Landscape May'11 Issue

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Plants-PotsFountains-Garden FurnitureLandscaping and Flower Arrangements

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This Month EDITOR’S NOTE

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

he more I search about the environment and global warming, the more fascinated and scared I get. Recently I was reading about Climate refugees or Environmental migrants, which are very alarming terms used to describe individuals obliged to leave their homes due to environmental changes. This new phenomenon is a great concern to many organizations and foundations around the world. Published reports by the United Nations and other human-rights groups such as the Environmental Justice Foundation (www. ejfoundation.org), a UK-based NGO, are addressing this matter and are pleading for individuals and countries to take some drastic measures to avoid catastrophic geological and environmental changes that would cause people’s displacements. Some of the major causes would be rise of the sea-level, flooding, extreme weather events, drought, desertification, water scarcity, and other factors.

Many architects were ahead of others and started contemplating the idea of designing cities and solutions to accommodate these migrants and withstand the extreme effects of climate change.

Sales Manager Boushra Dinnawi

In 2008 the Belgium architect Vincent Callebaut tackled this concern by designing the “Lilypad”: A prototype of Auto-sufficient amphibious city. The project “Lilypad” offers a solution to the water rising and grants the housing of future climate refugees.

Art Director Andy Mondaya Contributors Natasha Tourish Elif Bonelli Rochelle Greayer Mario Pisani Jimena Martignoni Eman Kamel 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

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Climate Refugees

“The ARK”, a project by Russian architects Alexander Remizov and Lev Britvin from the architectural studio “REMISTUDIO”; a concept related to the theme “Environment”: Sustainable technologies, Natural Disaster Prevention. More details and illustrations of these two projects are discussed in this issue of Landscape. Another example would be the suggested Dome over the city of Houston in Texas USA, which is designed to protect the city from a category 5 hurricane. These and other projects may sound very futuristic and surreal however at some point, they might be viable solutions to protect cities and human from the effects of environmental changes. Only time would tell!

On a much lighter note, readers of Landscape magazine will immediately notice that this issue looks different with changes in its appearances through a new logo, cover, and page layout. As Landscape celebrates its 4th anniversary next month, we thought of an early birthday gift: a new look! Like most magazines, Landscape is constantly changing; responding in ways to the evolving tastes of its readers. You can see the process at work in this issue and hopefully with time we will be keeping up with new ideas in both its layout and content to make sure we are up to our readers' expectations.

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Nada Abdel Khalek 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 Untitled-1 1

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Contents May 2011- Issue 47

4 14 22

22 40

Whos Who "The Ark"

30

Sheikh Zayed’s Vision of sustainability for Sir Bani Yas Island

Four decades of

master planning to create Ruwais

40 48

Saint Dona park Domplein Utrecht

48

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Who's Who

Current position & companyI’m employed as a Landscape Architect with Burt Hill in Dubai.

Academic qualifications Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, Bilkent University Ankara, Turkey.

How many years have you worked in the Middle East?

I’ve worked here for four years.

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

Renaissance Hotel, Motor City, Dubai Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Motor City, Dubai Uptown, Motor City, Dubai Za`abeel Business District, Dubai Za`abeel Park, Dubai Jebel Ali Village, Dubai Tatweer Towers, Dubai Al Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi Al Mafraq Dialysis Center, Abu Dhabi Tawam Dialysis Center, Al Ain Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Confidential Public Realm Project

Bloom Gardens

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Serkan Akyuz

Describe your Dream Project My dream project would be one that involved helping less fortunate children that have been affected by conflict or war, and are living in deprived, dangerous areas under siege conditions. I would like to design and build a small village for the children that comprise of educational facilities, recreational areas and health centers. It would be an amazing feeling to be able to wash away their fears, dismiss the hardships that conflicts or war may have brought to them and give them hope for a brighter future.

Chairmans Tower

Tawam Dialysis Center

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

The GCC region has an excellent reputation in understanding the importance and benefits of improving the environment, overall wellbeing and for protecting its cultural heritage. This is an excellent platform from which the Landscape industry can continue to flourish. In my opinion, the GCC region is fully aware of the importance of Landscape Architecture, City Planning and Sustainability for both current and future generations. As long as various market sectors, such as health care and education and the economy can sustain year-on-year growth, then landscape architecture and urban planning will continue to be in demand.

There will always be factors that will continue to threaten the world’s economy, but as long as Governments make planned decisions and do not take uncalculated risks, I believe that the future is bright for not only the Landscape industry but for other industries too.

What is your Motto in life?

‘Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving’

Um Al Quwain Wedding Hall

Tatweer TowersTerrace View

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News & Events

Simple, elegant design marks pedestrian/bike bridge over Buffalo Bayou

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he Houston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Memorial Heights Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #5 and the Buffalo Bayou Partnership held a grand opening for the Rosemont Bridge and feted the many people and organizations that made it possible. The Rosemont Bridge, which enables pedestrians and bicyclists to cross Buffalo Bayou and/or Memorial Drive near Montrose, connects nearby neighborhoods and provides access to Buffalo Bayou’s 124 acres while creating a new tree-top view of Houston’s downtown skyscrapers.

“We’re very excited about the completion of the Rosemont Bridge and the partnership that worked to build it,” said Houston Mayor Annise Parker. “It is a marvelous new addition that will provide increased accessibility for the thousands of Houstonians who use our network of hike and bike trails.”

The bridge is an all-local effort, including design by the Houston office of SWA Group, a landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm; construction-contracting by Millis Development & Construction, Houston; and fabrication by King Fabrication, also of Houston.

A rare curving-truss span, the Rosemont Bridge design “knits together an extensive urban pedestrian network, and builds on other significant work in the bayou corridor,” said Julia Mandell of SWA Group. SWA’s Kevin Shanley led a design team including Mandell and Scott McCready. “Its striking visual presence, beautiful columns, railings and truss structure are reminiscent of freeways, which is

City of Houston Fetes SWA Group-Designed Rosemont Bridge very appropriate for Houston.” “The view from the center of the Rosemont Bridge is simply amazing,” said Joe Turner, Director Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “It is sure to become a favorite scenic view for many and is a great example of how partnerships working together can address the public need.” Publicprivate partnership funding sources included the Memorial Heights Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #5 and is part of a Capital Improvement Project that includes the Old Sixth Ward trail connector, the Spotts Park Hydrology Project, and the Shepherd Underpass to Memorial trail connector.

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The 780 foot long bridge is composed of seven structural sections with the heaviest being 35,000 pounds. The bridge sections were hoisted into place by 300 and 700 ton cranes and sit in concrete columns/bents supported by 40 feet deep drilled piers of 48” and 60” diameters. 105 cubic yards of concrete were poured in place to create the bridge deck. The bridge guardrails are galvanized steel and house 195 lights which light up the deck surface at night. The project also includes 10 foot wide concrete trails that connect adjacent neighborhoods to area parks and greenbelts along the bayou, earthwork and tree, shrub, vine, solid sod, and seed installation.

Photos courtesy of Geoffrey Lyon

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News & Events

Jawaher Al Saadiyat Show Villas Opened to Offer Preview of Residential Life on Saadiyat Show homes launched ahead of delivery of first Saadiyat Beach Villas later this year

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ourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of Saadiyat island in Abu Dhabi, today launched Jawaher Al Saadiyat, a collection of 10 luxury show villas that will be open to the public from April 17th. These premium show homes are replicas of the Saadiyat Beach Villas on Saadiyat Beach, the first of which will be delivered later this year.

Jawaher Al Saadiyat comprises a landscaped street, two parks, and villas in a variety of sizes and styles. The fully furnished homes features landscaped gardens and terraces, and offer an exclusive preview of the distinguished lifestyle the future residents of Saadiyat Beach Villas are set to enjoy.

“TDIC continues to drive innovation in the market with developments such as Jawaher Al Saadiyat.

The delivery of the show villas is a key milestone in the development of the Saadiyat Beach Villas on the island, and we are confident that these unique homes will appeal to a sophisticated clientele looking for a differentiated product,” said Rashid Al Suwaidi, TDIC’s Director - Sales and Leasing.

The Saadiyat Beach Villas will be the island’s first residential community. The villas come in

orouh Real Estate Company PJSC, Abu Dhabi based real Sorouh awarded estate developer, today announced that it has been awarded contracts by the Urban Planning Council (“UPC”) two new contracts to buildtwohighnewquality residential units for UAE nationals. These two contracts together comprise a total of 1,470 quality villas to by the UPC for be delivered over the next two years, with combined total project AED 2.89bn values of AED 2.89 billion.

• Awarded an additional 1,470 high quality residential units for UAE nationals bringing the total to date to just over 4,000 units to be delivered over the next three years including Watani • The signing includes the funding of Phase 2 of Watani comprising 400 units • Strong endorsement of Sorouh’s ability to deliver high quality product

The new contracts, Al Ghuraibah (Al Ain) and Al Sila’a (Western Region) will be developed in-line with UPC’s Al Ain and Al Gharbia’s 2030 Master Plans and guidelines. These developments shall comprise high quality residential units, which will demonstrate an evolved level of urban planning and will be built in the traditional Emirati “Fareej” style.

Meanwhile, the funding of the second phase of the Watani project comprising 400 units was also signed today. This follows the success of phase one which was awarded to the Company during Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010. This was Sorouh’s first master planned Emirati community project and is located close to Abu

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three distinctive styles – Arabian, Mediterranean and Contemporary – and feature high quality finishes such as marble kitchen surfaces, intricate mosaic tiles and bold geometric windows, setting the benchmark for TDIC’s future residential developments. The villas have been designed to distinctive standards to reflect the requirements of discerning clients and are available in a range of sizes, from three to six bedrooms, catering to a variety of individuals’ needs. Future homeowners will enjoy the security of living in a gated community and the privilege of having a private beach exclusively reserved for residents on their doorstep.

The development is located in the Saadiyat Beach district, which will be the island’s hospitality hotspot and will feature a collection of international five-star resorts, and top-class sports and leisure facilities. These include the region’s first championship beachfront golf course, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which opened in January 2010, and the world’s first Monte-Carlo Beach Club outside of Monaco, Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat, which will open in the third quarter of 2011. The beach club will offer an exclusive membership only experience, and a variety of distinguished restaurants and lounges. The district’s first hotels, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, are also set to open during the last quarter of the year, and will feature a number of attractions, including first- class restaurants and fitness clubs.

