innovation District occupying the 04-01 plot. It is a key component to Zhangjiang’s greater green network. The Technology Innovation District is represented by an educated demography and workforce that make up the country’s top tier technology manufacturing industry and research institutions. What is lacking is an interactive and energetic community that bring life to the whole district. As a part of government’s plan of ‘Focusing Zhangjiang’, several upgrades to the existing site is required in order to revitalise the district and increase its social, economic and ecological values.

AREA RELATION

Situated in Shanghai’s most rapidly urbanised Pudong district, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park is at an optimal location where advance rapid transport systems link the Hi-Tech Park to the nearby CBD. It is also the hub to other major industrial zones, seaports and airports. The potential for continuous growth is undeniable. Nobel Lake Park is situated in the centre of Zhangjiang Technology Innovation District, surrounded by large research institutions and Innovation Enterprises. North of the site is two large residential properties. The primary purpose of the park is thus providing leisure space for the surrounding working population and the nearby residential communities. Two colleges and one sports centre are situated further to the west of the site; their users are less likely to frequent Nobel Lake Park.

Section of the boulevard towards the Boat house.

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Excellent design, reasonable price

mmcite.com

WT BURDEN MIDDLE EAST FZS1 AE07 Jebel Ali Free Zone South PO Box: 261378 Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: 00971 48860700 Fax: 00971 48860701 streetfurniture@burdens.co.uk

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LATZ+PARTNER BY Silke Metzler

Latz + Partner are an internationally established practice based in Kranzberg, Germany, with an experience of more than 40 years in landscape architecture and town planning.

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Since we started, our main focus has been ecological urban and landscape renewal and development, connected with research in the field of alternative building technologies and with the achievement of long term development and maintenance programs.

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We are accustomed to working with international partners in multinational and interdisciplinary teams. Our design approach develops from the given site and its historical background, its particular conditions and existing aesthetic framework. Specific cultural attributes and context and climatic conditions add to a positive and authentic identity. We seek to deal with any arising challenges, engage with and fit them into place, to achieve a gripping creative dialogue.

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Blends naturally with any environment and landscape composition simple and elegant Modern flower pots with lights

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The office stands not only for quality of design but also for technical competence and know-how. It maintains a commitment to all work phases from design to execution, realization and review. Parc Central, Plateau de Kirchberg - Copyrights: The Copyright is indicated in the image names as follows: ML: © Michel Latz FUAK: © Fonds d’Urbanisation et d’Amenagement du Plateau de Kirchberg L+P: © Latz + Partner

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Pre-register online for your free visit to Outdoor Design Build & Supply! www.theoutdoorshow.ae

the international outdoor design, exteriors & landscaping tradeshow

25-27 March 2013 | Dubai World Trade Centre | UAE

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New Projects

middleeasttenders.com

+971 2 634 8495

Project Name

Description

Client

Country

Consultant

Contractor

Budget (USD)

Status

Al Bayt 57 Mixeduse Development Project

Development of Al Bayt 57 mixed-use scheme comprising (9 Nos.) 22-storey towers, including a branded 5-star hotel, (1,500 Nos.) two, three and four-bedroom apartments as well as penthouses, Grade A commercial office space and a Galleria retail mall covering 25,000 square metres.

Al Bayt Development Company (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

Dewan Architects & Engineers (Saudi Arabia)

N/A

New Project

Five-Star Hotel Resort Project – Fujairah Marriott Hotel & Executive Apartments Project

Construction of a five-star hotel resort comprising (200) rooms.

Al Ain Properties (Abu Dhabi)

UAE

National Engineering Bureau (Abu Dhabi)

N/A

55000000

New Project

Construction of five-star Marriott Hotel & Executive Apartments comprising (200) rooms and (75 Nos.) deluxe apartments.

Empire World (Iraq)

Iraq

Limah Design Consultants (Dubai)

N/A

New Project

Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Project – Nad Al-Sheba

Development of Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid scheme, including apartment buildings, villas, office blocks, a boutique hotel and a shopping mall.

