August 2021 by Landscape Middle East

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

MIDDLE EAST

AUGUST 2021

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

EDITOR’S NOTE Since it’s hot out and there’s no appetite for outdoor projects, our August issue takes a deep dive into Biophilic design. (see page 38) First coined by American Biologist Edward O Wilson in the 1980’s, as he witnessed how increasing rates of urbanisation was creating a disconnect with the natural world. Meaning love of nature, “Biophilia focuses on human’s innate attraction to nature and natural processes.” Post pandemic, Biophilia is more important than ever to our health and well-being as we navigate our lives in increasingly urban settings. Landscape architects and urban planners have used biophilic design for many years to bring the outdoors inside, but it’s about so much more than curating a section of greenery in your apartment or office space. One of our featured projects that has successfully implemented the principles of Biophilic design is the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai at Tilal Al Ghaf in Dubai. (see page 10) When the school opens in September, pupils and staff will be surrounded by living moss and green walls. Studies show that education spaces massively benefit from this improved connection to nature “with increased rates of learning by 20-25%, improved test results, concentration levels and attendance and reduced impacts of ADHD.” We also feature rejuvenation projects with a focus on using reclaimed land and infrastructure in the suburbs of Shanghai, Moscow, as well as an urban beach project in the emirate of Sharjah.

Managing Partner: Ziad Maarouf Amine Copy Editor: John Hampton Administrative Assistance: Sarry Gan Art Director: Ramon Andaya Contributors: Ashok Ganapathy Iyer, Andre Pereira, Nabil Sherif, Rebecca Zentgraf, John Arthur Davies, Katrina of Plat Studio, Olga, Tala Alnounou, Printed by: Al Nisr Publishing LLC Webmaster: www.pdinventive.com

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CONTENTS August 2021 - Issue 170

10 14 18

Living within Green Walls

New urban beach and marina boosts Sharjah’s tourism potential

Which tropical trees can survive in the desert heat

Wellness Landscape

The life-changing power of Biophilic design

How to connect communities to Landscape Infrastructure

Multi-functional family homes are the future Moscow’s Local Park

32 2

22 18

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I NEWS & EVENTS

Global construction players to reconnect in person at the BIG 5 in Dubai this September The Big 5 returns to Dubai live and in person from 12-15 September 2021 to support the MENA region’s $5.06 trillion future projects market Features this year to include three high-level summits, the newly launched Big 5 Construction Impact Awards, and 70 freeto-attend and CPD certified Industry Talks Also introducing The Big 5 Online, a powerful new digital platform enabling important trading opportunities for the global construction market in the wake of the COVID-19 disruption dmg events has announced that The Big 5 will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from the 12-15 September as the only live in-person event to connect the global construction industry in 2021, playing a crucial role in driving economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 era. Celebrating its 42nd year, the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region’s largest and most influential event for the construction industry has so far confirmed more than 1000 exhibitors from 45 countries and 20 country pavilions, and reveals an online networking and meeting facilitation add-on that will help organisations kick-start their businesses wherever their location. A Thriving Construction Market In a recent report released by MEED Projects, the Projects Data and Intelligence Partner for The Big 5, it has been revealed there were a $163 billion worth of contracts awarded in 2020 in the Middle East and Africa despite COVID-19 impact, and $1.9 billion worth of projects are currently in execution in the region. Josine Heijmans, Vice President at dmg events, the organiser of The Big 5 foresees that powerful face-to-face connections between industry stakeholders is key for the sector’s continued development, stating that “With $5.06 trillion worth of projects planned and unawarded across all sectors in the Middle East and Africa construction market it is more important than ever to offer a safe environment for the regional and international community to come together where they can boost business activities, rebuild partnerships, and discuss vital lessons learnt all in one place.” The Big 5 will welcome exhibitors across nine specialised events this year, offering visiting professionals the chance to source the latest industry innovations for any stage of the construction cycle. Heavyweights signed up to exhibit include Caparol, Soudal, Saudi Ceramics, Mahy Khoory, Zamil Air Conditioning, Climatech, Emirates Steel and many more. Christian Witsch, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Extrusion, said: “For many years, we have been representing our products and innovations at The Big 5, which is a very important and great event for our industry. After one year of interruption due to COVID, we are very excited about the possibility to meet and engage with our important customers and the interested community about our products at The Big 5 once again.”

Strategically curated learning and networking features The event also presents Start Up City, where the most innovative, disruptive, and agile players in the market will showcase technologies transforming the construction industry, and the new Digital Construction World, providing a central hub on the show floor for construction technology. High-level summits at The Big 5 this year include the highly anticipated Global Construction Leaders’ Summit, the Future of Facades Summit, and the FutureTech Construction Summit, all designed to shed light on crucial developments in the construction sector, covering all aspects of the industry from facades to building technology, whilst exploring long-term opportunities on the horizon. The Big 5 will also host a series comprised of 70 CPD-certified Industry Talks encompassing all disciplines in the construction industry such as Architecture & Design, Project Management, Technology, and Sustainability, to support learning, inspiration and collaboration within the construction community. Priscilla Joseph, Sustainability Project Engineer at KEO International Consultants, said: “The Big 5 offers the opportunity to learn, debate, and source products from industry experts. With global exhibitions back in Dubai, and all safety protocols being followed I am excited to be part of the features and events at the event, and for the global construction community to reconnect once again,” she adds. Celebrating Industry Excellence Recognising excellence in the region’s construction industry, The Big 5 Women in Construction Awards return to highlight the positive socioeconomic impact a gender-balanced workforce has on transforming the construction indu\stry, while the new The Big 5 Impact Awards have been created to recognise sustainable development, technological and digital achievements in the construction industry. Cynthia Corby, Judge at the Women in Construction Awards and Partner, Regional Audit & Assurance COO, Transformation Leader, Regional Consulting Board member and Middle East Construction Leader, Deloitte comments: “Awards not only acknowledge success by giving public recognition, which brings visibility, but they acknowledge role models for others to look up to.” Organised by dmg events, The Big 5 runs from 12-15 September 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre with alongside The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, Urban Design & Landscape Expo, FM Expo. To know more, visit www.thebig5.ae.

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I NEWS & EVENTS

Always standing straight and tall with Gripple Whether in public or private spaces, landscaping is becoming ever more popular in the Middle East. Whether this is a small or large scale, making sure these areas are preserved for future generations is important. So not only finding ways to help the plants grow but also ways to ensure that trees can remain in place with the varying soil types and environmental challenges faced, to help them stand the test of time. Gripple look at solutions to make sure that maturity of newly planted trees is brought to reality. With a helping hand to establish their roots in the early years either used in urban or rural environments, to make sure that the trees grow straight as intended in more exposed areas - Gripple has the answer. A new tree can take a few years to establish and anchor itself firmly with its own roots. Root anchoring is the best form of stabilising the root ball. The reason trees are anchored is to stop movement and encourage the roots to grow by preventing root damage. Another solution is above ground anchoring for recently planted trees to prevent movement due to wind or other external factors. Following are a few

ways in which a tree can be supported in the early year of them becoming part of its new surroundings: Root Ball / Wedge anchor System Root Ball / Deadman System Tree Guying System Working with Gripple is a great way to start its new life following plantation/relocation whether in the city or an open environment. We can guide you through choosing the products that are most suitable to your need. Also available in the Gripple range is the Terra-Lock® System. This is the anchoring solution for erosion control and slope reinforcement. If you are looking at the Moorish Garden design making sure the emwbankments are stable and suitable for growing trees, Terralock would be the solution. Terra-Lock System can be used to stabilise and reinforce any banking making it suitable to promote vegetation with minimum disruption to the environment. For more details on Gripple products go to www.gripple.com or www.tanseeqllc.com

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I NEWS & EVENTS

Brabazon Park With a focus on water, Brabazon Park will be the largest new urban public park to be created in the South West of England in the last half a century.