Residents will also be in close proximity to Saadiyat Cultural District, which will comprise leading cultural institutions designed by five Pritzker Prize winners, including Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Dhabi Golf Club. Considerable progress has already been made at Watani for both phases 1 and 2, which is being developed over four phases with a total project value of AED 5.4 billion.

Saeed Eid Al Ghafli, Chairman of Sorouh, commented: “It is a great honour to have been awarded these highly prestigious new projects which form a critical component of Abu Dhabi’s Vision2030. By making significant progress on Watani, Sorouh has earned the trust of the Government of Abu Dhabi to further master develop high quality residential communities for UAE nationals.

“These exciting new projects allow Sorouh to diversify its revenue streams by utilising the skills, the expertise, and the proven track record required to deliver these projects. These projects are focused on providing sustainable communities specifically designed to address the needs of Emirati families by providing high quality housing set in traditional style living environments.”

Musanada to deliver new AED 7 billion mega development in South Shamkha

system including a metro system which will be connected to the capital.

To ensure that international best practices and safety standards are being implemented, Musanada has carefully chosen the partners and contracts who will be working on this massive development.

The contracts, which are worth more than AED 7billion, have been awarded to four companies, three of which are local companies, SaifBin Darwish construction, Tristar Engineering & Construction, Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting Establishment. Also a joint venture with the Beijing-based China State Construction Engineering Corporation and ARC Abu Dhabi Contracting, being awarded the fourth contract.

Musanada’s Building Services department will be working very closely with the contractors to oversee and assess the planned progress over the four phases of development, which is expected to take three years. The contractors will be responsible to deliver a range of services including 402 Km of road works, 430 Km of sewerage network and 460 Km of potable water network. In addition, the South Shamkha development will also provide a complete power distribution system that includes both primary and secondary substations ensuring constant electricity, along with a 995 Km of storm water drainage network with retaining ponds and a provision a telecommunication network.

New self-sustainable infrastructure for the new community of South Shamkha will be the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi in terms of size and will provide housing to for over 130,000 UAE nationals

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bu Dhabi General Services Company “Musanada” announced that it has been awarded an Abu Dhabi government contract to manage the delivery of a new infrastructure residential development in South Shamkha worth over AED 7 billion.

The project which is the largest of its kind in Abu Dhabi, will be located approximately 45km from the city of Abu Dhabi and covers an area of almost 4,000 hectares (3,890). On completion it will provide plots for housing for around 130,000 Emiratis.

Approved earlier this year through a royal Decree that was issued by the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The South Shamkha project is being developed under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Commenting on what is a significant development, H.E Mohamed Khalifa Al Fahed Al Mehairi, CEO of Musanada said: “Musanada is extremely proud and honoured to have been tasked with the development of the South Shamkha mega project, which will provide plots for housing for over 130,000 UAE nationals. Working on such a significant and key national project shows our commitment to support the government in providing the people of Abu Dhabi with the best quality of life in line with its aim to become of the top five governments of the world.”

The development will include 12, 460 plots have been allocated for Emirati local housing. The South Shamkha project will include plots for shopping centers, health, educational, commercial and recreational facilities to serve an expected total population of 200,000 people. The masterplan encompasses all aspects of a self-sufficient community including an extensive public transportation

NAHAR is extending its reach for your convenience, Shortly opening its retail outlets on prime locations.

W P CC p ro te c t s p r i m e va l fo re s t s. O u r fi r s t o b j e c t i ve wa s to d e ve l o p t h e te c h n o l o g y to c re ate a co m p o s i te wo o d s u p e r i o r to n at u ra l wo o d i n o rd e r to co m b at t h e t h o u g ht l e s s l u m b e r i n g o f fo re s t t re e s.

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News & Events

Broadway Malyan appoints Philip Heaton to spearhead growth of its international public realm team

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nternational architecture, urbanism and design practice Broadway Malyan has appointed Philip Heaton as Director of Public Realm – a new senior role which will see him spearhead the growth of the practice’s international landscape and public realm team.

Philip joins from Cracknell landscape architects, where he was a director. He previously worked at Scott Wilson, Parklife and in the public sector.

To capitalise on the recent growth of its planning team following a series of major project wins, the practice has promoted Adam Ross to Director of Planning and Jeff Nottage to Associate Director of Planning in the UK. It has also reinforced its Middle East team through the appointment of Sarah Richardson, who joins the practice as an Associate Planner in the firm’s Abu Dhabi office.

Board Director Roger Tustain said: “These appointments will drive our ambitious growth plans for our integrated planning, masterplanning and design service and are a clear sign of our commitment to UK and international clients and our ambition to become the planning and design consultant of choice.

“They will support our wider UK and international growth strategy, increase the size, reach and expertise of our existing teams in response to growing client demand and are evidence of our continued investment in the practice, for our own benefit and clients’ businesses.

“The new positions will enhance our integrated planning, masterplanning and design offer, which is relevant to all our global markets.

“In the UK, the policy agenda on Localism will place a greater emphasis on good design in the planning decision making process and, for example, Philip’s appointment will directly boost our expertise in local engagement.

“Internationally, evolving and established markets are developing planning policy frameworks to plan and control development. We are well placed to increase our market share across all markets.”

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INTERMAT Establishes Itself in the Middle East A New Business Platform for High-Level Decision-Making Professionals in the Construction Sector

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he first edition of INTERMAT Middle East, an international exhibition for machinery, materials and equipment for construction and infrastructure recently concluded their debut at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi on March 30, 2011.

The event was co-located with Arabian Construction Week 2011 and was inaugurated by H.E. Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Shareef, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Abu Dhabi, on March 28 2011.

INTERMAT Middle East provided a stellar networking platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services to key decision makers and influencers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

In addition, it also enabled companies to strategise on how to establish and build profitable relationships in the construction industry.

Umberto Draghi, Manager of Global Consult, said: “We met with managers of companies such as Al Jaber, Vinci, Al Naboodah, as well as the Al Habtoor Group. Our aim has been to persuade contractors and local

representatives to avail of our products and services. The first INTERMAT Middle East Show was very well organised, and we are looking forward to participating in INTERMAT Middle East 2012.”

Approximately 3,200 buyers and industry leaders attended INTERMAT Middle East’s debut. These attendees consisted of construction company directors, government officials, project managers, machinery and equipment manufacturers and distributors, wholesalers and importers of building materials and vehicles, and many more. Visitors came from several countries including of Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and beyond.

INTERMAT Middle East hosted over 100 international manufacturers and distributors and 120 represented brands from 15 countries.

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News & Events

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runo Tanant and Jean Christophe Nani – Landscape designers TN PLUS, Aldric Beckmann and Françoise N’Thépé - Architects Beckmann N’Thépé, win the international compétition for the completion of the Primorskiy’s new zoological Park, Saint-Petersburg (Russia).

Founded in 1865 Saint-Petersburg zoo is the oldest zoological park of Russia. As most of other parks across Russia, it suffers today from a cruel lack of space, being located in the heart of the historical town center. The city has hence decided to create a new zoo, which will range over 300 hectares, on the town’s outskirts, escaping this way the high population density of the urban area. The project preserves a large strech of land, and implements an environmentally beneficial approach.

CONCEPT

Thousands and thousands of years ago, the surface of the earth was but one and only supercontinent, known as the Pangea. Subject to tectonic forces, the Paleolithic Pangea over time broke into splinters, which slowly organised themselves in a configuration that, although always prone to movements, we still are familiar with.

Ecosystems, once linked with each others, are today kept apart by oceans and seas.

Species of the same origin have followed a distinct path on each separated continent.

The project offers a symbolic sample of every continent in an attempt to recreate the illusion of a reunited Pangea within the very zoological park of Saint-Petersburg. The archipelago therefore created will be made of islands representing South East Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, North America and Eurasia, the two latter being linked with each other by the pack ice of the Arctic Pole. The chosen site enjoys a profuse water supply, and hence is particularly fitted for such an insular organization of the various environments.

New Saint Petersburg zoo Primorskiy’s Zoological Park

PROJECT

Nowadays the environment requirements and the green consciousness of the public are increasingly considered a core issue. The very background of a zoological park itself induces a mandatory respect of those values. Harshly criticized for a long time, zoological parks are today considered major stakeholders of biodiversty preservation.

Even though it is an artificially recreated leisure area, the Primorskiy Park is above all an educational tool allowing each and everyone of us to better grasp our own history, and also a research center helping to preserve our Earth. So much goals were aimed both by architects and landscape designers of this project who managed to convince and share their ambitions.

Photo credits Landscape designers TN PLUS and Architects Beckmann N’Thépé

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Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council Announces Major Emirati Housing Projects at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2011

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ver 13,000 New Homes for Emirati Families to be built by Local Developers Across the Emirate Under the directives of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s President, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the guidance of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) is implementing Vision 2030 and delivering high quality housing for Emirati families across Abu Dhabi Emirate.

The UPC announced the signing of new housing contracts to deliver an additional 7,500 new homes for Emirati families across all three regions of the Emirate: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia. The new communities will be designed and built by reputable, local developers: Sorouh Real Estate, Tamouh Investments, Royal Development Company, and Al Qudra Real Estate to meet the requirements of Vision 2030. The Emirati communities will include neighborhood infrastructure and facilities and will be built to the highest standards of quality and sustainability, building on the success of the UPC’s Estidama sustainability program. The projects announced today bring the total number of new villas being built in the Emirate through the Emirati Family Housing Programme to over 13,000.

“The Emirati family housing being built across the Emirate illustrates Abu Dhabi Government’s commitment to providing world-class housing communities for Nationals.” said H.E Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager, UPC. In Al Ain, 1,022 Emirati homes with complementing neighborhood infrastructure will be built by Sorouh Real Estate in the 2.15 million sqm Al Ghareba project.

The Al Ghareba villas will be built to Estidama Pearl 2 requirements, and will emphasize traditional Emirati designs. The Al Ghareba project is a key element of Al Ain Plan 2030 and will be surrounded by the historic oasis of Al Ain and framed by the ancient Hafeet Mountains.

