Landscape Jan'11

January 2011 Issue 43

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Kengo kuma’s intervention for the casalgrande ceramics Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Plants-PotsFountains-Garden FurnitureLandscaping and Flower Arrangements

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Comment

A New Year!

Published by:

MEMedia Publishing FZ LLC IMPZ PO Box 485005, Dubai, UAE Telephone: +971 4 4470927 Fax: +971 4 4470928 Managing Editor Nada Abdel Khalek Copy Editor John Hampton Features Editor Natasha Tourish Sales Manager Boushra Dinnawi

We just wrapped up another year! With 2010 behind us, we are looking forward to a new hopeful year.

Earlier last month there were two very optimistic news; first was FIFA’s decision to award Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup. A report published by the International Bank of Qatar, announced that Qatar plans to spend $100bn on constructing or upgrading infrastructure over the coming years. As part of the plan, the government will spend more than $40bn on projects. It will include, a number of mega projects mainly in the transportation and housing sectors. The plan also includes a $25bn metro and rail network. Not to forget the $10bn New Doha International Airport, and other projects which include a $ 7bn deep-water seaport and a $ 1bn crossing to link the new airport with projects in the northern part of Doha.

On another note Saudi Arabia unveiled the government’s expansionary budget for 2011 of $bn154.7 which shows an annual increase of 7.4 per cent.

These news and with the new positive mood we are witnessing in the UAE, will have a positive impact on the region’s economy and will create thousands of new job opportunities and guarantee future growth.

Art Director Andy Mondaya Contributors Elif Bonelli Rochelle Greayer Mario Pisani Jimena Martignoni Eman Kamel Printed by Al Nisr Publishing LLC

Nada Abdel Khalek

Distributed by Emirates Post UAE January 2011 Issue 43

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

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

www.landscape-me.com

rrari World

Kengo kuma’s intervention for the casalgrande ceramics Landscape Cover Jan'11.indd 1

12/29/10 12:23:33 PM

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January 2011

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20 A Shopping Center with a green meadow on the roof

24 Canada’s treasured Tree Museum 32 Kengo kuma’s intervention for the casalgrande ceramics

36 Green Roof for the City 42 Women in landscape

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who’s who Current position & company Director, Verdaus Landscape Architects. I co-founded Verdaus Landscape Architects Dubai in 2004.

Academic qualifications Bachelor of Built Environment (Distinction), Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

How many years have you worked in the Middle East?

Nine years.

Which major projects have you been involved with throughout your career?

Sohar University Masterplan This was a very rewarding project that followed a positive design process. The design of the campus demanded an integrated approach between the landscape architect and architect. Achieving the right relationships between the internal and external spaces was particularly important. The architect was a strong collaborator and the client was also very much involved in the design process. The whole project team worked very well together and I think it shows in the final design. This project is now under construction.

Parliament House of Oman Verdaus were appointed by the Government of Oman as the landscape architect for the New Parliament House of Oman. It is an honour to be involved with a project of this calibre, of the highest national significance. The design issues have been very interesting. The most pressing issue was the sheer monumental scale of the architecture. This needed to be addressed to provide a sense of human scale and context. We worked in three dimensions to analyse, address, and communicate the scale of

Majlis Oman

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Laith Wark

Zohar University

spaces around the building. The client’s response to our design was very encouraging. This project is under construction and I am looking forward to seeing it take shape over the next two years.

Other projects include; Dubai Silicon Oasis Phases 1-2, Veneto East Phases 1-10, Dubai World Trade Centre Phases 15, Dubai Waterfront. A number of transport, infrastructure and open space projects in Australia. Overall I have had experience with approximately 200 projects up to now.

Describe your Dream Project My dream project is to improve the quality of life for people who live in an unsatisfactory environment. Dubai is close to several countries where people suffer very poor living conditions. As a landscape architect I have the skills to make physical environments better places for living in. I feel very fortunate to have these skills and believe it is part of the consultant’s responsibility to contribute towards making better living places for the wider community. I was recently inspired by two projects by other consultants that improved the built environment to benefit local communities. The first project was located in Indore, India. The consultant worked with the local community to install an underground sewerage network and improve surface drainage to avoid flooding in people’s living quarters. This project won an Aga Khan award for architecture.

The second project was in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, and provided surface drainage and recreational open space for the people living there. There is a link to more information about these projects on our blog at www.verdaus.com/blog.

How do you see the future of the landscape industry in the GCC region developing?

The last few years has been a period of immense change and challenge for the construction industry. Before December 2008 the market was dominated by projects related to speculative real estate and tourism. This changed dramatically at the end of 2008. Over the past few years the type of projects has diversified, particularly with increasing public space and civic infrastructure projects. More public space projects are coming online in the region. I believe these projects will be good opportunities for landscape architects. The profession has a strong track record in developing the public realm and recreational open space.

The future looks bright also because of the growing interest in green infrastructure, ie. working with living nature to improve urban air quality, treat waste water, remove pollutants from urban storm water runoff, and provide other services. This approach needs close collaboration between many disciplines, including landscape architects, civil and environmental engineers, and scientists.

Although we are landscape architects, Verdaus use infrastructure engineering software to increase our ability to collaborate with engineers. In future I see landscape architects working more closely with other disciplines to provide urban infrastructure.

In terms of developing the built environment I believe the role of landscape industry as a whole is increasing.

DWTC Phase 1

What is your Motto in life?

Values are our most valuable assets.

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

news & events

EnviroCities 2010 conference urges to work for zero carbon cities

Dr.Rashid Bin Fahad

Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah speak during the conference

Dr. Rashid Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and Water said the Green Building rule will be implemented at the federal level from the beginning of next year in government projects in the first phase as the council of ministers had taken a decision in this regard in July.

He was speaking during the inauguration of the second international conference, EnviroCities 2010, under the title, “Green Cities,” at Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Denis Hayes, Earth Day Founder, Philip Jordan, Mayor of Phoenix, Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and a number of dignitaries and experts from various parts of the world in the field of environment.

Lootah, who delivered the speech on behalf of the patron of the event, Sheikh Hamdan, stressed the academic importance of the conference and the urgent need for the convening of such conferences, which examine the issue of green cities, which is one of the important topics because of its obvious implications for the system of ecological balance.

Environment Minister announces Green Building rule implementation at federal level from next year

“The adoption of the Green Cities project will bring ecological balance in our cities of today,” Lootah said, emphasizing the concern for good government.

“Through the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai we started the application of green building specifications on all buildings and facilities in the emirate according to the best global environmentfriendly standards,” he said.

Denis Hayes challenged the participants to design and construct a 10-story office building in each of their cities that produces as much energy from the sunshine that falls on it as it uses.

Hayes also called for the creation of truly sustainable cities that will safeguard the human population while also serving to protect the natural world.

He said truly sustainable cities will promote education, creativity, community, productivity, and the frugal use of scarce resources.

The first session of the conference was addressed by Prof. Spiro N. Pollalis of Harvard University, who talked about the “challenges in transitions to green cities,” followed by a presentation by Eng. Essa

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Al Maidour, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Engineering and Planning Sector, who gave details about “Green Building Codes in Dubai.

The other speakers of the day included,” Andreas Georgoulias, also of Harvard University, who gave a lecture on “Clean Green Cities.”

In session two of the inaugural day, Dr. Nawal Hosany from Masdar, talked on the subject, “Towards Zero Carbon Cities,” Naser Bu Shehab and Mohammed El Hashmi of RTA jointly presented a paper on “Green Mass Transport, Fuels, Metro/Hybrid,” and Dr. Adam Cade of Sustainability Education Consultancy, Frankfurt, gave tips on the quality of life in Green cities during his lecture titled, “Lean to Green lifestyles.”

The second day of EnviroCities 2010 conference saw the presentation of eight working papers on various topics related to green cities by regional and international experts in the field.

Matthew Plumbridge, consultant environmental and sustainability planning, Department of Municipal Affairs, Abu Dhabi, talked about the Abu Dhabi experience in transforming towards Green City.