UK based landscape architects Grants Associates will lead the design of a major new 6-hectare public park in Bristol in the UK. When completed, Brabazon Park will be the largest new urban public park to be created in the South West of England in the last 50 years. Located on the 380-acre site of the former Filton Airfield – the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel – Brabazon will be a thriving new mixed-use neighbourhood for Bristol. At its heart will be the YTL Arena Complex – a new 17,000 capacity arena that will put the city on the world stage for live music and entertainment. Brabazon Park will be a key interface between the new neighbourhood and the YTL Arena and the largest dedicated public park at Brabazon. Bath-based Grant Associates has been closely involved in the vision for Brabazon - one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK - since 2015, working with YTL Developments to create the overall landscape strategy and masterplan for the new neighbourhood. YTL Developments has now appointed Grant Associates to deliver a signature area of public open space so that it becomes a major attraction for visitors and the centrepiece of this new urban community. The brief for the new 6-hectare Brabazon Park is to

create a contemporary new open space that will become the social heart of Brabazon, connecting the new community with the YTL Arena complex. The brief also focuses on celebrating the heritage of the former Filton Airfield, as well as creating spaces for art, nature, the community, and cultural events. Water will be an important focus for the new park and will bring the spaces to life for both people and wildlife. The use of water is linked to a wider sustainability strategy for Brabazon with an integrated approach to sustainable urban drainage as well as offering amenity and biodiversity value. “Parks have always served an important public health function and valuable biodiversity connector in cities – giving us space to exercise and play, spaces for wildlife and a place to reconnect with nature and nurture our physical and mental health. These functions are all the more critical now. We are really excited about the possibilities for Brabazon Park – it is not only a significant new and inclusive green space for the Brabazon community but also, through the use of water, will help breathe new life into this new city neighbourhood, the people who enjoy it and wildlife, and will create a vibrant landscape destination associated with the YTL Arena,” explained Keith French, Director at Grant Associates.

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I GREEN WALLS

Living within Green Walls Pupil and staff well-being at a Dubai school is centered around their living green walls

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Almost all of us are habituated to traveling to and from work, where we are usually surrounded by concrete walls, computer screens, and mobile phones. When we return home, we are once again surrounded by the luxuries and amenities that isolate us from the outdoors and nature. But I’m sure we have all felt it, that magical soothing and relaxing feeling when we just let go and submit ourselves to the sheer beauty and freedom of the natural landscape. The reason? It is simply because all humans just have a natural instinct to seek out and have a deeper connection with nature, we don’t know why, maybe it’s just a greater, evolutionary need for us to return to and be one with nature. That’s why we find ourselves finding more ways to incorporate nature and natural elements into interior design. And we have found that the most stunning way to bring in nature is through the use of Preserved Moss Walls and Living Green Walls. A Living Green Wall is essentially a vertical structure with plants grown in modular panels attached to the wall, helping provide greenery and design at the same time while using the least amount of horizontal space. A Moss Wall on the other hand is the use of Moss that has been preserved and then glued on to panels with a special glue to create a design. The design possibilities and options with moss are restricted only by your imagination. There is no minimum size requirements or maintenance required either. Moss Walls and Green Walls aren’t just visually stunning; they also make a statement. They promote the feeling of well-being, they help lift our mood, reduce stress and just generally make us feel more calm and relaxed. Living Green Walls also act as natural air filters

I GREEN WALLS

by metabolizing harmful toxins and releasing oxygen, this is especially helpful in office spaces. Our most recent endeavor in our journey to bring Nature Indoors was our project at the new campus for the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai at Tilal Al Ghaf. The recently completed project is one of our biggest Green Wall projects. A design and build project with four living green walls. By far our biggest and most challenging project to date. The entire campus was built with the idea of sustainability as the centre of design. Everything on the campus, right from the building structure and internal elements were all designed to maximize the school’s sustainability and provide an environment that promotes health and wellness for all the staff and students. All the classrooms and learning spaces in the building were designed to be linked by corridors with central atriums with lush trees and plants and living walls. Dubai based company, Plantscapes were tasked with the job of building four ‘Biophilic’ living walls. Two small walls at the center of the building, 2.9m wide and 5m tall and two vertical giants at either end of the building, one 4.5m wide and 13.2m tall and the other 4.5m wide and 17.2m tall. Our Design team along with our project engineer, met with our client to design the wall and came up with

a diagonal accenting design with different shades of green as the base along with a splash of color in the shape of a flower at the center. We were able to achieve the look with the use of different plant varieties and a total number of around 24,000 plants for all four walls. Some of the plant varieties we used are, Epipremnum Aureum (Money Plant), Philodendron Scandens (Sweetheart Plant), Nephrolepis Exaltata (Sword Fern), Maranta Tricolor (Prayer Plant), and Spathiphyllum Wallisii (Peace Lily) for the base. For the flower at the center we used Begonia Rex-Cultorum (Rex begonias) and Chlorophytum Comosum (Spider Plant). The Green Wall System used in the construction of the green wall is the ANS modular system, simply because the ANS systems small pockets and closely connected modules allow for the perfect coverage of the entire wall. The wall has a completely automated irrigation system in place so there is no need for human involvement. Maintenance of the plants, for trimming, fertilizing and soil top-up is handled by our plant maintenance team helping ensure that the living walls are always looking gorgeous. The entire project took four months to complete with work starting on the 20th of February 2021 and ending on 28th May 2021. The Campus is in its final stages of completion and will be open to the public in September 2021.

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I INDOOR & OUTDOOR LIVING

Multi-functional family homes are the future By: NGS Architects

Dual purpose outdoor and indoor living has become a necessity for many families since the pandemic

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The initial design and structure of this project was inspired by the client/family’s lifestyle as well as the current economic situation. A lot of projects have had to be altered due to the pandemic and therefore tighter constraints on budgets. However, the family’s lifestyle allowed for a larger scope of creativity. Our clients wanted a home and outdoor living area that reflected the needs of their large family, consisting of three young children, husband and wife, and a large extended family of brothers, sisters, and grandparents. The pandemic resulted in them all spending more time at home, halted all business travels, and therefore increased the need to create a harmonious environment where all their needs could be met. The home has to function as a workplace, entertainment and hosting area, as well as a relaxation area so family members can get together, as well as unwind and vacation all under one roof! The clients brief was very concise, to create zones for greeting guests, work, play area for the kids, swim/spa,

an outdoor dining and BBQ area overlooking the pool. The Project was to be fully automated (sound/light/WiFi) all controlled from the palm of their hands. The initial exercise comprised of space planning whereby we could optimize efficiency for each space. We then looked at the efficiency of how the spaces were going to be used and the interconnectivity of those spaces to each other. Safety was a very important aspect

I INDOOR & OUTDOOR LIVING

for the client as they have three young children under the age of ten. Glass barriers with barrier doors were placed to prevent access to pool areas unsupervised. The final stage was to create a study and design concept that met the clients brief. The landscape architecture was carefully created to allow for a dreamy experience whereby one would feel as if they were in a different world to that of the villa structure. The arabesque modern touch to the villa with the contemporary minimal touch of the garden brings two worlds together in harmony during the daytime as well as the night time.