Sorouh will also develop 448 villas in Sila’a, along the coastline of Al Gharbia. In addition to the heritage-inspired villas, the total plot area of 1.3 million sqm will also include a mosque, a school, a women’s centre and a wide range of retail outlets, all of which will be designed to meet Estidama Pearl 2 requirements and Plan Al Gharbia 2030.

The Jebel Hafeet Emirati housing project - to be built by the Abu Dhabi-based real estate development company Tamouh Investments - will see the creation of another residential housing community for Emirati Nationals in Al Ain. Spanning 4.4 million sqm at the western base of Jebel Hafeet and 13 kilometres south of Al Ain’s city centre, the Jebel Hafeet project will encompass 3,000 villas and a wide range of neighborhood amenities such as schools, health and recreational facilities, and mosques.

Another significant addition to Emirati housing in Al Ain will be the Ain Al Fayda Project, a comprehensive, mixed-use, master-planned community to be built by Al Qudra Real Estate near Jebel Hafeet.

Yas Island, home to a major Emirati Housing project, is being developed by the Royal Development Company on the Yas Island waterfront. The project which consists of 500 high-quality villas is built over 78 hectres and a total built area of 232,00 square metres, will have a complete set of world-class amenities, and be based on the traditional “fareej” design linked with “sikkas” and “barahas”, creating private family homes linked through a shaded network of pathways and local parks.

H.E Falah Al Ahbabi concludes: “These new contracts with strong Abu Dhabi developers will deliver an additional 7,500 new homes for Emirati families and achieve the Estidama Pearl 2 requirements set out by the Estidama Program for government projects, affirming the commitment of Vision 2030 to creating sustainable communities.”

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News & Events

“THE ARK” The design work is related to the theme “Enviroment” - Sustainable technologies, Natural Disaster Prevention. An avant-garde concept by architects Alexander Remizov Lev Britvin from the architectural studio “REMISTUDIO”, Russia.

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or architecture two aspects are of higher concern: the first one is maintenance of security and precautions against extreme environmental conditions and climate changes. The second one – protection of natural environment from human activities. The Ark project makes an attempt to answer these challenges of our Time.

The Ark project was designed on the basis of international experience received from the UIA Work Program “Architecture for Disasters Relief” and according to the concept of a bioclimatic house with independent life support sources. In such buildings provision is made for an independent life support system including elements ensuring a closed functioning cycle.

It’s a cupola building with a central bearing in a form of a tube with all engineering communications passing inside it. Such a form permits to attain a n optimum relationship between the building’s volume and its outer surface, which gives a substantial saving of materials and produces effective energy usage. Prefabricated frame permits to erect such buildings quickly.

The building sizes are 40 x 60 meters in plan, the height of the superstructure is 30 meters. The total floor area – 14 000 m2.

The building makes a single energy system. The form of the cupola assists to create an air-eddy at the outer surface around the central bearing,

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space permits to create well-lit places at any time of day. Through the transparent roof there is enough light penetrating for plants and for illuminating the inner rooms. The balconies serve as a way of communication and a recreation place.

The building could be constructed in different climatic zones and in seismically dangerous regions, because the structure of the basement represents a shell without any ledges or angles. A stressed structure of arches and ropes permits to distribute load along the whole

bulk in case of earthquake.

The structure of the building permits it to float in case of water leveling up in the World ocean, to keep afloat and exist autonomously on the surface of the water.

This building might be scheduled for a community including 40 – 50 families of different welfare and sizes, or it could be a hotel and exhibition center, or be a research institution. The building has free lay-out and might easily be adapted to different functions as the time goes.

Photo credits: REMISTUDIO

where the wind power generator and tornado generator are placed. The form of the building is convenient for placing on it the photoelectric cells at a necessary angle to the Sun. The form of the cupola assists to agglomeration of the warmed air in the upper part. This heat is collected in seasonal heat accumulators, in electric and hydrogen accumulators, in order to provide an uninterrupted energy supply for the whole complex in spite of the outer environment conditions. The heat from surrounding environment – the outer air, water or ground – is also used. The building can produce extra power for supplying adjacent houses and “green” transport means.

The structural solidity is provided by compression behavior of the timber arches and tension behavior of the steel ropes. The framework is covered by a special foil made of Ethyl Tetra Fluoro Ethylene (ETFE). It is a strong highly transparent foil, self-cleaning, recyclable, more durable, more economical and lighter than glass. The foil itself is fixed to the framework by special metal profiles, which serve at the same time as solar collectors for water heating and as gutters intended for collecting rainwater from the roof surface.

All the wastes are utilized inside the building by methods of explosion boiling up and oxygen-free pyrolysis.

Planting of greenery – that’s the next step in creating a bioclimatic building. All the plants are chosen according to principles of compatibility, illumination and efficiency of oxygen producing, as well as with the aim of creating an attractive and comfort space. The triple height illuminated

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Photo credits “vincent callebaut architectures - www.Vincent.Callebaut.Org”

News & Events

Lilypad, a floating ecopolis for climatical refugees Oceans, 2008

2100, A Large Crowd of Ecological Refugees

F

urther to the anthropogenic activity, the climate warms up and the ocean level increases; and that is due to the melting of few glaciers. Another reason of the ocean rising, that does not have anything to do with the ice melting, is the water dilatation under the effect of the temperature.

According to the forecasts of the GIEC (Intergovernmental group on the evolution of the climate), the ocean level should rise from 20 to 90 cm during the 21st Century with a status quo by 50 cm (versus 10 cm in the 20th Century).

The international scientific scene assets that a temperature elevation of 1°C will lead to a water rising of 1 meter. This increase of 1 m would bring ground losses emerged of approximately 0.05% in Uruguay, 1% in Egypt, 6% in the Netherlands, 17.5% in Bangladesh and up to 80% approximately in the total Majuro in Oceania (Marshall and Kiribati islands and step by step

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the Maldives islands). The situation will be worse with the second meter. Countries like Vietnam, Egypt, Bangladesh, Guyana or Bahamas will see their most inhabited places swamped at each flood and their most fertile fields devastated by the invasion of salt water damaging the local ecosystems. New York, Bombay, Calcutta, Hô Chi Minh City, Shanghai, Miami, Lagos, Abidjan, Djakarta, Alexandria; not less that 250 million of climatic refugees and 9% of the GDP threatened if we do not build protections related to such a threat. It is the demonstration inflicted to reluctant spirits by a climatological study of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and that challenges our imagination of eco-conception.

LILYPAD, A PROTOTYPE OF AUTO-SUFFICIENT AMPHIBIOUS CITY The project «Lilypad» deals with a tenable solution to the water rising. Facing the worldwide ecological crisis, this floating Ecopolis has the double objective not only to widen sustainabely in the offshore territories of the most developed countries such as Monaco but to grant the housing of future climate refugees of the next submerged ultra-marine territories such as the Polynesian atolls. New biotechnological prototype of ecologic resilience dedicated to the nomadism and the urban ecology in the sea, Lilypad travels on the water line of the oceans, from the equator to the poles following the marine streams warm ascending of the Gulf Stream or cold descending of the Labrador.

It is a true amphibian half aquatic and half terrestrial city, able to accommodate 50,000 inhabitants and

inviting the biodiversity to develop its fauna and flora around a central lagoon of soft water by collecting and purifying the rainwaters. It enables to live in the heart of the subaquatic depths.

The multifunctional programming is based on three marinas and three mountains dedicated respectively to the work-space, shops and the entertainments. The entire set is covered by a stratum of planted housing in suspended gardens and crossed by a network of streets and alleyways with organic outline. The goal is to create a harmonious coexistence of the couple Human / Nature and to explore new modes of living in the sea by building with fluidity collective spaces in proximity, overwhelming spaces of social inclusion suitable to the meeting of all the inhabitants – denizen or foreign-born, recent or old, young or aged people.

The floating structure in « branches » of the Ecopolis is directly inspired of the highly ribbed leave of the great lilypad of Amazonia Victoria Regia. The double skin is made of polyester fibres covered by a layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) like an anatase which by reacting to the ultraviolet rays enable to absorb the atmospheric pollution by photocatalytic effect. Entirely autosufficient, Lilypad takes up the four main challenges launched by the OECD in March 2008: climate, biodiversity, water and health.

It reached a positive energetic balance with zero carbon emission by the integration of all the renewable energies (solar, thermal and photovoltaic energies, wind energy, hydraulic, tidal power station, osmotic energies, phytopurification, biomass) producing thus durably more energy that it consumes. True biotope entirely recyclable, this floating Ecopolis tends thus towards the positive eco-accountancy of the building in the oceanic ecosystems by producing and softening itself the oxygen and the electricity, by recycling the CO2 and the waste, by purifying and softening biologically the used waters and by integrating ecological niches, aquaculture fields and biotic corridors on and under its body to meet its own food needs.

Photo credits “vincent callebaut architectures - www.Vincent.Callebaut.Org”

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New Products

Design concepts Sprinklers head selection

K-Rain Mini Pro Rotor – the sensible alternative to spray heads

S

• TOTAL (B) FLOW= 86.4GPM

mart designers & contractors are realizing the advantages of using KRain MINIPRO low precipitation short / medium radius Gear Drive Rotors for irrigation of turf landscapes. Suitable for head installation spacings of 4-10 meters the MINIPRO Rotors provide the same low application “water Saving” advantages as rotator type stream heads at a similar price.

Featuring the convenience of a ½” BSP female inlet, similar overall dimensions and operating pressures (2.0 -3.5 Bar) the K-Rain MINIPRO presents the ideal replacement for Spray heads with all the advantages of the rotator concept.

Additionally the MINIPRO offers fast adjustable 40-360º coverage via an Easy Arc Set Arrow with degree graduations on the top cover plus a range of interchangeable nozzles from 0.75 to 3.0 US gpm to provide for matched perception arc settings. Depending on Nozzle size, spacing and operating pressures precipitation rates range from 5-10mm/hr.

MINIPRO – A cost effective water saving solution K-Rain MINIPRO Rotors have a strong “Wind Fighting” Single Rotating Stream Pattern.