He said the integrated regulatory framework of Abu Dhabi Municipality include green building codes,

which focuses on durability, ventilation, safety and quality. The frame work also includes energy code and fire code.

“The impact of Climate Change on our cities has been recently severely manifested in the floods in Pakistan, Philippines and Italy causing major landslides and destruction to nature and manmade environment, the blistering heat waves in Europe this summer, the major droughts, heat in Russia causing forest fire, and the Tsunami,” said Aboulnaga.

“According to the United Nations 2009 report on water shortage, and keeping in mind the world’s high energy consumption rates, it is becoming assertive that strategy and policy, and its assessment tools in sustainable national planning should be firmly developed and exploited to put forward appropriate key performance indicators to encounter such great challenges and ensure our cities are sustainable,” said Aboulnaga.

the Departments of Architecture and Interior Design at the American University of Dubai presented his paper on “Green design at the inception stages-case of Ste. Maxime, France.” Chenaf said green design is not a choice anymore as more and more people are aware of the danger of pollution and the waste of resources as well as the benefit from the respect of nature and use of renewable energy.

The conference called for paying attention to effectively managing all aspects of life in the city and directing them towards sustainability, in addition to caring to transport the energy in the city buildings to the neighbourhood and at the same time, measure its impact on the city and make the environment green as part of the priorities and concerns of daily life. It

also appealed to work on the development of systems used in transport to achieve the greatest possible degree of rationalization of energy consumption.

Other recommendations include formulation of new laws with dimensions of contemporary reality, concerted efforts of various parties to promote mass transit as one of the items with the greatest impact on the urban environment, search for alternatives means of transport using environment-friendly energy sources, provide appropriate infrastructure to encourage walking or cycling, and establish a sustainable scientific research complex including scientists and researchers in the country aimed at achieving the construction of the green city.

Narciso Zacarias, expert from Dubai Municipality presented his paper on cool green cities in which he talked about Dubai Aerial Thermal Survey.

He said that due to the construction boom in the city of Dubai it is becoming densely populated and this led to temperature rise due to influence of hot and humid climate that experiences a pronounced Urban Heat Island (UHI).

The burden of the UHI can have significant impact on human health and thermal comfort consequences needing more energy consumption for cooling thus effecting urban air pollution, Zacarias pointed out.

“With Dubai Municipality’s commitment to promote sustainable development, the Environment Department in association with Geographical Information System (GIS) launched the Dubai Aerial Thermal Survey study with a contract from COWI Gulf A/S in October 2009 to map thermal data of the city to understand the prevalence of UHI and to identify the objects being heated and emitting heat to the surroundings,” he said.

“The aerial collection of thermal data was made in the 1st week December 2009 over the 600 sq. km area of urban environment. In relation to the aerial thermal mapping survey, COWI Gulf A/S measured the surface heat island by remote thermal sensors mounted to an aircraft with over 31,000 thermographs were captured during the flyover,” said Zacarias.

“The report refers to best practices and additional thermal reading findings which can aid Dubai Municipality in its decision making and future plans on how to address the UHI phenomenon. Socioeconomic and demographic data at the next stages of planning level will be used to quantify exposure to urban heat island magnitude among residents. It was inferred that future research should be focused on design and planning parameters for reducing the effects of urban heat island and ultimately living in a better environment,” said Zacarias.

Prof. Nabyl Chenaf, Associate Professor and Chair of

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news & events

Makita goes green...

Makita “Go Green” mark represents how seriously Makita is focusing and working on ecology.

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s a global supplier of a comprehensive range of power tools that assist people in creating homes and living environments, it is vital that we consider the environmental impact of each person’s lifestyle and recognize that environmental issues such as global warming concern us directly. The entire Makita Group is working to create a sustainable recycling-oriented society that combines the environment with the economy by reviewing our business activities and lifestyles from the ground up.

We have established long-term goals for saving energy, reducing CO2 emissions, achieving zero emissions from waste, and reducing the use of specific chemicals, and we are implementing activities to preserve the environment by setting numerical targets for these goals every year. Our products include power tools that use lightweight, long-life lithium-ion batteries, and we will continue to develop products that are friendly to both users and the environment.

Pierre Abboud designs announced the implementation of wooden sculpture, under the name of “The Falcon’s Nest”, on the streets of the most prestigious location in the world, Downtown Burj Khalifa.

The Sculpture, which will be constructed using white wood crisscrossed to create “The Falcon Nest” in a very abstract and minimalistic way, will stand 7 meters high, spanning 24 meters in length and 16 meters in width.

Designer Pierre Abboud said “this sculpture is inspired by this great nation we live in, which resembles “The Falcon Nest”; each piece of wood is a muscle, hand and a person connecting to build this multicultural force” Pierre Abboud will be implementing the sculpture so that it illustrated different symbols from different views on the street; the aerial view of the sculpture will show the falcon shape spreading its wings in the sky, whilst walking through and under the sculpture will make it appear to be a bird’s nest and standing next to the sculpture will portray the view of the earth and promote the feel of unity.

Pierre Abboud, is a creative Lebanese art lover of many talents in painting, sculpture and design.

Pierre inspired by the national day on 2nd of December, 2010 to create “The Falcon Nest” .

THE FALCON NEST

Pierre Abboud brings Art to the street

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Makita Mini 4-Stroke Engines Valve system

New compact plug

High Performance

Compact

Nickel plating on cylinder

High-silicone aluminum alloy piston

Easy Maintenance

Double element with filter and sponge

Clean Exhaust Emissions

Low Consumption

Sintered cam gear

Low Noise Oil separator

Exhaust gas is 1/10 of an equivalent 2-stroke engine

(200H of Operation)

Makita 24.5mL 4-Stroke Engine Brushcutter

0.45 0.48

Makita 25.4mL 4-Stroke Engine Brushcutter

0.75

Makita 25.4mL 4-Stroke Engine Brushcutter

24.5mL 0 2-Stroke Engine Brushcutter

0.25

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Makita 24.5mL 4-Stroke Engine Brushcutter

0.5

1.0L/h

Needle bearing on both ends of connecting rod

100 0

25

The force required to pull the starter rope is drastically reduced by the Mechanical decompression system that features our original centrifugal structure in the cam gear.

Fuel Cost Engine Oil Cost

24.5mL 2-Stroke Engine Brushcutter

0.75

Decompression System:

Clean Exhaust Emissions

Fuel Consumption up to 40% better Total Cost up to 60% better

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Numbers in the charts may differ under some conditions.

100%

Emission Gas for Ten 4-Stroke Engine

Gas for = Emission One 2-Stroke Engine

Check ball

Makita proven 4-Stroke Engines offer: Higher performance, compact and light weight design, clean exhaust emissions, low running cost, easy maintenance and low noise advantages compared with equivalent size 2-Stroke Engines.

Makita 4-Stroke Engines deliver high torque and horsepower. The maximum torque and horsepower of a Makita 4-stroke Engine is almost the same as those of an equivalent 2-Stroke Engine.

Petrol Brushcutter -Bike Handle type EM2650UH (25.4 c.c.)

Rigid and Light engine with magnesium alloy Clutch case

Rubberized soft grip provides more comfort and better control Easy, Reliable Starting Automatic Decompression ensuresa light and smooth pull for start.

Triple damper system reduces vibration for comfort operation.

Ergonomically designed with large bike handle

Petrol Blower - 4-stroke BHX2500 (24.5 c.c.)

Cruise Control Lever

End pipe (is sold separately)

Fuel Tank Protection Guard Thumb Rest

Ergonomical handle with cruise control lever and thumb rest.

Fuel Tank Ergonomically contoured.

Two Tools in One Sliding “plug cover” allows easy access to spark plug.

Vacuum attachment (is sold separately)

Large opening port for easy oil inspection and oil change.