There are several practical and useful features throughout: Man Cave This is the center of the project and is pivotal to the arrangement and architecture of the whole project. The Man cave/spa was created for the work-at-home parent as a result of the Covid Pandemic. The Man Cave /spa was created to allow the homeowners to work from home and at the same time enjoy the amenities that came along with the rest of the design whilst also having the ability to keep an eye on the kids. The client believes that the landscape of a home is as important as living in the home hence why the clients chose to invest heavily in the beautiful aesthetic of their garden space which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art outdoor living area. The uniqueness of the design has to be the man cave/spa with the bi-folding doors and rear landscape

pictured garden. This structure holds the outdoor shower / toilet / changing areas as well as the indoor pantry / bar / entertainment and office area for the clients. It is positioned to be easily accessed by all and acts as a main hub. The exterior wooden cladding that follows through to the ceiling of the interiors pays homage to the abundance of floral nature to the perimeter of the property as well as the community as a whole. Pool As an overflow feature pool with hydrotherapy jets, water curtain, and nozzles, year-round temp control with an additional heater for the hydro pool. It works by producing a salt chlorine generator system with the best form of chlorine, fully Integrated control panel with timers for filtration, lights and remote control. It has a filtration system for clear sparkling water. It consists of a waterfall feature and two perimeter water fountains.

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• Pool excavation and civil works happening at the same time was very difficult as there was only one double door entry and exit, so waste material and excess soil needed to be taken from the site numerous times. • Breaking the existing boundary planter box wall as it was taking up too much space. Erecting a more efficient space-saving planter box wall, waterproofing it, and adding all the necessary details while keeping all foliage alive. • Catering to additions and variations throughout the project and coordinating all disciplines. • Relocating the Phone data chamber with optical fibers located where the entrance water feature was proposed. (A very delicate operation). NGS Architects Project completion: April 2021 Location: Mudon Villa renovation, Dubai Approx: 5,500 sqft landscape area Cost: 800/1 million AED

BBQ Area A one-piece marble slab structure (3m in length and 1-meter depth) with storage underneath. It has a stainless-steel BBQ pit as well as a lighting system/sink and stainless steel smoke extract feature. It sits adjacent to the raised terrace overlooking the pool which makes for an enjoyable experience at all times of the day. Main challenges • The family was living on the premises during the interior and exterior workmanship of the project. Workers were constantly moving around at all times inside and outside so the project had to be carefully managed.

I PARK

Moscow’s Local Park Krasnogvardeisky Ponds form the focal point of this urban park

Objective: Krasnogvardeisky ponds are a historical continuation of the main territory of the Krasnaya Presnya Park. In XVIII-XIX centuries, the park had been a part of Gagarin Studenets estate. Afterwards, in the early Soviet era it gained its present name dedicated to the earliest 1905 revolution. For current visitors the park is a heritage site bearing the symbols from the Soviet past. Merging these two parks into a single system led to an integrated development programme based on a broad social and urban research. Preserving the existing structure and landscape of the Krasnogvardeisky ponds parks as much as possible, required for a comfortable family type and active recreation space to be created Solution: A sociological research formed the basis for the concept. The research made it possible to accurately balance the recreational functions and format. Based on feedback by the residents of nearby buildings the site is first and foremost perceived as a secluded inner courtyard. Wowhaus specialises in urban design, so its foundation lays in creating spaces for social interaction. Community’s needs make the architects create new means of working with people and material. New places and spaces require constant research. An essential part of this project was to outline the local identity by preserving the historic meanings and integrating the local community’s interests. The territory consists of a cascade of three interconnected ponds stretched along the residential area. The ponds were formed back in the early XVIII century as a part of the princes Gagarin Studenets estate park ensemble. The territory

acquired its present form in the late 50s of the XX century during the development of the boulevard. One of the important symbolic meanings which had formed the prospect concept of the park is its Soviet history. Since the Ponds’ name stands for the Red Guardy’s Ponds, the park’s identity is inseparable from the revolutionary history of the early XX Century. Both the inevitable touch of early Soviet aesthetics and the need of architects to make a narrow hidden area look inviting for the residents resulted in red colour appearing to be the main in the colour chart of the new park. Wowhaus created a development project for the Krasnogvardeisky ponds territory and their natural integration with the nearest Krasnaya Presnya Park. Designed objects incorporate a common design of soaring structures with lightweight grid elements. the colour scheme is also unified and consists of red, anthracite-coloured and the colour of natural wood. Another crucial object of the project was to reinforce interaction with the water, so the ponds were cleared of debris and thickets. Particular attention was paid to the additional landscaping of the territory. Perennial plants were added to the existing fabric of greenery designed to emphasize the natural beauty of the Krasnogvardeisky ponds. The composition creates a missing middle tier consisting of various shrubs and plants specially selected for this area. The site is divided into five fragments. According to the sociological data conducted, the park’s character with a certain functional division had already been formed throughout its history. Naturally, certain spaces of the Ponds’ were thought to be more or less quiet, social, or entertaining. The architects expanded the existing meanings taking into account their specific dominant functions.

Fragment 1 - ‘family sports and educational park’ This part is the most ‘wild’ and has a forest-like feel. The task of the project was to preserve this feeling of a ‘natural’ character of the space. The plants for this fragment are selected given the natural character of the greenery. New sports facilities located there transformed park into a more appealing for the residents place. Both elderly people and teenagers find suitable equipment.

Special attention in this fragment was paid to the entrance zone from the side of the highway. It was important to focus the attention on the park and its new design, the architects designed an entrance group complex integrated into the new fencing of the territory and consisting of two pavilions with a light structural pergola. The concept of this part of the Krasnogvardeisky ponds is also based around the idea of a ‘secret garden’ a walking route with objects and observation platforms situated along it. Street exercise equipment, workout areas, table tennis, a yoga pavilion, and also an original children’s playground with treehouses and high-rope courses are located here. Since the playground is surrounded by forest-like greenery, the main idea was to create a special dreamlike place with the houses made of wood hidden between the trees.

I PARK

Fragment 2-upper pond- ‘wild’ or contemplative pond. A multi-level deck with planters was created on the pond bank, and duck houses were installed on the water. Fragment 3 - the central part between the ponds – the traditional design of classical regular parks. Various-shaped platforms with chess pavilions are situated on the axis of the central alley and are organically integrated into the landscape among the flowerbeds with benches situated on the sides. The historical structure of the path and route network is preserved. The existing local landmark - a monument to October Days inherited from Soviet past. It displays a figure of an unknown labourer on the border of historic shifts in Russia. The monument bears a strong significance for all the residents of the neighbourhood. An important part of the architects’ project was work with the Soviet heritage. Based on communication with the residents, Wowhaus relocated the monument. It currently stands on a platform which best matches its scale and sits closer to the upper pond. A small cafe with an amphitheatre is built in its place.

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Fragment 4 (middle pond) - ‘romantic pond’. A logical continuation of the promenade zone with the gazebos above water, the deck and the decorative sphere-shaped lighting along the slopes of the pond and the water surface. Fragment 5 – the lower pond. The space around the lower pond lacks the quietness for the nearest highway sounds. The circumstances given complicated its integration into the general ensemble. Wowhaus proposed to turn the disadvantage into an advantage and centre all the loud sports and entertainment functions here, on a site which is situated at a maximum distance from residential buildings. A floating stage is built right above the pond for summer concerts and festivals with an amphitheatre for 150 seats situated opposite the visiting card of the park. The nearby bank is equipped with a big sun-bed deck.