Larger Nozzle orifice inhibits Nozzle blockage thus requiring far less maintenance than spray heads.

MINIPRO WATER EFFICIENCY ADVANTAGES • Greatly improved scheduling co-efficient • Over 100 times greater stream intensity • With upto @40% Lower flow rate (than spray heads)

*In above example the Spray head system flow is 6 times Greater than MINIPRO Rotor System flow (Flow 86.4 gpm ÷ Flow 14.4 gpm).

Summary- Although MINIPRO Rotor heads cost more than spray heads the substantial reduction in product used can actually save 20% -30% on “system cost”, installation time, water usage and ongoing maintenance.

SPRAY HEADS - are not an inefficient use of our precious water resources.

• Spray heads have excessive application rates which cause flooding and resultant damage to both landscape and hardscape areas.

MINIPRO -Design and INSTALLATION COST ADVANTAGES EXAMPLE – Rectangular lawn area range 35 – 40 m long x 8 -10 m wide (A) K-RAIN MINIPRO ROTORS •HALF CIRCLE ARC PATTERN = 6 pcs X 1.8 GPM = 10.8 GPM •QUARTER CIRCLE ARC PATTERN = 4 pcs X 0.9GPM = 3.6GPM • TOTAL (A) FLOW=14.4GPM

(B) SPRAY HEADS

• Plus upto 40% additional coverage area

• FULL PATTERN =

• Up to 80% greater surface area coverage @ less overall systems flow & cycle time*

8 pcs X 4.5 GPM = 36 GPM

*Water is needed most when time is least available for Irrigation (summer) EFFICIENT IRRIGATION allows best use of time available.

•HALF CIRCLE ARC = 18 pcs X 2.4 GPM = 43.2 GPM

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• Spray heads small water droplet size promotes “WIND DRIFT” leading to unwanted overspray, water wastage and needless extension of irrigation times to compensate.

• QUARTER CIRCLE ARC = 4 pcs. X 1.8 GPM = 7.2GPM

Spray Heads-Environmentally Unfriendly.

K-Rain Irrigation products are marketed exclusively throughout the Middle East by Fitco Industries Jebel Ali ‘Free Zone’, UAE. Tel. 04-2221217 Email: fitcoind@emirates.net.ae Website: www.fitcoirrigation.com

News & Events

DM celebrates World Water Day Dubai Municipality celebrated the World Water Day organizing a series of events and activities including an exhibition on rationalization of water consumption.

The World Water Day was observed this year under the theme “Water for Cities,” in order to increase public awareness by focusing on the importance of water and the need to maintain its sources and rationalizing its consumption.

Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

Lootah said that the celebration of this occasion is to focus on the impact of industrialization, rapid growth of urban population, effects of climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on water systems in urban areas, in addition to highlight and encourage governments, organizations,

communities and individuals to participate actively in addressing the challenge of water management in urban areas and to alert the public and encourage them to participate in environmental events.

Eng. Hamdan Al Shaer, Director of Environment Department said that the World Water Day, which was adopted upon the decision of General Assembly of United Nations for its celebration every year under a different slogan, is a remarkable special event giving understanding to all about the efforts made to provide fresh water for drinking, and to increase global awareness of the problems and solutions which will definitely help to give useful results.

“Dubai Municipality is keen to monitor the quality of water and preserve the safety of drinking water in Dubai, therefore, procedures to approve cleaning and water companies are highly stringent and competent with international standards,” he added.

Events and activities on the occasion included awareness programmes for housewives, servants and employees in collaboration with different companies and establishments guiding the public how to save maximum water in day-to-day life and thus save the world from thirst.

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News & Events Rain Bird® IQ™ v2.0 Central Control

Rain Bird® ESP-LX Series Controllers Exactly what you want. Only what you need.

Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Gad, Director of Al Dhafra Group and Advanced Hydrotech offered an insightful technical presentation about Rain Bird’s new ESP-LX Series Controllers, Modular Irrigation Control to landscape professionals in the Fairmont hotel in Abu Dhabi last month.

M

r. Gad explained that Rain Bird’s new product responded to commercial clients’ need for more versatile irrigation control solutions that can ‘answer and positively respond to the watering restrictions and controlled budgets for better commercial sites to save more time, water and eventually money.’

In a previous seminar held under the sponsorship of Abu Dhabi Municipality at the end of September 2010 as part of a continuous series of A.Tech / Rain Bird technical presentations for “Advanced Water Management,” Gad presented the S.S.I. Drip, saying: “…the successful implementation of the entire system to end up with positive results, starts from the beginning and includes efficient design, quality product, proper installations and eventually effective control and monitoring devices during operational process.”

“It’s a well known fact that water is the most precious liquid on planet earth, it’s starting to attract decision makers… (due to) threatening numbers about excessive water consumption and ascending cures in terms of water in the future against descending cures in terms of water resources,” said Gad. Gad went further saying that: ‘wars could be ignited to gain water resources.’

He continued: “In this part of the world, sweet water resources are very limited, soon not existing (to be able to) cope up with additional demands that are increasing day by day as a definite result of continuous development plans.

“What can we do? Keep building desalination plants with huge investments that cost hundreds of millions and continue to bear the negative impact to the environment.

This is a major point of concern and is being carefully considered by the Government of Abu Dhabi.

“We have alternatives, we can reserve and maintain what is available by making the best use of it through

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maximizing efficiency of water management.”

Gad said that this was a ‘genuine challenge’ that kept their research and developments departments focused and very busy. One of the ways that they have already achieved direct water savings for their clients’ is by developing the modulated controllers as an efficient water management system. “It reflects positively on the entire Mech/Electrical systems by less sizing for p/s, piping, valving, elec. panels and booster sets,” said Dave Shane, Rain Bird’s Production Manager for Controllers and Central Control Systems.

Shane went on to outline the design and build of the irrigation control system currently on the market, which uses only the components you need.

“Demonstrating once again our commitment to The Intelligent Use of Water™, ESP-LX Series Controllers combine modularity with advanced water management and Extra Simple Programming. As an irrigation contractor, distributor or water manager, you’ll save precious time, money and water. Choose from the traditionally wired ESP-LXME or the two-wire, decoder-based ESP-LXD. Both controllers are compatible with IQ™ v2.0 Central Control System.

The ESP-LXD and ESP-LXME each feature Extra Simple Programming. From the large LCD display to the simple-to-use dial to easy-to-follow prompts, Modular designs make the ESP-LXD and ESP-LXME perfect for a range of small to large commercial projects—from the straightforward to the most complex. Choose from a variety of station counts, accessories and optional features, only paying for what you need now—with the option of adding more in the future. In addition to timeand water-saving standard features like Cycle+Soak™ and Contractor Default Program™, the ESP-LXD and ESP-LXME offer an easy upgrade path to advanced features. To add Central Control, just insert the IQ™ NCC Communications Cartridge. Or, to add Flow Sensing to the ESP‑LMXE, snap the Flow Smart Module into place.

With the ESP-LX Series, it’s just that simple.

Rain Bird® IQ™ v2.0 Central Control adapts to meet your changing irrigation needs.

Advanced System Features and Components Build the central control system that best meets your irrigation needs by choosing from a broad array of advanced IQ™ v2.0 system features and components.

Advanced Communication Unlock the IQ v2.0 Advanced Communication Feature Pack for the ability to create, share and monitor a wealth of information about your IQ v2.0 system.

• E-mail alarm/warning and station run time log reports

Where to use Rain Bird® ESP-LX Series Controllers The ESP-LXD Decoder Controller Save water, save wire.

The ESP-LXME Modular Controller Tradition meets innovation.

Large commercial sites

Small to large commercial sites requiring up to 48 stations

Multi-phase construction and other applications requiring easy expansion Sites where efficient system troubleshooting is critical Median strips, malls, corporate and college campuses, residential developments

to up to 250 e-mail addresses.

• Configure satellites using phone communication to initiate communication with the IQ v2.0 central computer.

• Program the central computer to automatically send programming and retrieve logs from satellites.

Advanced ET Combine the IQ v2.0 Advanced ET Feature Pack with a weather data source to maximize water efficiency through real-time, weather-based adjustments to the irrigation programs.

• Collect weather data from a weather source and calculate ET rates.

• Calculate base station run times with the Station Runtime Calculator.

• Automatically adjust calculated base station run times and program day cycles using the ET Checkbook.

• Send adjusted station run times and program day cycles to IQ v2.0 Satellites.

Advanced Programming Add an extra level of security and control to your system by unlocking the IQ v2.0 Advanced Programming Feature Pack.

• Prevent unauthorized personnel from making programming changes at IQ v2.0 Satellites through pincode protection.

• From the IQ v2.0 central computer, view a list of site personnel who have accessed each IQ v2.0 Satellite that includes date and time.

• Accept or reject programming changes made at the satellites to each IQ v2.0 Satellite at the IQ v2.0 central computer.

Advanced Flow Sensing Monitor and automatically react to costly pipe breaks by combining the IQ v2.0 Advanced Flow Sensing Feature Pack with a Flow Smart Module and Flow Sensor.

• Upload minute-by-minute flow logs and alarms to the IQ v2.0 central computer, and create flow graphs and reports.

• Station flow rates are learned by the Learn Flow Utility.

• Real-time flow rates are compared to learned flow rates.

• Automatically diagnose problem flows to determine whether they are caused by a break in a main line or lateral line.

• Automatically close the master valve or station valve to isolate the problem.

Sites unlikely to expand significantly over time Locations where easy installation and low controller hardware costs are top concerns Parks, homeowner’s associations, business complexes

Sustainability

Sheikh Zayed’s Vision of sustainability for Sir Bani Yas Island

By G. Allison Hedges, ASLA Landscape Architect

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Due to the concerted efforts, vision and personal touches of the former president and late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the masterpiece of Sir Bani Yas Island has materialized into quite the unique destination.

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A

nyone keen on experiencing a truly sustainable environment needs to make their next travel destination Sir Bani Yas Island. Here the very essence of sustainability is experienced with integrity and employed in its purest form. Visitors will sense a genuine passion on the part of the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) staff to maintain sustainability on all levels. TDIC works in collaboration with Masdar Institute to develop renewable energy strategies for Abu Dhabi.