U.A.E

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SAUDI ARABIA

NASER AL SAYER & CO. L.L.C. P.O. BOX # 1825 DUBAI, U.A.E. TEL: 00 971 4 2222471 FAX: 00 971 4 2275803 E mail: nascomt@emirates.net.ae

GULF SERVICES & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES CO. LLC P/O. BOX # 2250, RUWI 112, SULTANATE OF OMAN TEL: 00 968 24811238 FAX: 00 968 24816146 E mail: gsiscom@omantel.net.om

KHUSHEIM COMPANY FOR INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT P.O. BOX # 119, DAMMAM 31411, SAUDI ARABIA. TEL: 00 966 3 8333574 FAX: 00 966 3 8325451 E mail: sales@khusheim.com

KUWAIT

BAHRAIN

QATAR

ARABI COMPANY W.L.L MAKITA SHOWROOM, CANADA DRY STREET, P.O. BOX # 4090, SAFAT-13041,KUWAIT. TEL: 00 965 4829817, 4714551 FAX: 00 965 4742566 E mail: info@arabicompany.net

M.H.AL.MAHROOS P.O. BOX # 65, MANAMA BAHRAIN TEL: 00 973 17408090 FAX: 00 973 17404323 E mail: almahroos@almahroos.com

ANTON NEHMEH P.O. BOX # 99, DOHA, QATAR TEL: 00 974 4375058 FAX: 00 974 4375057 E mail: makitasales@nehmeh.com

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MAKITA GULF FZE P.O. Box: 17133, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

TEL: +971 (04) 8860804, FAX: +971 (04) 8860805, Email: mgfdubai@makitagulf.ae

news & events

Nick Bowles and Danny Powell at the opening ceremony

Opening of the new fishing shop in the Dubai Garden Centre The Dubai Garden Centre, the largest one-stop garden and plant shop in the UAE, together with Ocean Active, have recently introduced a new section dedicated for fishing accessories.

This new corner is meant to offer a wide range of tools for the fishing lovers in the UAE, who can get all their fishing equipments, supplies, and gear. Weather you need a new set of pliers, a new fishing knife, a new fishing tackle box, fish hooks, fishing tackle, a new set of fishing rod, the talented staff will provide customers with unmatched service and fishing knowledge.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Mr Danny Powell, General Manager of the Dubai Garden Centre, explained the new store concept, and how the shop will now cater for the landscaping experts, gardening enthusiasts, and the avid fisherman.

Mr Nick Bowles, who will be in charge of this new section, is one of the founders of Ocean Active, a Dubai based company operating since 2004 that offers a wide range of fishing charters and trips in the Middle East.

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new products Giving storm water a second chance On July 7, 2010, United States EPA Administrator designated all of the Los Angeles River a “Traditional Navigable Water,” strengthening environmental regulation not only for the river, but also for the tributary streams and wetlands that comprise the Los Angeles River watershed. Now developers and businesses that operate along the mostly 82 kilometer cement lined river, as well as those that impact water in the 216,000 hectares of the river’s watershed, will have to consider the implications of compliance with the Clean Water Act (“CWA”).

Water flowing from the drainage channel is intercepted and pumped into the EPIC System below the park for irrigation and after bio-filtration is released back into the drainage channel.

Irrigation Project are currently underway and runoff from 3,700 acres of land adjacent to South Fairfax Avenue will be targeted in an effort to reduce storm water pollution that currently flows into Ballona Creek and Santa Monica Bay.

LA River during droughts

Once completed in July 2011 this project will help to reduce beach closures, increase tourism, benefit marine habitat and enable the city to meet storm water pollutant reduction goals while using storm water to irrigate the park’s landscape.

water reclamation plants discharged the majority (72 percent) of the volume flowing in the Los Angeles River during this study.” This discharge was found to contain “the highest concentrations and greatest mass emissions of nutrients including nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and total phosphate.”

The side benefit of storm water reuse is that all of these pollutants are nothing more than nutrients

According to the “Characterization of Water Quality in the Los Angeles River” study conducted in 2000 that sought to identify sources of potential pollutants and measure water quality along the river, there are three primary sources of pollution in the Los Angeles River flow: discharge from three water reclamation plants, outflow from river tributaries into the river, and storm drain outfalls.

LA River during rains Perhaps anticipating the ruling or just establishing themselves as having foresight in cutting edge technology, the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering’s Project Manager Ahmed Iftekhar acquired the assistance of the design staff at EPIC Green Solutions (www.epic-green.com) – an International, UAE based water management company with an emphasis on irrigation, storm water and environmental solutions. Together they embarked on a first of its kind BMP to construct the Westside Park Rainwater Irrigation Project.

Construction efforts for the $2.9 million (USD) Proposition O funded Westside Park Rainwater

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The study also found that 14 percent of the river’s flow was from tributaries and 13.8 percent of the river flow was from storm drain outfalls. The study identified seven tributaries and 127 storm drain outfalls along the river, of which 105 outfalls were flowing and 87 had sufficient flow to allow water quality measurements. Of the outfalls and tributaries sampled, it was found that 66 flowing storm drains and six flowing tributaries accounted for “the highest concentrations and mass emissions of bacteria including total coliform, E. coli, and Enterococcus.”

Conducted in what would be considered a fairly dry month, the study found that, “The three

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Irrigation water source for Westside park that can be used in the vegetative plant growth in the sub-surface EPIC system without any public health exposure or concerns. It is here that the versatility of the EPIC System is seen as it acts as both an irrigation and bio filtration system.

“One of the big benefits of the Westside Park Rainwater Irrigation Project is how it will reduce the need for outside water sources for irrigation in this park,” says Wing Tam of the City of Los Angeles Storm water Program. “In a drought year, using rainwater for irrigation will

It is here that the versatility of the EPIC System is seen as it acts as both an irrigation and bio filtration system Installation of the EPIC sub-surface irrigation and filtration system drastically reduce potable water use in the area and cut our expenses significantly.”

Reusing rainwater is at the heart of the Westside Park Rainwater Irrigation Project. Off-site surface runoff will be diverted from an existing storm drain to a lift station that will filter water through a screen removing floatable waste and heavy sediments. A filtration system consisting of a two-acre network of EPIC sub-surface irrigation pipes in a sand profile will provide water to the park’s natural vegetation through root uptake.

Excess filtered storm water will be stored in a series of underground chambers. Once these chambers reach their capacity, the surplus water is discharged towards a dry creek and back into a storm drain significantly cleaner.

A closer look at the EPIC System below the ground In addition, the Westside Park will benefit the surrounding neighborhood. A playground, that will be financed through sources other than Proposition O, will be developed providing children and their families with a universally accessible playground to enjoy during a sunny

weekend afternoon. An outdoor fitness center featuring exercise equipment will draw healthenthusiasts of all ages. Lastly, a new solarpowered lighting system and fencing will make the surrounding community a safer place for the Angelenos who call the La Cienega/Fairfax area their home.

It is multi-beneficial projects like this that make our communities better,” says Cynthia Ruiz, president, Board of Public Works. “It is exciting that we are moving forward with this important storm water improvement project that will not only affect Westside Park, but the neighborhood at large.”

W P CC protec ts pr imeval forests. O ur first objec tive wa s to d e velop the technology to create a composite wood su p e r i o r to natural wood in order to combat the thoug ht l e s s l u m ber ing of forest trees.

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new products

CITYSì CITYSì is the “positive city”, the pursuit of the domestic dimension outside the confined space of a house. It is a new way of thinking on how to live the contemporary city.

2 The company has showcased the new catalogue “URBANDESIGN2011” at SUN exhibition in Rimini obtaining a great response thanks to the new, up-to-date, unique and very tidy products. CITYSì has entered the urban design market with a strong background in materials workmanship and the solid enthusiasm of young designers, well focused on the modern ways of living the cities and their spaces.

Open spaces of the city nowadays are “home outside home”, and these spaces must be comfortable and nice when used, both in an urban contest or immersed in the nature of a park.

CITYSì products are made with resistant materials, extremely suitable for any usage: iron and exotic wood, are crafted according to the highest quality standards and are designed to last longer.

CITYSì comes to life to give more value to the urban design. Benches, planters, bins, shelters are everyday life, art creations that everyone can use, see, and live leading to the exploration of new concepts of space for a “positive city”

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3 1-Linea acciaio Bench 2-Dali Bench 3-Smith Bin 4-Churchill Recycling Bin 5-Incontro Seat

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

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company profile

LIGMAN igman Lighting Co., Ltd. was founded in 1995 under the name ‘Lightech Products Industrial Company Ltd’ to provide quality high end architectural outdoor lighting solutions in Thailand.