KRASNOGVARDEISKY PONDS

realized Address: Moscow, Krasnogvardeisky boulevard, 1A Client: State Autonomous Institution of Culture of Moscow Krasnaya Presnya Park Studio directors: Dmitry Likin and Oleg Shapiro Architects: lead architect Daria Melnik; architects: Victoria Kudryavtseva, Maria Gulida, Anna Rodionova, Maria Panova, Bella Filatova Specialist of the Master Plan section: Nina Smirnova, with the participation of Alexandra Nikulnikova Chief project engineer: Dmitry Belostotsky Total area: 83 512.5 sq.m. Area of water bodies: 25 066 sq.m. Green area: 39 348.24 sq. m. Building area: 1 318.8 sq.m Project: 2015-2016 Construction: 2016-2017 Awards: Archiwood Award 2018 for Urban Design according to popular vote

I BEACH FRONT

New urban beach and marina boosts Sharjah’s tourism potential The Al Heera beach development will enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents and tourists By: 3deluxe

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Several years after 3deluxe transformed Sharjah’s Noor Island into a green, urban paradise, the German architecture firm is designing an urban beach project as part of a comprehensive infrastructure plan aimed at attracting tourists to the emirate, a metropolis that is home to millions. Urban beaches make an important contribution to the quality of life in large metropolises. Meanwhile, there

is a growing trend to not only define them as special places for bathing but to integrate them more into the everyday urban context and make them accessible to different groups of people around the clock. 3deluxe was given the opportunity to transform one of the urban beaches of Sharjah City not far from Dubai’s famous landmarks Burj Khalifa and The Palm into an attractive urban location with a marina with

I BEACH FRONT

facilities including, restaurants, cafés, local suppliers, playgrounds, green spaces, jogging- and bike tracks. This will provide city dwellers with a multi-purpose public space between the beach and city. Three-organically shaped platforms each featuring eight buildings and pavilions blend harmoniously into the setting comprising a 3 km-long beach and promenade. Embedded between clusters 2 and 3 are a marina with a clubhouse, several service buildings, and a small park. The marina is open to the public and in combination with the park enhances the location’s excellent amenity value. Organic Beach Cluster The three organic beach clusters are inserted between roads, promenades, and beaches and offer space for numerous restaurants, cafés, minimarkets, and service buildings. The arrangement not only means several restaurant terraces face the sea but simultaneously forms an inner square-like area that is lined by cafés.

Access to the promenade on the one side and the beach on the other is both intuitive and flowing. An organically shaped shaded roof covers the “square” of each cluster and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Lush greenery, seating, and playgrounds turn every cluster into a place that promotes communication and entices visitors to linger. Marina with Park The small marina can accommodate 100 boots of various sizes. A clubhouse with a restaurant and roof garden forms the heart of the marina. The sophisticated architectural building consists of a flowing, undulating roof providing pleasant shading for the restaurant terraces. Club guests can also enjoy an exclusive, resort-like area with pools and cabanas. An impressive administrative building with reception and premises for a sailing school with boat rental and several storage and service buildings complement the ensemble. From the small park, there is an attractive view of the marina.

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Sharjah City is a melting pot of nationalities and cultures; around 90% of its inhabitants are foreigners, with mostly Asians from the Middle and the Far East. The Al Heera beach development is one of many measures intended to enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents and promote both diversity and the coexistence of the various cultures, namely expats, tourists, and locals. The design and planning of the entire project are complete. Construction began in December 2020 and the opening is planned for November 2021. 3deluxe is involved in other projects by Shurooq involving the development of urban and tourist infrastructure measures for the Emirate. Datasheet Official Project Name: Al Heera Beach & Marina Location: Al Heera Beach, Sharjah City, U.A.E. Client: Shurooq, Sharjah Investment & Development Authority Architects and designers: 3deluxe

About 3deluxe transdisciplinary design As a design agency, 3deluxe brings together around 40 creatives from the architecture, interior design and brand design industries. Through cross-disciplinary design solutions, this company from Wiesbaden imbues objects, companies, spaces and buildings with the greatest possible charisma. With its very open approach to design, 3deluxe creates buildings and spaces which reflect the social and cultural trends of the present, while presenting visions for the future. Its characteristic organically inspired design language has made its mark on styles in the international scene. Projects that have garnered multiple international awards include the design of the »Cocoon Club« for star DJ Sven Väth, the architecture of the »Leonardo Glass Cube«, the »Butterfly Pavillon« on Noor Island off Dubai, the »V-Plaza« in Lithuania and the »FCCampus« in Karlsruhe, to name but a few. For some time now, 3deluxe has been increasingly concerned with the transformation of cities into more people-friendly and sustainable places.

I TREES

Beautiful Tropical Trees (Part 1)

Despite the region’s extreme temperatures in the summer, Tropical Trees can still thrive By John A. Davies Some years ago, when visiting Dubai, I was impressed by the wide variety of tropical trees included in the urban landscape. I put this down to the availability of sweet water for irrigation. Yet it was something of a paradox that tropical trees, which normally grow in acidic soils, could survive in the alkaline and often saline soils of the Middle East, yet there they were … happily growing in contradiction to the accepted norms. Obviously, this has much to do with the abundance of sweet water and the amendment of soils to suit these particular trees, as well as the adaptability of the trees themselves, especially in respect of the fierce summer heat of the region frequently in excess of that found in their natural habitats. However, with the above factors in mind and with a view to generating interest in trees as a means of encouraging support for Landscape architect Jean – Claude’s call in the May 2019 issue of LEME to save mankind by planting trees, this article discusses notable tropical trees worthy of gracing public parks or private gardens. Amherstia nobilis (Fabaceae). Otherwise known as queen of the forest, orchid tree or pride of Burma, is to my mind the most beautiful of trees, coming across it in the grounds of a hotel in Florida. The tree was named in honour of Lady Amherst (17621828), an amateur botanist and plant collector whose husband, Lord Amherst, was once Governor – General of India and Burma (Myanmar). One of his diplomats, John Crawford, visiting a Buddhist cave while on a mission to Burma found the entrance adorned with offerings of flowers, describing them as “…too beautiful to be passed by unobserved.” He believed he had discovered a new genus which was later confirmed by the Royal Botanical Gardens at Calcutta, Amherstia remaining its only member.

Amherstia nobilis Flower (davesgarden.com)

Amherstia nobilis Tree (iplant.com)

Found originally only in Burma it is considered the most beautiful of all flowering trees. Evergreen, and in habitat growing to a height of between 15m and 18m, it produces long stylish racemes of bright crimson and yellow tipped orchid-like pendulous flowers; these are complemented by similarly pendent dark green pinnate leaves, which, when young are of a coppery reddish hue, all of which together offering “an appearance of astonishing elegance and loveliness.” Though I have not seen or heard of a specimen growing anywhere in the Middle East; nevertheless, considering the advances in ornamental horticulture in the region over the last several decades, I believe Amherstia well worth trialling. Soil requirement is wide with a neutral pH, though since the tree is not salt tolerant it must be irrigated with sweet water. Propagation is by seed, cuttings and air layering.

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Bauhinia (Fabacea). Another tree with orchid like flowers and unusual foliage. A large genus comprising trees and shrubs which celebrates the 16th Century Swiss botanist brothers, Jean and Caspar Bauhin on account of the leaves being bi-lobed; that is, joined in twos at the base.

Bauhinia bi-lobed leaf (cjmgrowers.co.za)

The following types seem to be the most popular: Bauhinia blakeana is native to Southeast Asia and known as the Hong Kong orchid tree, its flower being featured on the Hong Kong flag. By way of an historical note, the specific name of the tree honours Sir Henry Blake, the first British Governor of Hong Kong (1898 – 1903), noted for his amiable cooperative policy with local clans following the Six Day War. The tree was discovered in 1880 by JeanMarie Delavay, a French catholic missionary, while walking in the Hong Kong countryside, who thought it so beautiful that he took a cutting. It is believed that all subsequent examples have originated from that single cutting, as this particular species is not able to reproduce sexually, rarely producing pods. B. blakeana is evergreen, fast growing and reaches a height of 10.5m. A profusion of purplish red flowers appears in the autumn and early winter. Propagation is by cuttings and air layering.