Recently our family visited Sir Bani Yas and I was so inspired by the focus on the preservation of natural resources that I felt sharing this experience would be beneficial for other environmentally conscious professionals.

The TDIC staff’s focus is on the preservation of indigenous resources as well as employing programs and initiatives that sustain the islands unique ecology.

Sir Bani Yas is the largest and most developed of the eight Desert Islands. The other seven are: Delma Island and six Discovery Islands (sandy outcrops nearby). These eight Desert Islands are referred to as “Jozor Al Sahra’a” in Arabic. From Abu Dhabi city travel 2.5 hours on highway E11 towards the Western Region of Abu Dhabi into the Liwa Desert to an area known as Al Gharbia where you will reach the port at Jabel Dhanna.

Accommodations at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara can be booked through www. desertislands.com under “Places to stay”.

Upon your arrival at Jabel Dhanna you’ll begin to experience the uniqueness of Sir Bani Yas Island. Visitors are not allowed to drive their private cars onto the island and are required

to park their cars under the “shaded canopy car park”. Visitors are then welcomed at the fully-serviced arrival terminal reception building located on Jabel Dhanna. Here visitors can relax before embarking on a 20 minute boat transfer (8 km off the coast) to the island during which time dolphins may be sited.

As you approach Sir Bani Yas Island’s port, located on the southeast side of the island, you’ll notice the sea planes also available as alternate transportation. More flight information is available at the website above under “Location” and “Fly to Desert Islands”. For those who’ve arrived by boat transfer to the island, again be prepared for yet another unique initiative employed which is the world’s first “ZeroEmission Electric Bus”. Sir Bani Yas has two such carbon footprint friendly buses operating on the island. The ride is quite smooth as each bus is aerodynamically designed with a curved body and seamless windows while the interior incorporates white leather seating.

While visitors are peacefully transported via Electric Buses to their resort destination another very unique feature is spotted in the distance.

The utilization of wind as an alternative energy solution is in operation by one of the Middle East’s largest wind turbines. This initiative is expanded from the late Sheikh Zayed’s ecophilosophy. The wind turbine stands 65 meters high, has three rotor blades each with a 52 meter wing span producing 850 kilowatts of power per hour (enough power for 30 – 40 households).

Yorg, our TDIC tour guide, mentioned that “the wind turbine powers about 2% of the islands’ electricity”.

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Sustainability

Upon arrival at the five star Desert Island Resort & Spa, managed by Thai operator Anantara, you’ll notice that this resort is situated between the northern coast and the mangrove lined lagoon.

The resort blends well into its environment incorporating indigenous plant material into the landscape design. Some of the trees that can be seen are the Umbrella Thorn Acacia, Ghaf, Gum Arabic, Frankincense, Toothbrush, Grey Mangrove and Christ’s thorn Tree. Due to the resilience of these desert tolerant plants the island has become a more hospitable environment attracting animals and migratory birds.

One of the most impressive initiatives of the late Sheikh Zayed is the “Greening the Desert” program. This has lead to the planting of several million plants and trees on Sir Bani Yas. One such tree that is seen in abundance is the species Avicennia Marina (Gray Mangrove). The Gray Mangrove is seen occurring naturally along coastal areas and islands. Mangroves naturally protect the coast from erosion, while creating a protected breeding area for fish and enhance the water by removing carbon dioxide. Because of the benefits of the Mangrove tree, the staff is committed to the planting of one Mangrove tree for every visitor to the island. The Mangrove nursery is brazenly displayed along the lagoon at the entrance of the Resort as a reminder for all visitors that the TDIC staff is serious about contributing to a sustainable environment.

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Another highly unique attraction on the eastern sided of the island is an ongoing archeological excavation of an early Christian monastery. This is the only early Christian site in the UAE and dates to between 50 and 350 AD. Likely Sir Bani Yas was selected as their location due to the trade route and the Gulf pearling industry. Christians in this area were referred to as “Nestorians” or followers of “The Church of the East”. Several artifacts that have been excavated include: the foundations of an eastern gate facing the sea, a sanctuary and altar, a chapel, a cupboard, small store rooms, kitchens, monk’s cells, a portable plaque depicting a cross, and a northern chapel called “A House of Prayer” (Beth Slutho). It is believed, that due to the coming of Islam in the previous century, the site was abandoned by the last few monks in 750 AD. Centrally located in the heart of Sir Bani Yas is an area devoted to the Arabian Wildlife Park which covers about 50 percent of the island. The 4100 hectare area is dedicated to the breeding and rehabilitation of over 10,000 animals. Some of the indigenous species that can be seen are: Sand Gazelles, Blackbuck Antelope, Urial Sheep, Barbary Sheep and Arabian Oryx. Visitors can take TDIC guided driving or biking tours through the Wildlife Park. Other indigenous species of wild birds that can be seen are: eagles, birds of prey and falcons. Due to migration, other non-indigenous species have made the island their permanent home such as: flamingos, cormorants and grey herons.

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Sustainability

The goal of the Arabian Wildlife Park is to develop and work with the expansion in four phases: First, relocate the animals back to the mainland (this is the Wildlife Reserve in the Liwa Desert); Second, separate the indigenous and non-indigenous wildlife; Third, introduce predators such as the Cheetah and the Hyenas (this creates a more authentic environment while maintaining population); and Fourth, the ongoing release of animals from the Wildlife Park back to the Abu Dhabi mainland (Liwa Desert) while reintroducing new Arabian species into the Park.

Visitors will be delighted to know that there are a plethora of activities available once checked into the Desert Island Resort Hotel. These include: Nature and Wildlife Park Drives, Walks or Mountain Biking where an abundance of animals are seen as if on a safari, Archery for all skill levels at a range, Sailing lessons or for hire, Charter Cruises on a catamaran, Kayaking thru the bird sanctuaries or mangrove areas,

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Snorkeling along the eastern coast to see sea turtles and colorful fish.

We found that there was not enough time to experience all that Sir Bani Yas Island had to offer and therefore we look forward to our next trip. Future Developments such as: The Equestrian facility, the Al Yamm Lodge to be nestled in the mangrove forests, the Al Sahel Lodge to be located in the Wildlife Park, the Conference Centre and the Water Sports Centre are all scheduled to be completed in late 2011.

Many thanks go to both the conscientious TDIC staff at Sir Bani Yas Island and the Public Relations staff member, Shadi Moazami, with Hill and Knowlton in Abu Dhabi. Their help and advice has been a great benefit and enhancement in the writing of this article.

Photo credits: TDIC

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ADVANCED HYDROTECH A.Tech

The Intelligent Use of Water

The Water & Soil management solutions…

Quick-easy-safe compression and Electrofusion fitting

High-Grade valves from Austria

ISO 9001 : 2008

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

Company Profile

Open up to the Green Gate

G

reen Gate was founded in 1998 in Abu Dhabi and has enjoyed enviable growth as a result of a steadfast dedication to providing first-rate landscaping.

Performing each installation with meticulous attention to detail in order to achieve the desired end result has made Green Gate the leader in distinctive, quality designs and landscaping installations.

Their mission is to bed distinguished from the rest and to become recognized amongst their clients as the most impressive and reliable lawn and Landscape Company in UAE. Their range of services include landscape designing, irrigation, garden materials, seedling, indoor plants, pools and outdoor lighting. An ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management and OHSAS 18001 for occupational health and safety systems has rewarded the quality of their work and underlined their commitment to providing best practice in Landscape Services on an international scale.

“In order to do this, we have implemented an Integrated Management System to ensure the highest levels of Quality, Safety, Health and the Environment to establish and maintain a premium service to our customers,” said Hassan Al Sabbagh, Green Gate’s Managing Director.

Landscape talks with Mr Al Sabbagh to find out more about the company and their plans for the future.

What are the main projects your company has completed in the UAE to date?

We have completed numerous projects in the UAE but the most significant would be the Bus station in Sila city, nine roundabouts in the Western Region of Sila and agriculture works in the Ramada Hotel Jumeirah, Dubai. We

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also landscaped the Emirates national school in Abu Dhabi.

Please outline the main Landscape Design Concepts for each of these projects?

•Lifestyle - Think about how the client uses the yard, and how they would like to use it in the future, so we can design with those needs in mind. Lawns can demand significant maintenance (time, chemicals and water), so minimize turf areas when possible.

•Current Conditions - Evaluate the current conditions ...where is the sun and shade? What views would we like to hide or enhance? How can we

accommodate difficult conditions such as steep slopes, deer, problem soils or poor drainage?

•Seasons - Take into account the different seasons. For example, many landscapes look great in spring, but lack winter interest. Once identified, this problem is easily corrected by adding a few interesting structural plants or evergreens.

•Budget - realize that landscaping can be costly. Have a rough estimate, then create a budgetary timeline for completion of the project •Timing - Implement the plan in the following sequence: A. Install hardscapes (sidewalks, paths, edges, etc.) and underground irrigation system if desired. Installing hardscapes after planting endangers plants that are already in the ground.

B. Create beds before planting turf.

C. Plant trees and shrubs.

D. Install beds according to the client’s priorities – complete them in the order that is most satisfying to client.

Who are your major clients?

1. Western Region Municipality.

2. Affairs, the Presidential Palace.

What are the main challenges of doing business in the current UAE market?

• The cost of labors and materials.

• The budget of the client always less than our needs.

• It’s often difficult to find some kinds of plants and disparity of prices.

Do you follow any International standards when completing your work?

Yes of course, we are working with criteria adopted by the municipalities in the United Arab Emirates regarding the (agriculture and irrigation) as well as following the international estidama standards.

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Profile

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Four decades of master planning to create Ruwais

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By Natasha Tourish

n the late 1970s, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company committed to an extraordinary and bold vision of creating a new industrial complex and worker’s community in the desert, close to the border of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The growing petrochemical refinery and port hastened refinement of the vision and creation of the desert community of Ruwais.

Located some 240 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi, the Ruwais story began when a team of American and German planners and landscape architects sited and planned the desert community. Once a tiny fishing village from which a handful of fishermen scratched a seasonal living, Ruwais, today, is one of the most modern and sustainable industrial communities in the Middle East. This model “new town” with a population of several thousand inhabitants has its own shopping centers, schools, mosques, hospitals, banks, post offices and even a cable television and video station. Covering almost 10 kilometers, the city was sited by the landscape architects in a wide wadi between nested jebels.