Since 2006, the company is designing, manufacturing and distributing outdoor lighting luminaire solutions under the brand name “LIGMAN”. With this objective, the company was renamed to “Ligman Lighting Company Ltd.” With the Slogan “The Quality of Life”, LIGMAN Lighting Company provides high quality Lighting solutions that can meet the expectations and requirements of customers and also enables them to collaborate with architects, lighting designers, lighting engineers and other designers in this area of expertise.

LIGMAN is specialized in designing, developing,

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testing, manufacturing and distributing comprehensive lines of outdoor luminaire products for domestic consumption and export to many countries in the region of Asia Pacific, as well as the Middle East, North America, South America, Africa and Europe. Our designed lighting fixtures offer clients a wide variety of products for their outdoor lighting needs.

LIGMAN also has the ability to manufacture products to meet the specific needs of customers.

We at Ligman, are immensely proud of our worldwide clients with whom we have joined hands through our outdoor lighting solutions in illuminating, beautifying and building safe and beautiful cities, building and public parks. The management in Ligman is committed to communicating and delivering a clear direction to its employees.

Our employees are recognized for their contributions.

Continuous efforts are made to assure that our employees are working in an environment that provides good quality of life, positive discipline.

Our employees are nurtured with continuous training and development. Our continuous learning environment for our staff enables them to have an indefinite improvement in managing all the resources.

LIGMAN Quality Management System has been organized in accordance with ISO 9001:2000 includes : Management responsibility, Quality Management System, Sales contract review, design and development control, document control, purchasing, control of purchaser supplied products, product identification, process and production control, inspection and testing, measuring and test equipment, inspection and test status, control of nonconforming items, corrective

action, handling, warehouse and delivery, quality records, internal quality audits, training and statistical methods .

LIGMAN products are of high quality; a corrosion resistant, low copper content aluminium alloy ADC12 is used for all luminaries bodies.

Example of projects supplied by LIGMAN in the Middle East: • TGKF Restaurant - Oman • AMA University - Bahrain • Qatar Towers - Qatar • Green Community Phase 1 - Dubai, UAE • Knowledge Village Phase 1 & 2 - Dubai, UAE • Marriott Courtyard Hotel - Dubai, UAE • Liwa Tower -Dubai, UAE • Emirates School - Dubai, UAE • Silicon Oasis - Dubai, UAE

• Emirates Population Statistics Office - UAE • Petrofac Head Quarters - Sharjah, UAE • Jbr B01 & B03 - Dubai, UAE • Etihaad Airways Hq - Abu Dhabi, UAE • Arenco - Staff Accomodation, Dubai, UAE • Emirates Gas Building External - Dubai, UAE • Green Community North Apartments - Dubai, UAE • Jebel Ali Gardens Residential - Dubai, UAE • Al Marsa Tower - Dubai, UAE • Uptown Mirdiff Villas - Dubai, UAE • Dubai Helath Care City - Dubai, UAE • Dr. Moopen’s Hospital Al Safa - Dubai, UAE

The same grade is used in the automobile industry. The high pressure die cast bodies provide mechanical strength and excellent heat dissipation characteristics ideal for both low and high ambient temperature applications. All external screws used are made of 316 Stainless Steel and our fittings use Silicone grease where there is contact between stainless steel and aluminium (such as tapping holes to prevent corrosion that can be caused by chemical reaction between two different kinds of metal material).

LIGMAN subjects all exposed aluminium components to a tightly controlled, double step pre-treatment by decreasing and chromating for 15 minutes then baking for 15 minutes before applying a UV stabilized polyster powder coat finish. The baking of the powder takes place in a curing oven at a temperature of approximately 200º C for 20 minutes. This process provides excellent corrosion resistance, powder coat adhesion and colour stability.

MIDDLE EAST office

Ligman Lighting ME (FZE) I Tel: +971 6 5578950 I Fax: +971 6 5578951 Email: info@ligmanme.comI www.ligmanme.com

Head office

Ligman Lighting Co. Ltd. I Tel: +66 2 7339140 I Fax: +66 2 7339154 Email: info@ligmanlighting.com I www.ligmanlighting.com

UK office

I Tel: +44 019 23247254 I Fax: +44 01923226772 Email: info@ligmanlighting.co.uk I www.ligmanlighting.co.uk Ligman Lighting UK Ltd.

USA office

Ligman Lighting USA Inc. I Tel: +1 503 6450500 I Fax: +1 503 6458100

Email: info@ligmanlightingusa.com I www.ligmanlightingusa.com

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

17

new products Translation armchair & table pouf

by Alain Gilles

A NEW WAY OF LIFE ! . . from France ROTODESIGN have launched a new brand of modern outdoor design furniture: Qui est Paul? Based on their expert knowledge of manufacturing with plastic materials, Rotodesign has produced high quality furnishings, specifically designed to be resistant against the harsh outdoor climate.

Our Products

Each product is produced in France with the key technical requirements for the outdoors in mind, all products are: Polyethylene HD - colour directly tinted in the mass- UV resistant- Fully recycableCan resist temperature going from -20°C to +60°CUsable inside or outside- very easy to clean with soft cloth and a solution of warm water. Qui est Paul? is distributed by more than 600 partners all over the world in 40 countries, with 40% of its turnover being made with export activities.

Qui est Paul ? is now a well known brand in the design world, exhibiting at all the top

international design shows, including: Maison & Objet in Paris, Milan, Sidim in Montreal, Dubai Show, Interior in Courtrai, Moscow, Hogatec in Dusseldorf .The company hopes to distribute various lines of their original products through the Middle East. They recognize that there is a different ambiance in this region and hope to cater to all tastes and desires.

Models were created by several young famous and fashionable European designers like Cedric Ragot and Alain Gilles. The soft lines of this armchair offers a relaxing seat. This

table is playing with points of view. An-gles and roundnesses are teasing each other while hollows balance fullnesses. This sofa is speci ed by its fashionable aesthetic. Its lines are soft.

Fusion between the lounge spirit and work on organic shapes, creates lounge chair which has been sculpted in order to bring an optimised comfort to its users. Thanks to its slim lines, it will look at home in any natural settings. The lightness of its base brings an increased visual lightness as well as comfort. It will add distinction to any of your interiors, on you terraces or by your pool.

Qui est Paul ?

is the question for new generations of design lovers.

In three years, the brand has grown and established its own identity with original models, funny shapes and 13 different standard colours to entice consumers. Elegance, tension and balance merge together to create a furniture range with generous and comfortable lines for an indoor and outdoor use.

Stool Kenny & Garden Party

by Cédric Ragot et Alain Gilles

Chaise Longue Organic

by Nicolas Le Nocher

Marketing Management, Alain Gilles went on to work in the financial world. But one has to live one’s own life. So, thanks to the moral support of his wife, he went back to studying Industrial design in France. He assisted Xavier Lust in his creations, but was eventually hired by Quinze & Milan before graduating. He opened is own studio in 2007 in order to pursue his own dreams and develop his personal approach to product design, furniture design, art direction and interior architecture.

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Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

12/29/10

Profile of Alain Gillies; Design as a second life. After studying Political Sciences and

rdens Leader LANDSCAPE MAGAZINPage 1

in Design, L’ENSCI - Les Ateliers in 1999, he founded his own studio in 2002 at the age of 29. Always seeking to provoke, in a natural way, the thoughts, emotions and desires of the individual, his design combine the functional aspects of an object with a proposition that is strong in both concept and appearance. Combining creativity with industrial reality he is involved in every creative eld - from the masse market to highly specifc products.