Bauhinia purpurea Tree (luxclusif.com)

Bauhinia purpurea Flower (urbantropicals.com)

Bauhinia variegata, known simply as the orchid tree. The tree is deciduous, fast growing up to 9m., producing very showy displays of flowers ranging from pink to pale purple, with purplish red and yellowish stripes on the petals – this characteristic in tandem with its occasionally white flecked foliage might account for its specific name, which otherwise may seem unaccountable. Though tending to be multi-stemmed it can be grown with a single stem. Propagate by seed.

Bauhinia variegata Shrub (en.wikipedia.org) Bauhinia variegata Tree (123rf.com)

Bombax malabaricum (Bombaceae), or red cotton tree is native to India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. My first encounter with the tree was some years ago in Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was then known. I was travelling up country by train when gazing out of the carriage widow a striking scene presented itself, for the forest canopy which clothed the hillsides was punctuated with islands of brightest red. Later I learned they were the flowers of Bombax malabaricum, also known as B. ceiba.

Bauhinia blakeana Flower (plantsguru.com) Bauhinia blakeana Tree (sbbeautiful.org)

Bauhinia purpurea, known in Florida as the fall orchid tree and elsewhere as the purple butterfly tree is deciduous, reaching a height of 10.5m and bearing masses of pink to lavender pink flowers in the autumn, hence its common Bombax malabaricum Flower (indiamart.com) name. Propagation is by seed and grafting. Bombax malabaricum Tree (en.wikipedia.org)

I TREES The Bombax is a large, elegant, fast growing deciduous tree with a straight trunk capped with a balanced crown and in habitat reaches a height of 36m. An impressive sight when adorned with its large, plump, bright scarlet flowers borne on leafless branches during January and February. Even when bereft of flowers and foliage, there is a pleasing symmetry about the branches. The flowers are edible and as they fall decorate the ground with a foil of scarlet which remains for up to three weeks. Owing to the straightness of the trunk and softness of its wood, due to the absence of heartwood, it is used for making canoes and outriggers. In Sri Lanka the wood is used for making tea chests. A curious feature of the bark is that it is covered in thorns. Its common name refers to the colour of its flowers and fruit, the latter being a capsule in which the seeds are set in a cotton floss. Ideal as a specimen or feature tree planted in a large garden or parkland. Also, considering the tree’s low salinity tolerance (1750ppm) it would be better planted on high ground and irrigated with sweet water which would have the effect of leaching salt from the soil thereby ensuring its survival. Propagation is by seeds, cuttings and air layering.

Brownea grandiceps (Fabaceae), known as the Rose of Venezuela, is a slow growing, evergreen tree native, as the common indicates, to Venezuela, but also to Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia and Peru. Attaining a height of 12m, it’s particularly attractive when in full bloom, the large, globe-shaped, bright red flowers being borne at the tips of the branches. The spherical blooms comprise many tubular flowers in shades of crimson, red, deep pink and purple, much sought by butterflies and humming birds on account of their nectar. The foliage is pinnate and hangs in long relaxed clusters, not unlike that of Amherstia nobilis. When young the leaves are light green and mottled with creamy, pink spots; maturing they assume a brownish pink hue, later becoming an even green. Seeds are contained in long downy pods. Propagation is by seed and cuttings. Landscape uses – specimen or feature tree.

Brownea grandiceps Flower (gardensonline.com.au) Brownea grandiceps Tree (alchetron.com)

Bombax malabaricum Leaves (nbrienvis.nic.in)

Bombax malabaricum Bark (healthbenefitstimes.com)

Another member of the genus Bombax is Ceiba pentandra (Bombaceae) known also as the white silk-cotton tree or kapok on account of the silky floss surrounding the seeds, which is a major fibre used in commerce. The tree is native to Mexico, the Caribbean and northern South America, though found in both old and new world tropics. It is similar to B. malabaricum, except that the flowers are white and appear at the same time as the new leaves and while perhaps not so spectacular in its floral display as B. malabaricum; nevertheless, of stately habit, it is worthy of inclusion as a specimen or feature tree in any suitably large garden. Soil requirements are wide, salt tolerance is low. Propagate by seed, Cuttings and air layering.

Butea frondosa, also known as B. monosperma (Fabaceae): Flame of the Forest. Native to India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. A deciduous tree with an irregularly shaped trunk reaching a height of 12m with large, leathery trifoliate leaves and bearing an exceptional display of beautiful crimson or orange – scarlet flowers. The flowers are upright and pointed giving the impression of flames, hence its common name. Its other specific name monosperma refers the single seed pods. Owing to its somewhat ungainly habit it is better planted in a group of other trees, positioned so as to ensure that its blossom is fully appreciated. The genus honours Scottish nobleman, John Stuart, the Third Earl of Bute (1713 – 1792) who, for five years, was prime minister of Great Britain during the reign of George III. Propagation is by seed, suckers and air layering.

Ceiba pentandra Tree (aruba.desertcart.com)

Butea frondosa Tree (123rf.com)

Ceiba pentandra Tree adorned with silk floss (pacifichorticulture.org)

Butea frondosa Flower (freepick.com)

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I TREES Cassia fistula (Fabaceae) Indian laburnum or golden shower. A small, deciduous, fast growing tree reaching 12m with a straight trunk and open canopy with pinnate compound foliage. Native to the forests of India and Sri Lanka. Strikingly beautiful when in bloom, bearing cascades of bright yellow, fragrant flowers in pendent racemes very much like the laburnum found in European gardens. Suitable as a specimen or feature tree or simply set amongst other trees, it lends itself to being trained in the form of an arch as an entrance to a garden or as a tunnel, the pendulous flowers presenting an enchanting picture. The flowers are used as temple offerings, the bark in traditional medicine. The genus is derived from Greek meaning fragrant. Propagation is by seed.

Cassia nodosa Tree (plants.com.pk)

Cassia nodosa Flower (plant.pk)

Cassia fistula Tree (bahrain.desertcart.com)

Cochlospermum gossypium (Cochlospermaceae), the buttercup tree. A medium – sized deciduous tree of open canopy, bearing palmate 3 to 5 lobed heart-shaped leaves produced in clusters at the tips of branches. Native to India and Malaysia, the tree has become naturalised in Sri Lanka, where it can be found planted close to Buddhist temples. Exceptionally beautiful when in full bloom, the large, single, bright yellow, buttercup – shaped, fragrant flowers serve as temple offerings. Propagation is by seed and cuttings. Another species, equally attractive when in flower is Cochlospermum vitifolium, like the aforementioned species, also known as the buttercup tree, native to Mexico and northern South America.

Cassia fistula Flower (flipkart.com)

Cassia nodosa (Fabaceae) pink cassia. A medium - sized deciduous tree of erect and open habit, with drooping branches clothed with pinnate compound foliage and native to Bangladesh and Malaysia; extremely beautiful when in full bloom, bearing an abundance of bright pink, fragrant flowers during late spring and summer. Propagation is by seed and cuttings. The tree has been identified as a subspecies of Cassia javanica, native to Indonesia, and commonly known as apple blossom. The difference between C. nodosa and C. javanica is that the flowers of the latter are more diffused between the leaves and rather than green, the sepals are purplish or brown.

Cochlospermum gossypium Tree (colplanta.org)

Cochlospermum gossypium Flower (flickr.com

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I LIVING IN NATURE

Sustainable urbanisation hinges on finding balance between people, architecture and nature

Wellness Landscape By: LWK + PARTNERS

Sustainability is about bringing people and nature together in harmony. Meanwhile, successful landscape designs are often praised for their ability to mediate between the city and its natural environment. To create a healthy and pleasant living environment for residents of Tianheng Bayview in Zhuhai, China, LWK + PARTNERS Landscape Team focused on five aspects: health and wellness, ecology, smart technology, culture and living convenience. Inspired by the site’s proximity to the coastline, the landscape design narrative includes an extensive range of water features, plotting interesting journeys for homecoming residents and those seeking respite in a richly plenished garden. The experience goes from high to low and from the edge towards the centre, like a living ink painting.