Texas landscape architect, Lewis T. May, FASLA, now Director of Planning and Landscape Architecture at PageSoutherlandPage, created the initial plans for Ruwais and recently completed the

latest phases for the city. May planned and sited structures to take advantage of cooling nighttime breezes from the surrounding jebels and sea and shielded the community from the desert shamalls by planting tens of thousands of arid plant materials in a 200+ hectare ‘shelter belt’.

May’s four-decade relationship with Ruwais, as the latest phase is now being occupied, continues to reflect his love of plants and the desert. To build the gardens and implement the landscape architect’s vision, a nursery has been established to ensure a regular supply of plants throughout the year. In this veritable gardener’s paradise, seedlings are propagated to grow the numerous species of trees and shrubs, which are suitable for the arid climate and planted by the residents. The nursery has over 250,000 plants in stock. Recycled grey water, used for irrigation, carefully balances the plant and irrigation capacity used within the city.

The community’s landscape palate and urban

Profile

design was carefully melded with the site conditions of the area to create an environmentally responsive and eco-friendly plan. The daytime mean temperature averages from a low of 20 degrees Celsius in the winter to rarely exceeding 41 degrees Celsius in the summer, with occasional extremes, rising to 50 degrees Celsius. Not surprisingly the area is quite humid throughout the year, averaging around 70% humidity but reaching 95% or more in the late night and early morning hours.

Shade, always desired in desert environments, figures significantly in May’s design of Ruwais. From shaded parking areas to canopied jasmine pavilions, May’s design for the exterior spaces are light and airy such as

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the Bedouin tent inspired structures, that reflect historic forms and the character of the Gulf region. May also created a series of tensile structures as shade devices for bus stops, park pavilions and play shelters. The landscape architect’s fascination with contemporary forms based on vernacular examples can be found in both the natural and man-made elements of the built landscape of Ruwais.

A jebel is carved into an overlook affording dramatic views of the community and the distant sea. For leveling and removal, the landscape architect convinced the client to feature the overlook as part of the open space amenities.

May included in his designs a series of neighborhood gardens and intimate parks

I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

and open spaces to further enhance the character and quality of a residential community. He unified the residential community of Ruwais with a highly designed and complex hierarchy of pedestrian linkages. From streetscape

designs to the connecting pedestrian spine, May infused the neighborhood with amenities to mark destinations and landmarks along the route.

Gateways, fountains, tea pavilions and shade structures are sited throughout

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Profile the pedestrian way. Broad and open along the streets, the system narrows to a well-designed walk within the neighborhoods. The landscape architect’s research into the city form and environment of an Abu Dhabi community was an early form giver for the planning and exterior environment of the city.

Ruwais, as well as many other communities in the Emirates, was historically linked to the sea. Its early structures reflect those connections and climate responses. Sketching those form givers and interpreting their influence was a significant step in the planning and design of the community.

May was determined to create, at Ruwais, a 21st century community rooted in the vernacular context of the region.

The chimney-like roof structures at the old Sharjah fish market helped to create a naturally cool and ventilated interior space. As shade structures, these are bold manifestations of a historic application of passive cooling.

The highly sculptural and iconic

shade structure of the Ruwais market as designed by May exemplifies the vernacular influences, as he strived to incorporate into the plan for Ruwais.

May’s landscape architecture for Ruwais has received awards for its pioneering, inventive and creative efforts. What was a fishing village in 1970 is today, with the bold vision of the stakeholders, a vibrant sustainable community, setting the standards for design in the Middle East. Bold architectural forms and a master plan and landscape design of impeccable craftsmanship make Ruwais the ecological showcase that it has become today.

Photo credits: Lewis T. May, FASLA

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Middle East office

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Company Profile

Soubra Tents and Awnings Covering you with perfection

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I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

S oubra Tents and Awnings Co. LLC was first established in 1940, in Beirut, Lebanon. In 1976 the company established, an office in the UAE and was the first business of its kind in the market, and the company gained major experience and knowledge in the shade industry. The first two branches were in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, later due to the new developments in Dubai, a new branch opened in 2005 in Al-Barsha to serve the new completed projects such as the Palm Island, Jumeirah Lakes, and Emirates Hills to make it easier for customers, and to be more efficient and effective in serving them.

Throughout the years, Soubra Tents & Awnings have studied and learned every aspect of the shades business, which allowed them to become experts in the field, enabling them to give their clients the highest quality products and services.

Varying from tents, tension shades, car shades, awnings, canopies, and outdoor furniture, they offer some of the largest product ranges in the market.

All either customized or readymade, their experts assist in making the best-calculated decisions for your needs and requirements.

Their team of professionals work round the clock to guarantee client’s satisfaction, making their number one goal to provide the best quality products, on time with individualized attention.

This strategy allowed them to gain the utmost client loyalty and client retention over the years.

Some of their products are Tension Shades; Tension membrane structures are architectural shades solutions that are practical, appealing, durable

large tension membrane shade structures, where the shade cloth fabric is placed under greater loading strains, which can be used to cover vast areas such as car parks, playgrounds, and swimming pools.

Finally the company consists of a professional team that strives for constant quality and customer satisfaction. The membrane structures designed and engineered by professional designers, fabricated, and installed by an experienced team that is dedicated to high quality of manufacturing.

and of exceptional quality. The membrane structure is built with a range of deferent designs and colors to suit all client requirements and needs. Nevertheless the membrane materials that are used to cover vast spans are mainly the PTFEFiberglass, PVC-Polyester and Mesh-knitted fabrics. The PTFE characteristics are high reflectance, maintenance free, self-cleaning, water-proof and fire resistance.

And because of broad chemical compatibility the PTFE is capable of withstanding high temperatures and relatively low temperatures therefore it is the top range membrane for permanent structures such as the buildings or malls roof tops.

Moreover, the PVC is an economical product for temporary or permanent structures fire resistance, water proof, easy to clean surface, durable with a life span of more then 20 years, flexible in shape and transparency. It can be used for architectural umbrellas, car shades, sail shades and many other implementations. Nevertheless, the mesh-knitted membrane is the most affordable in its family yet it offers UV protection up to 90%.

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Email: soubra.co.llc@hotmail.com I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

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Sport Courts

Are you looking for a floor for your gymnasium, event or multipurpose room?

Here are some suggestions to make the task less daunting…

These 10 guidelines will help you learn about the most important aspects of a new multipurpose floor and give you a solid foundation for selecting the right flooring for all your athletic and recreational programs.

1. Comfort The desire to have a comfortable surface is easily understood, but there is more to it. You need a floor that is comfortable for standing, running, jumping and falling. Your facility requires a floor that lets participants recover quickly and completely from an unexpected tumble or dive. Make sure you fully understand the types of programs and activities and the age groups that will use the designated space.

2. Shock Absorption Shock absorption refers to how much of an impact a person feels while playing on the floor.

It is critical that the floor absorb much of the force with which a person jumps, runs or falls.

This allows the athlete to compete or practice longer with less chance of injury.

3. Simplified Maintenance Simplified maintenance means less staff time and lower cleaning costs. Floor product treatments can ease maintenance requirements, plus provide antibacterial and fungicidal protection and prevent stains from food spills.

Find out exactly what maintenance is required daily, quarterly and after over a period of five to 15 years.

4. Life-Cycle Costs To get a true understanding of the cost of the flooring over 15 or 20 years, you need to conduct a life-cycle cost analysis. Life-cycle costs include the purchase and installation price, annual maintenance expense, and periodic major maintenance procedures, including equipment, labor and supplies. The formula to determine the overall price tag of flooring is: cost to install plus maintenance cost for the expected life of the floor divided by life expectancy of the floor equals life-cycle costs.

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5. Coefficient of Friction An athlete will be able to control her movements on a floor with the correct coefficient of friction. Without it, the player might slide while trying to turn or stop or may find he or she can’t turn as quickly as necessary.

If the floor has the right COF, a player who falls should not get a friction burn. If the floor has the wrong COF for the sport, it can result in injuries or negatively affect the level of play.

6. Consistency The surface of the floor has to be exactly the same all across the room. The entire floor has to be the same thickness, and players should experience the same ball bounce (no dead spots), comfort, shock absorption and coefficient of friction wherever they are in the room.

7. Versatility The flooring selected should not limit the events you want to schedule. Its design should provide the support necessary for active sports programs. Its surface should be able to withstand tables and chairs and people walking across in all different types of footwear without damage.

8. Acoustics The right floor can help minimize sound so

that it doesn’t travel to other areas. Bouncing balls or running feet should not be heard all along the hallway. Check the number of decibels the floor can absorb. If you choose the wrong flooring, you could be dealing with an acoustical challenge. The longer it takes for sound to be absorbed, the more difficult it is for those in the room to hear and understand spoken words or music.

9. Appeal It is important the flooring look and feel is aesthetic appealing and themed accordingly to its environments. Take the time to best match the color combinations of your space and planned activities.

10. Environmental Considerations Find out what the floor’s environmental impact is and whether it has recycled material content or is composed of sustainable materials.

Find out how much natural resources, water and energy are required for cleaning. Ask if the manufacturer has received any local or international environmental certification.

Follow all these steps, and you’ll play an active role in determining the specifications so that your facility winds up with the best possible floor for the scope of programs using it.

For more information about which flooring product is right for your requirements please contact Sujit Tavkar on +971 4 339 1331 ext 112 or email sujit.tavkar@raymondsport.com

I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

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I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

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DUBAI - +971 4 339 1331

International Designs

San Dona Park

By Mario Pisani

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It seems these days it is necessary in our complex mechanized world to turn our attention to the design of open park areas on the periphery of contemporary cities, in order to create more favourable environments for our contemporary urban fabric. Such spaces would provide cultural and social redemption and also establish for the inhabitants, an understanding and sense of belonging to the particular place. In historical traditional urban fabrics, despite their continuous modification and change in time, their architecture has always provided a strong sense of identity, and orientation for the visitor, thus creating a particular spirit of the place and

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International Designs

allowing a clear reading of the mnemonic layering of the site in question. This allows one to fully understand both the memory and history of the place.