10:22:24 AM

Profile of Cedric Ragot; Graduating from the French National Institute for Advanced Studies

UAE: Gardens Leader Trading LLC Tel: +971 4 283 1070 • Fax: +971 4 283 2595 • Email: info@gleader.ae KSA: M . Z . International Tel: +966 2 639 36 07 • Fax: +966 2 639 65 95 • Email: info@mzint.org

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

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KSA: M . Z . International Tel: +966 2 639 36 07 • Fax: +966 2 639 65 95 • Email: info@mzint.org

UAE: Gardens Leader Trading LLC Tel: +971 4 283 1070 • Fax: +971 4 283 2595 • Email: info@gleader.ae

international designs

A Shopping Center with a green meadow on the roof:

The Meydan-Center in Istanbul has model character

By Roland Appl, Technical Director of ZinCo GmbH

A part of the roof area has been developed accessible and invite you to linger.

Photo courtesy of ZinCo Gmbh

O

n the Asian side of Istanbul in the suburb “Ümraniye” adjacent to an “IKEA-market” which was already opened in May 2005 a future-oriented shopping center of the Metro Group Asset Management (MAM) was opened in August 2007, after only about two years of construction. The new shopping center “Meydan”, which in

Turkish means “marketplace” or “meeting point”, according to the client stands for a completely new concept in shopping malls. As the “first shopping square of the world“, according to MAM, the new building with its open architecture is designed to invite to shop and linger. The innovation of this concept is that a total of 50 shops, restaurants and cafes are structured into five ‘theme worlds’ located

around the central plaza. Thus, visitors will find the shops and entertainment areas combined and quickly accessible via stairs and ramps, and not spread over an in total 70,000 m² large building complex.

The unusual architecture combined with specific technology is also new to the shopping center “Meydan”. Created as natural meadows and partially accessible roof areas, smooth transitions between

An overview of the construction site before the green roof installation starts. Photo courtesy of ZinCo Gmbh

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the different building structures and one of the largest geothermal plants in Europe with more than 200 drillings up to 150 m deep, which allows for the climatefriendly heating and cooling of the Meydan Shopping Center make it an innovative retail development which is unparalleled.

A shopping center as a “green oasis” with opportunities to play, walk and picnic surrounded by a district dominated by concrete buildings was the concept of the London architects of Foreign Office Architects (FOA). With this concept they had prevailed in a fourday workshop with five internationally renowned teams of architects in 2005.

The shopping-center reminds one of the original look of the emerging district while at the same time setting forward-looking accents. The roof landscape, for example, covered with grasses and herbs represents a throwback into the past of today’s booming district of “Ümraniye” because this was until a few decades ago still a rural suburb with about 900 inhabitants. In

recent years the number rose to 650,000 inhabitants and in addition, many international companies have located here to benefit from the favorable location at the crossroads of the main arteries between the Asian and the European part of the city.

The architecture of the shopping square functions as a public space in the middle of the sprawling sea of buildings in the district. The urban design concept takes up the existing and expected pedestrian access routes of residents into the area.

The concept leads people over green sloping roofs to the center of the shopping complex. “Meydan” is aimed at all generations of Istanbul but is especially attractive to the younger ones, who make up about 50% of the population. In addition to the anchor stores “Media Markt“ and “Real“ there is a fashion and sports world, numerous service shops, a large cinema complex and a versatile food-court. Meydan Shopping Center already became a meeting place of the city. On a busy weekend it attracts more than 50,000 visitors.

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international designs

A water feature is located in the center of the plaza, which can be used in winter also for ice-skating. Photo courtesy of ZinCo Gmbh The plaza is generous and open while the 50 stores that were placed around are rather pushed more in the background. Photo courtesy of ZinCo Gmbh Green Roofs presented a challenge To achieve the natural vegetation that was desired by the architects on the folded and sometimes very steep sloped roof surfaces represented a special challenge. Because of the variety of roof situations and different usages - 16.000 m² flat roof not accessible, 1.250 m² flat roof accessible, 11.900 m² sloped roof up to approx. 25° pitch und 1500 m² steep pitched roof up to more than 35° - four different green roof systems were used by the system manufacturer ZinCo. The

installation from March to August of 2007 was carried out by ZinCo’s Turkish partner Onduline Avrasya AS. The roof construction – consisting of trapezoidal sheets with thermal insulation made of expanded polystyrene foam - was waterproofed with a root-resistant, single-layer membrane that also came from a German production (Rhepanol of FDT FlachdachTechnologie GmbH & Co. KG), so that directly after installation of the necessary shear barriers in the steep roof areas the green roof installation could be started.

Garden furniture placed on the accessible roof areas invite you to linger. Photo courtesy of ZinCo Gmbh.

The protection mats, drainage elements of the types Floradrain® und Floraset®, system filters as well as the Georaster®elements for the steep roof areas have been delivered previously from Germany, while the approx. 3300 m³ extensive and intensive substrate used in the project has been mixed in Turkey according to ZinCo-Specification, and has been analyzed regularly for its suitability. Staff at ZinCo’s engineering department, which even worked out the recipe for the grass mixture, as well as the responsible Export Manager Mr. Karl-Heinz Braun, who had to take over, at times, construction management tasks in Istanbul, showed a total commitment to the task here. Finally, the effort was worth it. The vegetation has grown rapidly and established well, also due to the integrated irrigation system in the green roof build-up. The amount of water has been reduced more and more over time to accustom the vegetation to a certain stress level.

The example Meydan-Center shows that shopping centers and other large building projects not necessarily need to result in the sealing of “greenfield” areas, but that with appropriate ideas and concepts, and of course with the necessary technology even a “green oasis” within dense development can be created. The example could be transferred also to the entire Arabian Peninsula...

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Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Water Solutions changing the Middle East 5IF UFDIOPMPHZ PG &1*$ (SFFO 4PMVUJPOT IBT CFFO DIBOHJOH UIF GBDF PG XBUFS NBO BHFNFOU GPS UIF QBTU ZFBST 8F QSJEF PVSTFMWFT PO PVS JOOPWBUJWF TJNQMF BOE FDPOPNJDBM TPMVUJPOT JO SFTJEFOUJBM JOEVT USJBM BOE DPNNFSDJBM JOTUBMMBUJPOT JODMVE JOH XPSME DMBTT GBDJMJUJFT TVDI BT UIF /FM TPO .BOEFMB 4UBEJVN GPS UIF '*'" 8PSME $VQ JO 4PVUI "GSJDB BOE /'- m FMET JO UIF

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t 4BWFT XBUFS t Fรถ DJFODZ [FSP XBTUF t .BOBHFT BOE SF VTFT SBJOXBUFS t 8BUFS IBSWFTUJOH PG DVSSFOU JNQFSWJPVT TVSGBDFT t (SFZ XBUFS SF VTF 8*5)065 IVNBO FYQPTVSF t -PX NBJOUFOBODF t 1SPWFO SFUVSO PO JOWFTUNFOUT t 0VUEPPS -&&% $SFEJUT

t -BOETDBQJOH t (SFFO 3PPGT t 4QPSUT m FMET BOE QBSLT t (PMG $PVSTFT t (SFFO 1BSLJOH BOE 6UJMJUZ SPBET t "HSJDVMUVSF t &OWJSPONFOUBM 3FNFEJBUJPO t 4UPSN 8BUFS .BOBHFNFOU t &RVFTUSJBO GBDJMJUJFT

8PSME 8JEF %JTUSJCVUPST 5FM &NBJM JOGP!FQJD HSFFO DPN XXX FQJD HSFFO DPN Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

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parks The Tree Museum Collective was formed in 1997 in response to an opportunity to create site-specific artworks in a relatively remote region of Ontario, and includes both waterfront and forest.

For the participating artists, this opportunity represents a rare occasion to realize major outdoor artworks in an uncultivated environment, with the physical support essential to execute works on this scale.

Canada’s treasured Tree Museum

by Natasha Tourish

2007: Noel Harding Title A Chirp Photo courtesy of Roger Henriques 24

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

T

he Collective’s first exhibition was held in October 1998 and to date more than 50 artists have created works on the site. Some of the works are permanent while others are of a transitory nature, with the elements and nature determining their life span. Collectively, the projects explore concepts of identity, memory and territory in respect to nature and natural processes, while underscoring the imbalance that characterizes our current relationship to the environment.