“Sustainable urbanisation hinges on finding balance between people, architecture and nature,” said the firm’s Director and head of Landscape Team Paul Wong, “We started off by understanding the site and its ambient urban ecology, and arrived at a final scheme that respects and embraces nature.” The garden as community hub Landscaped areas at Tianheng Bayview are designed along five-point spatial succession, “Gate-HallGarden-House-Pond”, in line with the spatial structure and design logic of traditional oriental painting and garden, creating layers of landscaped spaces and a rich experience. The garden is a central focus, with a semi-circle of residential blocks running around its boundary.

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“For residents,” said Paul, “It’s the community hub where daily activities take place, and a key node on their way home. It’s really a place of shared experience.” He also explains how a curation of space creates poetry in life: “We studied how natural elements play out at different times of the day and sought to capture each moment in daily life from a photographer’s perspective. We designed a range of ‘scenes’ with different scales, so people can find their favourite dwelling spot that suits their daily routine.” The main entrance is styled with layers of sleek white landscape walls and a pair of inkstonelike pools on both sides. A tree grows through a hollowed roof allowing sunlight to sift through while providing cool shades for inhabitants. Through the main entrance, a green promenade spreads out leading walkers on a spiralling route towards the heart of the garden where a massive light well resides. Surrounded by transparent glass with a waterfall on the east side, this circular sunken plaza creates an artful, secluded space for inhabitants to escape from the hustle, becoming the project’s ‘spiritual fortress’. As it is also the entrance to the basement car park, fresh air and natural light are brought in through the light well,

I LIVING IN NATURE

hence reinventing the usual stuffy experience associated with underground space. As you go up the stairs and reach the other side of the waterfall, a beautiful mirror pool embraced by lush greenery awaits. The roof and columns of the surrounding arcade also feature rippling patterns casting placid light and shadows throughout the space for a healing experience. The central plaza connects to the green avenue linking up several landscaped gardens, offering an eclectic mix of ground-level and semi-sunken pavilions. Walls and structures of the pavilions deconstruct and reshape the space to invoke

different vibes, while the interplay between light, shadows and swaying wooden branches constantly recreates the visual space. Each residential block has its own entrance courtyards and wide open porch, with sea-facing ones providing lively social spaces while inward-facing ones are designed as quiet, contemplative spaces, catering for the needs of different residents. A tea garden is set amid layers of water features, offering a pocket of mindfulness in the spirit of Chinese literatus Zheng Banqiao’s famous line: “Make new tea from fresh river water, have all the green hills as screen paintings like you own them.”

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Infinity pool sets world record Overlooking the seafront is a 108-metre-long infinity pool and waterfall – a highlight of the overall landscape. It has set the world record and recognised as the world’s ‘Longest Swimming Pool with Water Curtain’. The infinity pool and sea converge as swimmers enjoy mesmerising views of the ocean, while the sweeping water curtain interacts with the woods to create a oneof-a-kind public space below. The sound of falling water makes it a fun playscape for children while the curtain acts as a natural barrier for enhanced privacy.

Five design visions LWK + PARTNERS Landscape Team got involved in Tianheng Bayview as early as in the project planning stage, enabling the team to respond holistically to the project’s overall vision through multiple added values. To create a healthy environment, the scheme includes a landscaped circular running track, a fitness centre, an infinity pool, a fitness and recreational area for children and the elderly, and a wellness-themed tea garden. There are also spaces for sports, tea culture and chess culture in the porches to bring about a healthy, active community. For an ecofriendlier environment, designers took reference from rainforests. Sustainable materials are adopted along with a sponge city design and porous pavement. Runoffs are captured through the lawns and rain gardens. The drainage system is designed according to the local environment and climate, including resilience towards typhoons, seawater intrusion and waterlogging.

I LIVING IN NATURE

Like traditional Lingnan gardens, water is a vital element in the Tianheng Bayview landscape. Taking inspiration from Zhuhai’s natural landscape and vernacular culture, the design aims to break the site boundaries to become part of the beautiful scene of Tangjiawan while creating a cooling effect in summer. The project uses smart technology and integrates with the security infrastructure to provide maximum security for residents. Besides access control, the project also features like 24-hour digital network video surveillance, license plate recognition and QR code system. For greater living convenience, the project incorporates a whole range of multi-level circulation systems and barrier-free designs to efficiently

separate cars and pedestrians while ensuring a safe and friendly community for all, including seniors, children and people with disabilities. Winding covered walkways between the buildings also allow residents to smoothly transition between the spaces at ease. The landscape and gardens at Tianheng Bayview are designed and structured to make staying home and enjoying the garden a wholesome experience while fostering smart low-carbon living. As today’s building industry relies increasingly on interdisciplinary synergy, it is expected that the role of landscape design will continue to expand, making nature and ecology part of city living and promoting sustainable green development.

Project: Tianheng Bayview Location: Zhuhai, China Client: Zhuhai Tianheng Properties Limited Landscape Architect: LWK + PARTNERS Site Area: 36,322.48 sqm Gross Floor Area: 73,665.75 sqm Year of Completion: 2022

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I INDOOR GARDENING

LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN Journey to indoor gardening and its transformational impact on our well-being By Ashok Ganapathy Iyer Professor & Chairperson,

School of Design & Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai Audrey Hepburn’s famous quote, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” holds true for many individuals, families and plant enthusiasts who took up gardening as a matter of urgency during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the world was thrust into lockdown and our homes doubled as our work places overnight, the need to connect to nature became instantaneous. Thus, Biophilic design as our inherent need to affiliate with nature in the modern built environment became the buzzword of choice for even the most novice of gardeners. An inherent belief that gardening was a hobby coded in my genes as a native of ‘God’s Own Country,’ the South-Indian state of Kerala with my parents being avid gardeners who migrated to Mumbai; the financial

capital of India did not bode well as the storyline of my life. Gardening as a hobby took root in UAE. Gardening started as a substitution to bring life to the boring balcony of our rented apartment with typical flowering plants like numerous saplings of ‘VincaCatharanthus Roseus,’ available for AED 1 per sapling juxtaposed by a single ‘Mandevilla Splendens’ or Yellow Bell Climber that is priced between AED 20 to 50 depending on the size of the plant. To add variety, I was encouraged to add plants with medicinal value, so two Aloe Vera or Medicina Aloe Savila were added to this infamous balcony apartment garden that succumbed to the onslaught of heat, dust and pigeons between January and December 2015. Excuses were

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endless though the reality for my 2015 garden was that of gardening-by-compulsion. A pigeon net was installed in 2017 and the balcony garden was revived though only one out of the three prime-time excuses; ‘pigeons – the primary urban pest’ was stricken off the list. What about ‘Heat and Dust?’ As a ‘Gardener-bycompulsion,’ you have excuses and the 2017 garden also perished; courtesy the heat and dust of the UAE. Pastor Steven Furtick’s well-known statement that “the only way God can show us He’s in control is to put us in situations we can’t control” happened during our 2018 field trip to Tbilisi, Georgia. 125 architecture and interior design students along with 13 of my faculty colleagues were at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi: commonly known as the Sameba Cathedral. Here, we (Gardner + Ameeta – the urban designer

and Sneha – the landscape architect) came across the holy olive tree; Olea Europaea. The stately old tree and its black olive fruits with seeds eventually produced no saplings on germination in UAE; but led to my role as ‘Gardener-by-convenience.’ By mid-2019 my university cabin was well-known as an urban garden, a biophilic experiment as stated by many students and so on. This urban garden experiment started with the long-abandoned soil cups bearing the Tbilisi olive seeds made of recycled 500 ml. mineral water bottle halves. Seeds from ‘medjoul dates’ and tamrind seeds was the starting point with a seed-pod of ‘bargad tree’ or ‘Ficus Benghalensis’ from my trip to Delhi, India producing 30 odd saplings. So, ‘Teachers’ Day’ on the 5th of September 2019 was celebrated with each one of the teachers at our university being gifted an ‘Indian money plant’ or ‘Pothos aureus’ also known as ‘Epipremnum Aureum.’ And just like that the gardener bug was planted in many of us at the university.