Today, unfortunately we have severed our links with both memory and history, and we have practically destroyed all traces of the past. We seem to be overcome by anonymous contemporary forms, by a completely amorphous and nameless architecture which produces physically unsatisfactory and soulless ambiances. If we are not able to re-establish some form of meaningful architecture, we risk, an almost complete collapse

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spaces such as those of the external areas of the Milan XIX Triennial, and the piazzas schemes in Cerea, Arzignano and Milano Gratosoglio, together with other works in agricultural, industrial and historical areas, such as those of Porta Serrata in Ravenna and the Epano Skala Harbour in Mytilene-Lesbo.

The surrounding environment of the San Dona` Park consists of a series of only modest examples of buildings of no great architectural value.

Zucchi has conceived the idea of creating a form of

new landscape, a sort of link, bringing together the various time frames of the site, and in the process giving character to the area and emphasizing both a sense of well-being and esthetic enjoyment. While at the turn of the century project on the Milan periphery, the architect focused on isolated areas defined by raw concrete walls to surround the enclosed spaces, at San Dona`, he has created a series of undulating terrains and a fascinating series of light features functioning as bordering thresholds to the main central

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of our spiritual and emotional values, which would definitely lead us to a much poorer lifestyle.

The elegant and refined work of Cino Zucchi and his associates is immediately evident in the solution for their San Dona` di Piave Park project, a town in the Venetian Provence on the banks of the River Piave in Northern Italy, reconstructed after it was completely destroyed during the first World War. The architect, a Professor of Composizione Architettonica e Urbana at the Faculty of Architecture in Milan, has already regaled us with a number of projects for public

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International Designs

carpet-like area. The combination of these features contributes towards creating a habitat suited to tranquillity, relaxation and rest, very much the required properties of a contemporary urban park in the vicinity of a populated area.

One part of the project focuses on providing serene atmospheres of silence and meditation, while on the South side, adjacent to the main road, a funnel shaped entrance provides an attractive access to the whole complex.

The choice of forms, attention to detail and the colours utilized, together with the creative inspiration and clear mindedness of the designer, are evident in all the aspects of the project. The concept of tranquility is also made manifest in the seating areas, as is the use of a pebble and cement mixture which covers the site, laid over as an undulating

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International Designs

carpet. All these aspects clearly indicate progression from the architect’s previous projects. Here, mimicking the natural contours of the site, the designer trails the natural undulations of the hills and dales, and in the process suggests specific pedestrian routes for visitors. The system recalls, in simplified form, the well known balustrade of Antonio Gaudi at the Parco Guell in Barcelona. The stretch of about 20,000 square meters carpet in luminescent white is punctured by the green areas as laid out by the architect. They highlight the respective areas, those dedicated to public use and those for children, circumscribed by a series of light features, simulating erupting natural water springs.

The multiuse of this project allows adults and children to

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thoroughly enjoy the park.

The area for children allows not only pedestrian use, but also provides for biking and skating activities. There are also areas of rest for the elderly and an area in a piazza where the youth can meet and gather.

The outstanding qualities of this project are its plasticity and flexibility and also its novel idea of way-finding throughout the site. The project is conceived in contrast to a rectilinear concept on a strictly organic lines. The spontaneous play of water of the fountain emanating from a series of water spouts which eventually gathers into an undulating stream, together with its strong link with the natural vegetation, makes this project an extremely attractive and convincing one.

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international designs

International Designs

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Domplein Utrecht I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

In the middle of the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands, lies the Domplein or cathedral square.

This is where Utrecht began, 2000 years ago, with a roman castellum that now lies 4 metres underground. In the middle ages, it became overgrown by a primeval forest with giant trees.

Later its stones were used to build the churches that formed the basis for the Christianisation of the Netherlands, the gothic Dom being the pinnacle. In 1674, however, a hurricane caused the collapse of the nave of the cathedral.

U

Utrecht never really recovered from this traumatic incident. It was 150 years before the rubble was cleared and the Domplein created, a shabby square that was cold and draughty.

Countless plans have been drawn up for the square over the years but no plan was ever good enough for this grumbling city – until now.

Instead of making a blue print design, this time a process has been set in motion that will gradually transform the square. It’s being altered, in a number of small steps, so that the residents of Utrecht will come to see the square differently, that way allowing the square to

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International Designs

become a beautiful plaza, a place the city can be proud of. The first concrete intervention in this transformation is the marking of the castellum wall, the boundary of the future square. The winning design was submitted by OKRA in an international competition to create the most suitable and innovative design for the square.

The chosen design is based on the history and mystique of the place. The castellum was a place from which the surroundings were controlled, a safe base where people built their homes and established trades. However, the area within the walls was only open to soldiers. This was their ‘sanctuary’, where they could rest and didn’t have to be continually on the alert. Non-soldiers only got past the guards with permission.

This guardian line is marked with Corten steel elements at street level, directly above the original castellum wall. Its width, 80 cms, is as wide as the wall, and makes the transition from the profiled streets to the flat square floor. Green light and wisps of mist emanate from the marking and the borders of the Roman Empire are engraved in the steel. The marking is just as silent as the archaeological witness underground. The material and colour are earthy and refer to times long past in the fertile river delta and wooded ruins dating back to the dark Middle Ages. Now and again a poetic message is signalled with the light, in a type of Roman morse code. And on special days the light changes colour, like in yellow on Catholic holidays and orange on the Queen’s Birthday.

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The engineering has been carried out in collaboration with Rots Maatwerk, a manufacturer specialising in complex technical products. Various tests were carried out to test and adjust the techniques to be used. LED lighting is used together with fixed nozzles at special angles. The marking, laid out in four streets, is operated from a central installation and computer. All the techniques were brought together in a one-to-one scale prototype module and tested with heavy traffic loads. Only then was the phase’s execution on the Domplein itself, complete. Two parts of the project have now been delivered, with the markings being well received by the masses of passers-by who stop to look at it. City guides have already incorporated it in their guided tours and more importantly, the Utrecht residents’ perception of the Domplein is beginning to change already.

Photo Credits: OKRA landscape architects, Netherlands

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Women in landscape

P

lease tell us about your family and educational background?

My family background is primarily made up of political science majors who seem to have no direct connections to Landscape Architecture. As the story unfolds we shall see. My mother and father were both political science majors and newspaper people.

My father was also a state senator for the State of Michigan. I think this background instilled in me, from an early age, a social conscience and to try and leave the world better than we find it.

My two older sisters pursued careers in nursing and special needs education; fields that had direct correlation in helping the greater good. My older brother however pursued a career in architecture.

When I asked him why, why not publishing like our parents. He replied that he wanted to make the world a more beautiful place to be. As I pursued a career in landscape architecture, I too wanted to make the world a more beautiful place. After all, architects typically only do buildings, but landscape architects get to design where the building goes and everything that is around the buildings. It would much greater impact I equated. I received an AA degree in architecture from St. Petersburg College in Clearwater Florida and a Bachelor in Landscape Architecture from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Both of these degrees prepared me for the work I would ultimately have a passion for: Smart Growth Planning. This field takes all of the aforementioned disciplines and combines them with City Planning and a bit of sociology.

During my 15+ years of practice, I have had the opportunity to design places and develop code that has created some parts of the world’s number one travel destinations.

What inspired you to get involved in the landscaping industry?

As I said, what other profession has the opportunity to impact on how people feel about their communities and their surroundings. That perception then in turn, can create a whole new social awareness and responsibility for the individual and the entire community. When people feel better about and have a sense of pride in their neighborhoods, it can transform a whole region.

People care about what happens there and who lives around them to add to our whole global social conscience. What an awesome opportunity to be a part of that!

Environmental responsibility, sustainability and water conservation are the big issues affecting the landscaping industry at the moment. How do you ensure these key factors are incorporated into your

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work without sacrificing on the overall design and layout of a project?

With the “new wave” of environmental awareness, I feel that people are realizing that it is all our responsibility to protect the only earth that we have.

As the world seemingly becomes smaller with our global economy and information access seemingly at our fingertips, it is apparent that our present day resources are finite. Having come from Central Florida in the United States, two themes that we dealt with on a continual basis were thermal comfort and water conservation; themes are also very essential in the UAE. In addition to environmental conservation is the protection of a region’s cultural and social heritage. With these important goals in mind, I wrote planning guidelines that would take these factors into consideration and yet allow for creative professional freedom as the development emerged out of the ground. With years of experience

I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

Jennifer Bryla AICP, ASLA

With the “new wave” of environmental awareness, I feel that people are realizing that it is all our responsibility to protect the only earth that we have. in the Landscape Architecture field, I was able to write language that took the natural systems into account for the greatest opportunity for project success and natural conservation. (SR 436 SR 50 Redevelopment) 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?

I think it is not only the scarcity of the water but the wisdom of the UAE planning community that has made it a code requirement. As Landscape Architects and Planners it is our social responsibility to plan areas with the long-range consequences in mind. One of the great opportunities that professionals have, as I see it, is to create a place that is truly Abu Dhabi. A place that doesn’t try to recreate another place with a certain set of

circumstances. Even in other desert climates, they don’t have the great things like Abu Dhabi Sand Lake Road Commuter Rail Station.

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?

No I don’t think so. I think designers are going to have to rethink what a green landscape is. I also think this sustainability effort will give us a chance to rethink how we use resources everywhere. As we reduce water consumption in our homes and businesses and look for creative ways to take what we waste and put it to good use. Perhaps we can take the hundreds of gallons of water from our clothes dryers and dehumidifiers and instead of pouring it down the drain, we could have a collection area for it so it could be used for irrigation or some other purpose. There is so much that could be saved if we are all willing to change the way we do things just a little bit and do them a little differently. The sacrifice is not great if we all do it together. The key is when you do provide a traditional lush green landscape that you do it in a meaningful way, where it can be used by many and thoroughly enjoyed. Everything we do should be purposeful and with meaning for the

direct effect it will have on the project and not just because “it looks cool.”