Since that first exhibition The Tree Museum Collective has continued to explore the relationship between Art and Nature. This month Landscape talks to Anne O’ Callaghan, Co-founder of the Tree Museum which is situated on Ryde Lake close to the town of Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka in central Ontario, Canada. The region is fondly known as ‘cottage country’ by the locals and has nearly two million visitors each year.

“Ej Lightman and I have been running the tree museum for 14 years, in this

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2003: Francesca Vivenza Title Outpost.

Photo Credit. EJ. Lightman Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

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parks time 66 artists have created 73 unique projects relating to the site of the Tree Museum. Object makers, photographers, video artists musicians respond to nature and to the site. These works engage the complex reality of the relationship between man and nature, the adoration, reliance, and exploitation,” explained Anne.

She continued: “There is an artist residence on site, and the artists stay at the Tree Museum, as they create the work. We are also conscious of our responsibility as conservators of the land where the work is created. 80% of the pathways are temporary and as the work disappears or is removed, so too is all evidence of its presence.”

The site covers 400 acres and is part of what is known as the Canadian Shield: “The rocks that form the Canadian Shield were formed about four billion years ago during the Archeon Eon of the Precambrian Era. Erosion of this extremely rugged, mountainous

2007b.: Wen-Chih Wang Bridge Photo courtesy of Anne O’Callaghan-what it looks like in the winter

2000: Deeter Hastenteufe Title: Them Now Us Photo courtesy of Anne O’Callaghan

2007a.: Wen-Chih Wang Bridge Photo courtesy of Michel Boucher 26

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

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Tel: +971 2 6274818 Fax +971 2 6274817 • P.O.Box: 73878 Abu Dhabi, UAE •I www.landscape-me.com Website: www.aldhafragroup.com 27 Landscape I January2010 2011 17 Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I December

parks 2004: EJ Lightman Title: Sky Shelter-Detail_ Photo courtesy of Roger Henriques

landscape deposited enormous quantities of clays, silts, sands and gravels into the surrounding waters. Compressed by their sheer cumulative weight and the heat of the shifting Earth’s crust, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks formed during the Proterozoic Eon of the Precambrian Era. “These rocks while amazing, at times present installation problems because no matter where you want to install works, there is rock underneath. Even in the meadow, when you dig you hit rock. We have installed two works on the water, but the lakes freeze, so using the lakes creates logistic problems. Taking the work out of the water in the late fall, can be an extremely cold experience.”

1998: Anne O’Callaghan Title: Relic of Memory Photo courtesy of Roger Henriques

2002: Ellen Dijkstra Title: Extraterrestrial, No longer on site Photo courtesy of EJ. Lightman

2002: Lyla Rye Title: Locus -work no longer on site Photo courtesy of EJ. Lightman 28

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

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playground

School Playground

E

very year parent across the country spend tens of thousands of dirhams on new playground equipment. It’s a good investment, too.

Playgrounds have improved tremendously.

Monkey bars coated with lead paint and located above unforgiving asphalt have been replaced by equipment engineered for safety and child development.

Today’s playgrounds are not only fun for kids, they help children develop motor skills and coordination, imagination, confidence, and social skills.

But it’s easy to forget all that when a child gets hurt.

And despite all of the consideration about safety, children do get hurt. Reports from North America indicate that the federal government estimates that 200,000 children are treated in emergency rooms every year for playground injuries. Almost 60 percent of those injuries are from falls, so if you’re wondering how safe your school playground is, look down.

30

The most important part of your school’s playground may be what’s underneath it. Have you checked lately to see what that surface looks like?

Asphalt and concrete, obviously, are out. Even soils and hard-packed dirt don’t absorb shocks well, and grass and turf are too susceptible to wear and environmental conditions. Instead, today’s playgrounds use loose fill or synthetics such as rubber as a surface. Just because your playground had proper surfacing when it was installed, however, doesn’t mean it still does. Surfacing must be inspected and maintained regularly, a task that often goes undone.

including death. Synthetic materials such as safety tiles or seamless rubber are engineered with high elasticity to ensure superior shock absorption & hence significantly reduces the risk of fall-related injuries not only absorbs impact force at critical fall heights but it is a much more resilient, durable, non toxic, slip resistant and water permeable surface.

Its also great application for areas such as pool surrounding and decks, wet areas, path ways and jogging tracks.

Sujit Tavkar, Assistant General Manager at Raymond Sport, says that “parents and school officials need to inspect their playground surfacing to ensure it meets standard safety regulations, especially when it comes to critical fall heights. The last thing that any parent wants is for their child to get seriously injured because the surface under a playground is unsafe.”

Rubber Safety Tiles and Seamless Rubber also known as ‘pour-in-place rubber’ are the ideal surface can be installed onto any hard and or compact surface under playground equipment. The depth of the tiles or the seamless rubber is determined by the operating height of the play structure and it is strongly suggested to seek professional advice to help you play it safe. The added bonus is that a synthetic surface ensures that no wood mulch pieces and or sand get into children’s shoes and clothing and there is no limit to the designs that can be created with the wide variety of colors available.

Playground surfacing comes in three types: organic loose fill, inorganic loose fill, and synthetics.

Organic loose fill includes bark mulch; wood chips; and shredded hardwood, called engineered wood fibers. Inorganic loose fill includes sand and gravel. Synthetic surfacing includes rubber, rubber over foam mats or tiles, poured urethane, and rubber composites.

Although loose fill surfaces are often inexpensive they require high maintenance and supervision of surface levels and depths. Failure to inspect and maintain loose fill surfaces often means it becomes unsafe and does not absorb impact forces potentially increasing the risk of serious injury,

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Playgrounds provide hours of outdoor fun for children, but accidents can turn playtime into a nightmare. Unfortunate many of these mishaps can be avoided by installing the appropriate safety surfacing together with teaching some important rules to promote safety and accident prevention on the playground. For more information about which safety playground surface suits you and your budget please contact the expert safety man Sujit Tavkar at Raymond Sport on +971 4 339 13 31 Ext 112.

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Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

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international designs

Kengo kuma’s intervention for the casalgrande ceramics

By Mario Pisani

C

onsequently, we seem to have lost the ability to convey the concept of a monument, in as far as it represents mnemonic recollection of either an illustrious individual or an important event. In fact, the Modern Movement in its very nature, following its dream of progress, could not afford to reflect on the past, and in the process negated all form of historical validity as a stepping stone to both present and future.

Recently, however, with the change in our thinking processes, we have discovered that this form of mind set and ideology deprives us of an essential and significant retention of the past in our memory chambers, without which we of course, risk not only a sterile oblivion, but also a possible insanity. As such, 32

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Our lifestyle today seems to be based mainly on a concept of contemporality, so much so that we tend, on the whole, to ignore many of the valuable lessons left to us by the past. As such, this has limited our commitment and interest to design and project for the future.

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international designs

Casalgrande Ceramic Cloud

our interest today has now turned to the creation of works necessary to counteract contemporary commercial fashion consumerism to fix in space and time for future generations a stabilizing anchor in our collective imagination, emphasizing the origins and motivations which germinate the concept of the work in question.

It was within these parameters that the Casalgrande firm of ceramics commissioned Kengo Kuma, the Japanese architect renowned for his minimal projects including tea pavillions, miniature museums and bamboo houses to design their new premises. The concept proposed by Kuma manifested itself as a pavillion threshold in a public garden in the district of Casalgrande, laid out over an area of 2,800 square meters. A large circular enclosure consisting of white pebbles (from which the ceramic material is

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Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

This is a project which is not concerned simply with the placing of an object in a specific space, but more as the creation of a particular place. Adhering to today’s contemporary anti-monumental approach in architecture, this project is designed to appear almost as an illusory dissolving image; only in the interior do the ephemeral walls acquire solidity. This indeed is a dynamic architecture of movement conveying the spirit of our age, while also demonstrating the architect’s desire to etch and leave some sign of permanence. extracted) oscillates as a floating screen, together with a perforated wall and a mirrored water surface, projecting enticing reflections of the whole project.

The work is entitled CCCloud as if to emphasize the dynamic and sinuous qualities of the impalpable wall.