Meydan L.L.C (Dubai)

UAE

Ae7 (Dubai)

N/A

New Project

Heavy Fuel Oil Tanks Rehabilitation Project - Yanbu Desalination Plant (Phase 2)

Carrying out rehabilitation of heavy fuel oil tanks 1 and 2 in Yanbu Desalination Plant (Phase 2).

Saline Water Conversion Corporation - SWCC (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

N/A

Al Dulaiman Establishment for Contracting (Saiudoi Arabia)

2000000

Current Project

Nafoora & Amal Fields Crude Oil Pipeline Construction Project

Construction of a 24-inch, 55-kilometre crude oil pipeline with a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) to connect Nafoora and Amal Fields.

National Oil Corporation - NOC (Libya)

Libya

N/A

Wintershall Holding GmbH (Germany)

38000000

Current Project

Steel Complex Project - Beni Sueif

Construction of a steel rolling mill and melt-shop to produce 1 million tonnes a year of rebar and billets.

Egypt

N/A

Hassan Allam Construction (Egypt)

N/A

Current Project

Sohar Ferrochrome Smelter Project-1

Construction of a ferrochrome smelter with capacity of 50,000 tonnes a year (t/y), including two furnaces each with a capacity of 16,500 kilovolt-amperes (keva) in Sohar Freezone.

Industrial Investments Company (IIC Steel) – Egypt Gulf Mining Materials Company (GMM) – Oman

Oman

N/A

Gulf Mining Materials Company (GMM) - Oman

30000000

Current Project

Propylene & Benzene Derivative Complex Project

Construction of a derivatives propane dehydrogenation (PDH) based propylene unit and a propylene derivatives complex with a capacity of 650 to 750kt/a of propylene and propylene derivatives and an aromatics plant with capacity of 500 to 700kt/a of benzene and 1,000 kt/a of p-xylene.

Qatar Petroleum (QP)

Qatar

N/A

New Project

PTA & PET Complex Project - Sohar Port

Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) plant with capacity of 1.1 million tonnes per annum and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plant with capacity of 500,000 tonnes per annum.

Oman Oil Company S.A.O.C.

Oman

N/A

850000000

New Project

Outlet Village Project

Construction of Outlet Village comprising retail high-end luxury brands and stores.

Meraas Development (Dubai)

UAE

N/A

New Project

Basra Cultural Centre Project

Construction of Basra Cultural Centre.

Iraq

Dewan Architects & Engineers (Iraq)

N/A

New Project

Bandar Jissah Resort Development Project

Development of Bandar Jissah Resort including construction of duplexes, villas, 5-star hotels, sports and recreational facilities and a heritage village.

Oman

Halcrow International (Oman)

N/A

New Project

Marsa Zayed Mixeduse Development Project - Phase 1

Design and construction of 3.2 squarekilometre Marsa Zayed mixed-use development comprising a 33-storey tower, 263 Village Flats that will be serviced by a neighbourhood retail and community centre, a grand mosque that will accommodate 2,000 worshippers, 146 townhouses and all infrastructure works - Phase 1.

Al Maabar Abdoun Real Estate Development Company (Jordan)

Jordan

Hill International Middle East Ltd. (Jordan)

Central Contracting Establishment (Jordan)

10000000000

Current Project

Terminal Construction & Associated Works Project - Muscat International Airport

Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build a new terminal at Muscat International Airport with capacity to handle 12 million passengers a year, including a runway, taxiway system, aprons, roads, utility buildings and other civil works.

Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC)

Oman

National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd. - NESPAK (Oman)

Bechtel Corporation (USA)

1800000000

Current Project

Basra Governorate (Iraq) Oman Tourism Development Company S.A.O.C (Omran)

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• Landscaping development the hard and soft scape • Irrigation • Horticultural supplies, lawns and specimen plants • email: info@zaidg.com • PO Box 4756 Riyadh 11412, KSA • email: dubai@zaidg.com • PO Box 181581 Dubai, UAE • website: www.zaidg.com

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

KHOBAR: Coast Road Tel. No.: 00966 (3) 8590066

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JEDDAH: Al Andalus Tel. No.: 00966 (2) 6686666

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