During a project that I recently completed, Pine Hills Redevelopment, we had the challenge of creating a new community-gathering center that was adjacent to a new school that was being constructed. In order to respond to the desires of the surrounding residents, who wanted more recreational areas, we looked at the lands surrounding the community and realized that had adequate recreational lands, however, they could not access them easily. To solve the problem we created a gathering center to the community containing Pine Hills Redevelopment.

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

Celebration Florida. The primary criticism of the project was that it was not real. Real projects deal with infill and redevelopment scenarios and a real depth of a city as it grows over time. It morphs to its people and becomes a signature of them. But this was all fabricated from the ground up at one time. Those initial criticisms may be true but even so, as the community ages and the “wrinkles” begin to emerge from the clean lines of youth, a true community will be born and reborn…Such a thrill for a planner.

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

As I shared, my dream project was Celebration Florida but to build on that dream, I would take Celebration one step further and incorporate another project that I have been very proud of. The celebration project was fabulous and awe inspiring, but to make it better, I would incorporate a fixed guide way public mass transit system into the design. The world’s reliance on the automobile as a whole does not make for a healthy environment. This reliance forces us to look at walking and mass transit as something that is only for people that can’t afford something else. Creating transit systems that have safe, interesting connections to residential areas and jobs will only enhance our connections to our communities. We, as people, no matter where you are from, are meant for community and not to live in isolation from one another. It is when we are in close proximity that we exchange ideas and realize we are not so different from one another. We become fellow travelers with similar patterns and problems and goals and joys. It always amazes me to hear from people about their vacations to New York, Paris, etc. and how they could ride a train anywhere they wanted to go…yet they oppose building these new systems in some parts of the U.S.!

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

I have yet to secure a position in the region but I am truly looking forward to it. I think women have an advantage in male dominated professions in general. Women think differently than men. That doesn’t make us better or worse, just different and I always feel that many perspectives make a better project, a richer, deeper, project. Ultimately to goal of creating the best project possible should surface, regardless of whose ideas are contributed to create that project.

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

As a smart growth planner, I see the region as primed and ready to be a major world destination. The good bones are already in place through the initiatives already set in place through the vision of the Sheikhs and those planners that have come before. We can’t be afraid to abandon the ways and methods that are not conducive to building the vision. It is the follow-through and continued improvement that is important now. The details must be focused, as they will give the area its unique qualities.

The possibilities are endless, if the willingness is there.

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

Only become involved in landscape architecture if you want to serve your community and make the world a better place for all. I guess your parents do have a big effect on you, after all.

I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

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New Projects

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MEW/097/2010-2011-K Agricultural & Associated Maintenance Works

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Carrying our agricultural and associated maintenance works for an electricity & water authority.

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5/1432-SA/17 Public Gardens & Irrigation Networks Construction Project 40000015703014019-SA Shafa Alhojra Park Development Project

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Northern Border Municipality (Saudi Arabia) T (+966-4) 662 1264/4661 1500

Construction of public gardens and irrigation networks for a municipality - Third Contract.

May 7, 2011

KSA

Al Baha Municipality

Carrying out development of Shafa Alhojra Park for a municipality.

May 28, 2011

40000010706015019-SA Public Gardens Construction Project-7

KSA

Construction of public gardens for a municipality.

May 24, 2011

4000000382040719-SA Gardens & Parks Construction Project 5/1432-SA/17 Public Gardens & Irrigation Networks Construction Project 40000015703014019-SA Shafa Alhojra Park Development Project 4000000336031219-SA Park Construction Project-21

KSA

Najran Municipality T (+966-7) 522 3600 W http://www.najran.gov.sa Aseer Municipality T +966 7224 0666/224 6282

Construction of gardens and parks for a municipality.

May 14,2011

KSA

Northern Border Municipality T (+966-4) 662 1264/4661 1500

Construction of public gardens and irrigation networks for a municipality- Third Contract.

May 7, 2011

KSA

Al Baha Municipality

May 28, 2011

KSA

Hail Municipality T (+966-6) 533 5000/532 7393

Carrying out development of Shafa Alhojra Park for a municipality.

Construction of park for a municipality.

NEW & CURRENT PROJECTS

May 8, 2011

Budget (USD) 408 Million

Project Name

Description

Client

Country

Consultant/ Contractor

Fairmont Hotel & Serviced Apartments Project-1

Construction of Fairmont Hotel & Serviced Apartments.

National Investment Corporation (Abu Dhabi)

UAE

Dewan Architects & Engineers (Abu Dhabi)

Al Wakrah Stadium Project

Construction of Al Wakrah Stadium with a capacity of 45,120 seats.

Qatar Football Association (QFA)

Qatar

N/A

286 Million

Qatar University Stadium Project

Construction of Qatar University Stadium with capacity of 43,500 seats.

Qatar

N/A

N/A

2030 Tower Project - Sowwah Island

Construction of 20-storey 2030 Tower in Sowwah Island comprising luxurious apartments, retail spaces.

UAE

N/A

46 Million

Northgate Shopping Mall Project

Construction of Northgate Mall comprising shopping units, a supermarket, cinema, F&B outlets.

Qatar Football Association (QFA) Endless Real Estate Investment Company (Abu Dhabi) Al Afaq Real Estate Equinox W.L.L (Qatar)

412 Million

Campuses Construction Project - King Saud University for Health Sciences (KSUHS)

Construction of three campuses for King Saud University for Health Sciences (KSUHS) at different locations.

National Guards Health Affairs Directorate (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

Nasamat Al-Riyadh Residential Development Project

Development of Nasamat Al-Riyadh residential scheme comprising of villas, apartments, recreational centre, social club, shopping mall, schools, and mosques.

Talaat Moustafa Group (Egypt)

Saudi Arabia

Associated Consultants Engineers - ACE (Qatar) Dar Al Handasah (Shair & Partners) /Saudi Binladin Group (Saudi Arabia) Zuhair Fayez Partnership Consultants / Saudi Binladin Group (Saudi Arabia)

Non-Process Buildings Project - Borouge 3 Complex

Lump sum turnkey (LSTK) engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to build non-process buildings at Borouge 3 complex.

Borouge Pte. Ltd. (Abu Dhabi)

UAE

Bechtel (International) Company Limited / ALPINE (Abu Dhabi)

111 Million

Janayin Al Hamala Residential Units Construction Project

Construction of Janayin Al Hamala residential units of villas with total built-up area of 434,000 sqm.

Manara Developments (Bahrain)

Bahrain

N/A

1.325 Billion

Adam - Thumrait Road Dualisation Project

Carrying out dualisation of the 750-kilometre-long road between Adam and Thumrait.

Ministry of Transport & Communications (Oman)

Oman

N/A

52 Million

Carrying out an extension to the existing passenger terminal at New Doha International Airport.

New Doha International Airport Steering Committee (Qatar)

Qatar

Six Construct Ltd. (Qatar)

690 Million

Implementation of broadband network and voice connectivity to 50,000 homes.

Iraqi Telecommunications & Post Company - ITPC (Iraq)

Iraq

Huawei Technologies Ltd. (China)

20 Million

Fujairah Oil Storage Terminal Expansion Project

Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the expansion of an oil storage terminal in Fujairah.

GPS Chemoil (Dubai)

UAE

Jurong International Consultants (Abu Dhabi)/ Nico International Hydrospace (Fujairah)

130 Million

King Abdullah Sports City Project

Construction of King Abdullah Sports City covering an area of 9 sqkm.

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)

Saudi Arabia

Arup (UK)

10 Billion

Passenger Terminal Extension Project - New Doha International Airport Broadband Network & Voice Connectivity Implementation Project

54

I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

Qatar

1.6 Billion 1.9 Billion

The International Trade Exhibition for Garden, Landscaping and Outdoor Living

10 – 12 May, 2011 Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Dubai, United Arab Emirates

www.gardenlandscapingme.com

I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

55

Exhibitions May 2011 Project Qatar 2011 02-05 May 2011 Doha (Qatar) www.projectqatar.com

September 2011 Light Middle East 12-14 September 2011 Dubai (UAE) www.lightme.net

Garden+Landscaping 10-12 May 2011 Dubai (UAE) www.gardeningexpo.com

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

Hardware+Tools ME 10-12 May 2011 Dubai (UAE) www.hardwaretoolsme.com

Pool & Spa Asia 21-23 September 2011 Bankok (Thailand) www.poolspaasia.com

GULF LANDSCAPING 2011 24-25 October 2011 Abu Dhabi (UAE) www.gulflandscaping.com

June 2011 48th IFLA World Congress Zurich (Switzerland) 27-29 June 2011

Florplant Exhibition 28 Sept. - 1 Oct. 2011 Antalya (Turkey) www.agoras.com.tr

GIE+Expo 28-30 October 2011 Louisville (USA) www.gie-expo.com

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

October 2011 TOOL JAPAN Oct. 13-15 2011 Makuhari Messe (Japan) www.tooljapan.jp/en/

AGRO EXPO 2011 30 Oct.-01 November 2011 Muscat (Sultanate of Oman) www.wnexhibitions.com

August 2011 WAVES Pool | Spa | Bath International Expo AUGUST 10-12, 2011 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Piscina BCN 18-21 October 2011 Barcelona (Spain) www.salonpiscina.com

SUN 2011 20-22 Oct. 2011 Rimini (Italy) www.sungiosun.it INDEX 22-25 October 2011 Dubai (UAE) www.indexexhibition.com

We Supply Hi-End Products For Your Irrigation Needs

www.meac.net KNOWLEDGE SHARING • QUALITY COMMITMENT • CONTINUOUS LEARNING • ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS The Irrigation Innovators

TECNIDRO

USA

MEAC Saudi Tel.: +966 1 493 8627 Fax: +966 1 493 8038 P.O. Box 49921 Riyadh 11513, KSA

MESC

MEAC UAE Tel.: +971 4 886 1151 Fax: +971 4 886 1152 P.O. Box 261237 Jebel Ali, UAE

MEAC Qatar Tel.: +974 432 6598 Fax: +974 431 1968 P.O. Box 3082 Doha Qatar

MEAC Iran Tel.: Fax: Islamic Republic of Iran

I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

57

• 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

58

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

I www.landscape-me.com I May 2011

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

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