Floating cloudlike, it tapers to its limits from its central 1.7 metre thick section. The wall, which reaches a height of six metres, features ceramics utilized structurally incorporating nine layers of porcelain gres tiles each measuring 60 x 120 cms manufactured by the Casalgrande establishment itself.

Obviously a project of this nature could not have been realized without the full participation of the clients themselves. It was Vitruvius who long ago stated that architecture has two parents, the client and the architect, without whose total commitment and participation, manifestation of a work would not be possible.

The fascinating aspect of this project focuses on the transformation of the ceramic tile into a structural element, elevating it from its usual usage as solely a cladding material. Working in collaboration with the Casalgrande ceramic team, Kengo Kuma has utilized this material imaginatively to create a work which appears both dynamic and weightless, evoking images of an almost oscillating veil-like structure.

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green roofs designs international

Green Roofs for the city

By Jimena Martignoni

T

he two projects presented here, Mirabilia Towers and Nicaragua, have a few essential characteristics in common, from a landscape design and construction perspective, which become the main reason why they are shown together.

36

Both of them are high-rise apartment buildings that share a common open ground level with gardens and amenities. These landscaped areas are built as green roof systems, in response to the presence of underground parking which in both cases covers the entire area of the lot.

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

The landscape project, consequently laid out under certain restrictions and conditions, offers very specific situations that can be equally appreciated in the two sites.

On the other hand, the differences of scale and size between the two lots lead to diverse solutions, although part of a same problem.

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

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international green roofs designs

Mirabilia Towers

This architectural project is made of two 47-story towers, positioned at opposite sides of a central paved path aligned with the main access to the complex. The rest of the space of the lot, shaped as an almost perfect square whose area is 3.276 m2, is completed with recreational and leisure areas. Since the towers are not facing each other but sited on a virtual diagonal, they alternate with open spaces creating a more dynamic relation between buildings and landscape. The first tower, located closer to the main access, faces the swimming pool; both building and pool-deck have the same total width and are aligned on a

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Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

local Planning Code, and only one level of underground parking is allowed in this city district, because underneath one of the adjoining avenues runs a canalized creek. For this reason, the landscape plan is thought as a continuous large green roof and the planting plan is limited to a few medium-size trees species, shrubs, herbaceous and groundcovers.

same axis, thus generating a geometrical and visually consistent layout. Facing the second tower appears the kids’ area and an open meadow. Enclosing the lot as a ring, the outer sides offer sport fields, a café, a mini-putting green and the access promenade which includes the descending ramps to the underground parking.

The entire area of the lot is elevated one meter above the street, following the

The location of trees is limited to certain spots where the soil height is more. In order to achieve this, these areas are softly modeled as approximately 45 cm-tall “beams” underneath which, and as part of the concrete slab structure, another 35 cm of soil complete the necessary height conditions for tree planting. This system is used for two different situations: one, the central path that connects the main access, the access to the two towers and the rear gardens; two, the open meadow in which are placed the kids’ area and playgrounds.

In the first case, the trees are planted on

both sides of the path, immediately behind a concrete short wall that serves as a bench and also as the support for the 45 cm-tall beam. The chosen trees for this access central path are Robinias, whose pink flowers blossom during spring and summer, creating an attractive picture for a meaningful public space. Underneath the trees, stunning rows of Agapanthus (African lily) complete the scene.

In the kids’ area, Jacaranda trees are planted in a circle around the playground; in this manner, the 45 cm-tall beam and the trees generate a real border that encloses a more protected and intimate area for children.

In addition, the landscape project had to address other two problems: privacy, from the quite noisy adjoining avenue, and scale, in order to generate the largest possible green area between the two towers. Privacy was achieved by planting a thick green screen in front of the lot´s

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

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green womenroofs in landscape level that embraces the building and is enclosed by three party walls. The lot is eight times smaller than Mirabilia, covering a total area of 400 m2 and the underground parking occupies the same area, in one level. As part of the same city district, the Planning Code enforces the same conditions and restrictions as in Mirabilia.

In this case, the most important objective was to achieve a subtle visual integration between the different parts that make this relatively small lot. The two legs of the U shaped open space offer, respectively, a passive garden that can be seen from the main lobby of the building and acts as a place to contemplate and walk by, and a service´s area with a barbeque deck and kids ‘area. The last segment of the “U” is entirely occupied by the swimming pool, whose length coincides with the width of the lot.

fence, with Nerium Oleander, Feijoas, Phormium (New Zealand flax) and Jasminum (Jasmine).

The scale issue was resolved with the implementation of the green roof and the creation of different activities and landscaped areas of diverse sizes and look.

Close to the access area and adjacent to the café and the swimming pool, appears a miniputting green which is framed by a broad bed of Hemerocallis (Day lilies); this dazzling piece leans on a group of Phormium, whose copper-color leaves creates a deep contrast with the yellow 40

flowers. As a natural background, the large crowns of the Sycamore trees planted in the street are intentionally used as part of the composition. This was a decision made by Cora Burgin, the lead designer, from the very beginning: “We wanted to include the existing street vegetation into the lot, as another visual component”, she says.

Nicaragua

This architectural project is represented by a single 14-storey tower located in the front of the lot, with a U-shaped open ground

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

The passive garden, located on the East, is created as a composition of lawn and gravel, delimited by soft curves, and a thick bed of red flowers that lean on another thick row of bamboos. Here and there, a few Cycas revoluta (Sago palm) dot the space. In the last portion of this garden, in front of the pool, a small paved deck offers a wooden bench and a couple of Ficus planted in individual pots.

The decision of repainting the large white party wall, behind, in a very sober green, helps to minimize what it would´ve been a very contrasting effect with the plants.

In this way, the space and its components look more integrated and intimate.

These two residential projects, where the presence of towers, zone restrictions and underground parking combine to create a quite challenging work, rise as good examples of common gardens where contemplation, recreation, leisure and sports can live together.

The solution given by creatively designed extensive-intensive green roofs for large private projects in city lots appears to be more and more frequent and successful. Something to learn from.

MIRABILIA

Date of Completion: 2009 Size: 3276 m2 Green Roof: extensive - intensive Client: Arqs. Esses - Naistat Designer: Grupo Landscape - Cora Burgin Design Team: Mouzo / Lopez / Micou / Burgin

NICARAGUA

Date of Completion: 2009 Size: 400 m2 Green Roof: extensive - intensive Client: Arqs. Gradel - Kopelioff Designer: Grupo Landscape / Arq. Cora Burgin Design Team: Mouzo / Lopez / Micou / Burgin

The pool, designed as a linear element, is preceded by a deck and a very tidylooking lawn area. The geometrical lines of these elements are accompanied by the lamps on the walls, which are placed in pairs. Underneath, and framing the longest side of the pool, a row of Phormium provides a green presence to contrast and complement the water.

The west side of the lot provides services: a very small area with a playground, further from the pool, and some sets of wooden table and chairs covered by a pergola, by the barbeque deck. The west and east wings of the lot are connected by a roofed meeting room where the dwellers can get together or attend private social events.

In response to size and scale issues, this project has no trees; only shrubs and herbaceous.

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women in landscape Please tell us about your family and educational background?

With all the hype about the mega projects in the Gulf, I like many young professionals moved to work in the Emirates after graduation. I graduated from The Ohio State University and got my education in Landscape Architecture.

I come from a Middle Eastern background and I did notice that there aren’t many landscape architects in the region, which meant more opportunities for me.

The UAE was an exciting place with endless possibilities in terms of creativity and construction. I wanted to experience a different school of thought in a place so diverse with experiences and cultural backgrounds that surely have shaped

Women in Landscape with Hala Shiblaq

Barwa City Central Park Master Plan

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the current landscape and the end users approach towards the different spaces created.

What inspired you to get involved in the landscaping industry?

I’ve been privileged to grow up around a family who believe that a child’s education shouldn’t be focused solely on the pragmatic study of traditional subjects. They encouraged me to develop my creativity in various skills till I found my way. I was fond of design early in my life in general and came across Landscape architecture by sheer coincidence but I know some respectable individuals around me that have encouraged me to continue.