Fast-forward to February 2020. The world was abuzz with news about Covid 19 and the big news of the global population being gripped by this pandemic. So, the headline for March 2020 was the worldwide lock-down. By May 2020; two months into the lockdown, the ‘Gardener-by-purpose’ had arrived. The defining statement by Edward O. Wilson from his famous book ‘Biophilia’ (1984) as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life” became a reality for many-an-individual including me in this worldwide spectrum of online-online and online. Various news channels and social media platforms started streaming mainframe stories of ‘Biophilia-at-home.’ The question arose on the state of my urban garden at our university as the news arrived that all was fine with our security personal watering the plants once a week. This urge for the living or biophilic way of life led to the germination of food grains for some fresh greens that formed a part of our staple diet. Earlier we would take our vegetables and fruits for granted as these were available in any supermarket. Covid 19 lockdown changed our outlook on life with reference to food-shopping in UAE. By July 2020 one corner of our living room acted as the starting point for this biophilic landscaping galore. Termed as ‘Famous -Five,’ this corner including 5 porcelain pots, a decorative white metal stand and five indoor plants including the

I INDOOR GARDENING

venerable ‘Howea Forsteriana’ commonly known as ‘kentia palm,’ ‘Dracaena Trifasciata’ – ‘snake plant,’ ‘Dracaena Marginata,’ ‘Codiaeum Croton’ – “Joseph’s coat’ and ‘Codiaeum Variegatum’ – ‘Croton gold dust’ formed the first biophilic living zone at our residential apartment in Sharjah. Costing AED 600 including plant material, potting soil, porcelain pots, metal stand and lots of hands-on work, the effect on our apartment and our life was transformational. By March 2021, the gardener-by-purpose had transformed this living room into a living biosphere. The ‘famous-five’ corner has extended vertically with 2 ‘Monstera Deliciosa’ or Swiss-cheese plants connecting this living thread to the ceiling with a range of species including a living example of the dinosaurs age, ‘Cycas revoluta’ commonly known as Sago Palm forming the foreground. ‘Famous-five’ is further accentuated by horizontal biophilic connection of wall-mounted rectangular pots with ‘Chinese evergreens’ and ‘Anthuriums’ tying this living thread to the television corner. ‘TV corner’ is juxtaposed by a reverse pyramid of wall-brackets with rectangular pots and indoor plants connecting the living thread to the floor. The 9-month journey of ‘Biophilia in the apartment’ included transformational living corners like the entrance to the living room with plants potted in reused Biryani clay-pots and antique vessels emerging from our dusty storage.

The simple rules for Biophilic Landscaping are as follows Remember, these are living plants termed as ‘indoor plants’ so kindly do your research (Youtube) • Identify the corners, walls, platforms, and key spaces where plants need to be introduced • Check the natural light factor – East, West, North, South-facing windows, balconies, or openings and indoor artificial lighting • Remember, you need to dirty your hands with potting soil and keeping doing the same, again and again. • Last but not the least; you need to water your plants once every 10-14 days in winter and 5-7 days in summer in your apartment (add 2 more days for splitcentral AC apartments).

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I URBAN DEVELOPMENT

How to connect communities to Landscape Infrastructure Chinese suburb restores wetlands to create green infrastructure to support a vibrant community By: PLAT Studio

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PROJECT CONTEXT A growing suburb of Shanghai and Suzhou, Kunshan finds itself in a formative period of expansion that requires intentional integration of green infrastructure with its urban growth. As a result of its proximity to major urban centers, Kunshan West is a flourishing tech region that is growing into its own innovative core district, attracting an influx of tech industry workers and commuters alike. This development core is supported by a series of large water and open space resources, anchored by the expansive wetlands of Forest Park. The district park is located within the Miaojing River watershed, a historical and preserved drinking water aqueduct resource between Kuilei Lake and Kunshan’s Old Town. SITE CONDITION Previously underutilized open space, Forest Park’s site challenges included: (1) an interface dominated by private developments with very few neighborhood entry points and, (2) an inaccessible, overgrown and densely vegetated interior. The western edge of the site acted as a barrier

between the neighboring communities and the amenities of Forest Park. The large existing network of waterways on site presented an opportunity to utilize and improve upon the runoff filtration services the park was already providing the surrounding district. Many in the community had not visited the park and did not know how to access the park, leaving a gap and an opportunity. DESIGN INTENT The 178 hectare West Entry Park connects the Forest Park to new residences. Where there was once farmland, a growing community needed a cultural hub and accessible natural spaces. Bringing identity and functional ecology, the revamped Western edge revitalizes the open space and welcomes residents of all ages. Our team was approached by the City of West Kunshan to collaborate and ensure their citizens have access to this invaluable resource in their neighborhood. With numerous townhouses and residential towers just across Yuanshi Road and no entrance, the team created a master plan to

I URBAN DEVELOPMENT

welcome new residents. Working with hydrologists and local officials, we prioritized accessibility, recreational amenities, ecological health and place-making. While linking to the larger regional park, it retains a distinct identity. The spaces and furniture are scaled to impart a neighborhood feeling throughout. By creating a bold and warm identity which follows from the entry plaza through the loop trail, visitors are guided through the site. The identity lends itself to accessibility and recreational amenities, defining a sense of place and specificity throughout. The plant palette is instrumental to this consistency and variation by defining the habitat zones and embracing every season. Hosting a myriad of programs, from crawdad catching to tai chi, children and elderly can easily engage with their peers throughout the year. By integrating with local water infrastructure, the site is relevant to the community on multiple levels. These features all come together to not only attract neighbors but also draw in regional visitors. ACCESSIBILITY The design framework addresses accessibility by providing a new entry point on the western border, breaking a previous barrier into Forest Park. The West Entry acts as a vital gateway node that leads visitors into a recreational plaza with amenities for social outdoor gatherings. This active node welcomes visitors into the park and links them into

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the network of trails and boardwalks within the interior of Forest Park, extending the natural character of the park into the urban public realm. Here an amphitheater, visitor center and cafe take advantage of grand views over the West Pond, invigorated by aquatic planting and screens of trees to minimize views of skyline development. Internal pathways lead visitors to explore various peaceful natural habitats ranging from wetlands to forests as they journey through Forest Park’s newly accessible interior. Timber boardwalks meander through aquatic planting and beds of reeds while hard paved footpaths lead into tracts of colorful deciduous trees. These routes stemming from the West Entry Plaza connect into the bike system of Kuilei Lake and work to form an active and community-oriented waterfront park. ECOLOGY The green infrastructure strategy of Forest Park aims at improving the overall water quality of the whole district by effectively utilizing its vast network of wetlands. With the aid of both a water pump system and extensive aquatic reed planting, Forest Park filters storm-water runoff from neighboring urban development and recycles clean water downstream back into the southern edge of the district. Bioswales and ornamental wetlands support the park’s mechanical infrastructure to mitigate the pressure put on urban storm sewers, creating a healthy hydrological district.

I URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The variety of flora and fauna species incorporated into the planting palette foster biodiversity and encourage visitors to learn more about native habitats. This planting palette presents an array of seasonal color, evident in the richly textured layers of shrubs and trees. The planting is designed to envelope visitors in nature, immersing them in a calm natural setting. CULTURE Situated between Shanghai and Suzhou, Kunshan has attracted many young families and their elderly relatives. Since parents can each work in a major hub, it is an ideal locale for commuting to either city. To build community the population needed open spaces for children, families and elderly adults to enjoy altogether and with their peers. The entry and recreational plazas provide space for community gatherings and group exercise classes. This area is energized on summer nights as residents of Kunshan West gather here to jog, practice Tai Chi and meet for family social functions. During the day, a cafe and visitor’s center provide programs for residents to enjoy a comfortable day as they venture out to explore close to home. Continuing to wetland boardwalks, visitors can come in contact with nature on a passive route through swathes of wetland planting. Small seating areas provide space to sit alone or with others, appreciating the respite of natural beauty. IMPACT Forest Park West Entry’s impact is evident, visitors can be spotted fishing on boardwalks, strolling through lush wetland planting and having an afternoon snack by the West Pond. By connecting to local residents and welcoming programming that is relevant to them, Forest Park has become the landscape infrastructure that Kunshan West needs to serve its growing population. The park now fulfills the needs of the community with elegant accessibility, rich ecology and dynamic recreation.

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I BOOK REVIEW

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BOOKS OF INTEREST SWA WORKS: LANDSCAPES FOR PEOPLE ISBN: 9789881249159 Author: SWA Group Publication Date: 1-Mar-14

Book Descriptions: Landscapes for People is an attempt to elucidate unique solutions to these pressing issues around the globe. We believe landscape must go beyond simple problem solving and push the boundaries of what is possible given the realities of budget, politics, environment or cultural influences. We seek to understand the needs and aspirations of people in the landscapes we design at the variable scales of a plaza, a street or an entire city. Our passion is design that synthesizes aesthetics and sustainability, but always within the context of both human and natural systems. SWA WORKS is structured around four categoriesurban regeneration, creative campus, lifestyle and adaptive strategies. Our hope is that one will find a sense of clarity and purpose in how our projects are organized under these four leading descriptions and the unique associations between how the landscapes and people interact. We hope youll find beauty in the work, and be inspired to participate in the everyday spaces that make up the landscapes where we live, work or play Landscapes for People are an attempt to elucidate unique solutions to these pressing issues around the globe. We believe landscape must go beyond simple problem solving and push the boundaries of what is possible given the realities of budget, politics, environment or cultural influences. We seek to understand the needs and aspirations of people in the landscapes we design at the variable scales of a plaza, a street or an entire city. Our passion is design that synthesizes aesthetics and sustainability, but always within the context of both human and natural systems. SWA WORKS is structured around four categories urban regeneration, creative campus, lifestyle and adaptive strategies. Our hope is that one will find a sense of clarity and purpose in how our projects are organized under these four leading descriptions and the unique associations between how the landscapes and people interact. We hope you’ll find beauty in the work, and be inspired to participate in the everyday spaces that make up the landscapes where we live, work or play.

URBAN SQUARE LANDSCAPE ISBN: 9787561174685 Author: Gao Di Guo Ji Chu Ban You Xian Gong Si Publication Date: 2/1/2013

Book Descriptions: The square is a leisure place where people can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to meet and relax .In the meantime; the square also reflects the characteristics of the local urban architecture and culture, as well as people’s intimacy of and regression to Nature. The book, selecting the world’s newest square landscape design cases such as memorial squares, transport squares, campus squares, hospital squares, commercial squares, office squares, distribution squares and leisure squares, fully demonstrates square landscape design features in different regions and different cultural backgrounds. This book is a set of resources which is worth to collect and learn by landscape designers, architects and relevant practitioners.

URBAN PARK LANDSCAPES ISBN: 9789881506986 Author: Sophia Song Publication Date: 9/10/2011

Book Descriptions: Urbanization around the world is happening at unprecedented levels. Urban parks are a precious natural environment within our urban setting. Designing them well, to accommodate both the life and development demands of the present while also looking forward to the needs of our future generations and landscapes, requires a comprehensive look at creating healthy ecosystems and prosperous mega cities and how the two can coexist in the twenty-first century. This book includes many world fabulous urban park landscapes. Through comprehensive presentation of pictures, explicit explanation of technical drawings, and detailed descriptions, the book can be a useful tool for designers to gain some inspiration and enlightenment.

With its headquarter in Tokyo, Japan and world class stores spread over countries like America, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan and now in DUBAI – UAE, Kinokuniya is a globally known book seller of repute. The store in Dubai Mall is a massive 68,000 square feet wide paragon book gallery which stocks more than half a million books and thousand magazines in English, Arabic, Japanese, French, German and Chinese at any given time. The Store is also a distinct cross cultural hub wide range of time to time multicultural events such a comic art demonstrations, language learning workshops, book launches etc. The pleasant ambiance, stenographic design and add to it the impressive view of modern skyline – world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, Kinokuniya at The Dubai Mall is just the place to evoke emotions and add pleasure to your book shopping. You may like to visit our website for more information. www.kinokuniya.com

I COMPANY LISTINGS

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IRRIGATION Hunter Industries T: +001 760 591 7114 F: +001 760 591 7194 Hanna.Zaidan@ hunderindustries.com www.hunterindustries.com Middle East Agrculture Company (MEAC) T: +971 4 8861151 F: +971 4 8861152 www.meac.com.sa METTS FZC T: +971 4 4470927 F: +971 4 4470928 info@mettsfzc.com www.mettsfzc.com Alwasail Industrial Co. T: +971 4 8886987 F: +971 2 6733565 hashim@alwasail.com www.alwasail.com

SWIMMING POOL Aquashi T: +971 4 3208777 sales@aquashi.co.uk www.aquashi.co.uk

Pentair T: +971 4 320 8777 malikhan@mettsfzc.com www.mettsfzc.com

PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS / HARD LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

Satma International L.L.C. T: +971 4 2956088 F: +971 4 2956077 satmaint@emirates.net.ae www.satma.ae

Consent LLC T: +97143472011 F: +97143472957 sales@consent.ae www.consentblock.com

Trade Circle Technical Industries T: +971 4 338 1941 Fax: +971 4 338 1140 raskin.robins@wafi.com or info@tcti.net www.tcti.net & www.thosepoolguys.com

BUILDING MATERIALS

Water in Motion LLC T: +971 4 277 0244 info@waterinmotionllc.com www.waterinmotionllc.com

TREES & HERBS

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ambientStudio T: +971 4 5544716 info@ambientStudio.com www.ambientStudio.com

SOIL ADDITIVES Gulf Perlite T: +971 55 1235248 T: +971 55 15339640 info@uaeperlite.com www.gulfperlite.com

LANDSCAPE CONSULTANTS JC Melone Landscape Design FZ LLE T: +971 50 6410715 jcmelone@gmail.com

Stones &Slates LLC T: +971 4 885 4688 info@stonesandslates.com www.stonesandslates.com

Acacia LLC T: +971 4 265 3397 info@acacia-ae.com

SPORTS FACILITIES/ PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENTS Tanseeq Projects LLC T: +971 4 361 7199 info@tanseeqprojects.com www.tanseeqprojects.com

METAL FABRICATOR Metaline LLC T: +971 224 3369 info@metalinellc.com www.metalinellc.com

Book your space Now! Contact: admin@landscape-me.com • Tel: +971 4 4470927

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Ornamental Plants Applied Units O&M

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