Do you think that the scarcity of water in the UAE has put pressure on landscape architects to create more hardscape with arid desert plants and trees that can withstand the heat?

Barwa City Central Park at night

I believe it has in terms of the costs of maintaining such plants. Naturally we all love a greener outdoors but the reality is that desert plants are also rich in variety and form and must be embraced equally. I am not in favor of the overuse of hardscape which will only worsen the climatic conditions in a place where heat can be an obstacle for users during the summer.

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women in landscape If so, do you agree that the need for water conservation and less irrigation will have a negative impact on your creative abilities when it comes to designing ‘green’ landscape?

I wouldn’t call it a negative impact. One of the first things we learn about landscape architecture is awareness of the local biodiversity, use of native plants that will logically survive better, and designing with sustainable materials. It is vital to be aware of what is already there but the continuous urban sprawl is a major factor in an ever-changing environment.

One should be aware that every project has some sort of restrictions whether it is the resources available, the geographical location, the climate, or the finances. The challenge is using what you have to your own advantage. If necessary there are always alternatives through a variety of materials, natural elements, lighting and art work that can be incorporated in any landscape project

West Zone Landscape Concept Plan

Which projects have you been most proud of throughout your career and why?

My favorite project was in Reem Island where I worked on designing the outdoor voids in the buildings. The voids are in a form of hanging gardens in The Gate District Towers. It was a lot of fun going through the design process and a great deal of opportunities in terms of structure, and sculptural and lighting effects in extreme conditions.

If you could create your dream project, what would it entail?

I personally favour a project that stimulates the senses and engages the user.

When a user moves around an outdoor space whether it is natural or a man made setting the flow must be pleasing.

The movement, the sounds, the array of colours, variety of forms and textures must create an unforgettable experience where a user would simply say this is my ‘happy place.’

As a woman in a male dominated profession, what has been your experience working in this field in the Middle East?

A woman with high expectations of her personal abilities should not use the idea of male dominance as a barrier to 44

her achievements in life. I’m currently working in a male dominated work environment in which I’m continuously gaining guidance and mentorship. I believe that patriarchy is all around us but it shouldn’t be a reason for anyone to limit themselves.

How do you see your field developing in the Middle East? Do you have any concerns, advice, opinions regarding this?

In order for Landscape architecture to truly develop in a rapidly growing region there must be an educational base where a degree in Landscape architecture can be obtained without travelling elsewhere. The Middle East is in need of professionals who understand the influential factors and

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

reasons associated with the decisions we make.

The society is not fully aware of the roles of a Landscape architect and positive influence they have on their everyday lives. Marketing and advertising featured projects and the creative minds behind those works shall increase such awareness.

What advice would you give other women wanting to enter this profession, both here and overseas?

Take risks, fight for your ideas, make mistakes and have fun.

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new projects middleeasttenders.com

+971 2 634 8495

New & current projects Project Name

Description

Client

Country

Consultant/ Contractor

Budget (USD)

Billionaires Square Development Project

Development of Billionaire’s Square comprising a 45-suite boutique hotel, as well as a Billionaire Bar and Grill, alongside other restaurants, bars and a fitness club.

Pragma Group International (Dubai)

UAE

N/A

150 Million

Marina Mall Project

Build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract for the development of Marina Mall comprising two floors and ground floor, surrounded with a hotel as well as office and residential space.

Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Development Company (Qatar)

Qatar

N/A

275 Million

Research Centre Project-2

Construction of a research centre comprising auditoriums, lecture rooms, a library, an exhibition hall, restaurant and cafes.

Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH)

UAE

Davis Langdon Arabian Gulf (Dubai)

46 Million

Convention & Exhibition Centre Project

Design and construction of a convention centre exhibition centre/multi-user sports centre, hotels a business park, restaurants, cafes, press centre, shopping mall and recreation facilities.

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

Oman

RMJM (Dubai)

500 Million

Grand Heights Mixed-use Development Project

Development of Grand Heights mixed-use scheme comprising 3,500 residential units, shopping outlets, restaurants, entertainment and sports facilities, a hospital and schools.

National Real Estate Company (Kuwait)

Egypt

KEO International Consultants (Kuwait)

1 Billion

Ritz Carlton Hotel Extension Project - Dubai Marina

Carrying out extension works of Ritz Carlton hotel.

Al Mulla Group (Dubai)

UAE

Rice Perry Ellis / Khansaheb Civil Engineering (Dubai)

68 Million

Canal Village Resort Development Project - Port Ghalib

Development of canal village resort, including apartments, restaurants, cafes, (7) swimming pools, playground, retail outlets, beach sports, fitness centre and cinema.

Rooya Group (Egypt)

Egypt

Turner Construction International (Egypt)

N/A

Burj Rafal Mixed-use Project

Development of Burj Rafal mixed-use scheme comprising a tower, a ballroom and a Kempinski Hotel, serviced apartments wellness spas on one floor; and retail space on the building’s podium.

Rafal Real Estate Development Company Ltd. (Saudi Arabia)

Jumeirah Gardens Mixed-use Development Project

Development of Jumeirah Gardens mixed-use scheme comprising seven distinct areas, including offices, residential buildings, retail, leisure and entertainment areas, and hotels.

Meraas Development (Dubai)

UAE

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (USA)

95 Billion

Islamic Centre Project - Sabah Al Ahmed Township Development

Design and construction of an Islamic Centre comprising a mosque, an Islamic library and associated facilities such as accommodation for the Emir.

Public Authority for Housing Welfare (Kuwait)

Kuwait

N/A

150 Million

Qatar

Barwa Real Estate Company (Qatar)

827 Million

Jordan

N/A

4.3 Billion

Al Baraha City Project

National Cargo Railway Network Project

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Design and construction of Al Baraha City comprising residential areas for workers, recreational Barwa Real Estate Company (Qatar) facilities, truck parks, playgrounds, health club and commercial galleries.

Build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract for the construction of a national cargo railway network.

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Ministry of Transport (Jordan)

Rider Levett Bucknall Consultants (KSA)/ Dubai Saudi Arabia Contracting Company LLC. (Dubai)

800 million

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exhibitions

March 2011 Garten Munchen 16-22 March 2011 Munich (Germany) www.garten-muenchen.de

IPM 25-28 January 2011 Essen (Germany) www.ipm-messe.de

INTERMAT Middle East 28-30 March 2011 Abu Dhabi (UAE) www.intermat.fr

SPASA 28-30 January 2011 Melbourne (Australia) www.spasashow.com.au

Arabian Construction Week 28-30 March 2011 Abu Dhabi (UAE) www.arabianconstructionweek.com

June 2011 demopark + demogolf 26-28 June 2011 Thuringia (Germany)

Garten München 16-22 March 2011 Munich (Germany) www.garten-muenchen.de

September 2011 IPM Dubai 26–28 September 2011 Dubai (UAE) www.imp-dubai.net

February 2011 Spatex 05-07 February 05, 2011 Buckinghamshire (UK) www.spatex.co.uk/ Petra 12-20 February 2011 Modena (Italy) www.modenantiquaria.it Floriga 27 February 2011 Leipzig (Germany)

GULF LANDSCAPING 2011 8-10 March 2011 Abu Dhabi (UAE) www.gulflandscaping.com April 2011 WOOD SHOW 5-7 April 2011 Dubai (UAE) www.dubaiwoodshow.com Garten 14-17 April 2011 Stuttgart (Germany) www.messe-stuttgart.de

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Gardening Australia-Brisbane 15-17 April 2011 Queensland (Australia) www.abcgardeningexpo.com.au

January 2011 International Green Week 21-30 January 2011 Berlin (Germany) www.gruenewoche.de

Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011

Gardening & Landscaping 29 Apr.- 1 May 2011 Estonia www.fair.ee

Pool & Spa Asia 21-23 September 2011 Bankok (Thailand) www.poolspaasia.com October 2011 Piscina BCN 18-21 October 2011 Barcelona (Spain) www.salonpiscina.com

Athletic Fields City Parks

Rooftop Garden

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Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I January 2011