February 2018 by Landscape Middle East

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

middle east

february 2018

Editor’s Note In this issue, Decades of research has taught us that people can heal more quickly when they experience trees and nature. This is true of patients who are in hospital suffering from serious illness or residents whose mood may be altered by living in a residential complex that is designed around liveable landscapes that promote harmony and peace. In this issue we visit a number of healing landscapes from Beirut’s M1 Building, which uses simplistic yet intelligent design to create high-quality, restorative environments within smaller and more challenging spaces to Kuwait’s Children’s Hospital which has designed both internal and external spaces to suit Kuwait’s challenging climate, making use of a network of outdoor spaces connected by shaded walking routes and activity trails and internal water features, public art, and planting that offer pleasant informal seating areas surrounded by its own micro-climate. (see pages 42 and 18) We also feature San Francisco’s oldest park, South Park, which was renovated this year to meet the changing needs of its users. The site has a long and rich history and is also home to an economically diverse population, with residential hotels adjacent to condos and high value commercial real estate. Given this diversity, the 1.2-acre park had to provide a variety of flexible and responsive spaces that meet the unique needs of its visitors. (page 36) For much more please continue reading inside. I hope you enjoy the issue.

John Hampton

Managing Partner: Ziad Maarouf Amine Copy Editor: John Hampton Sales Manager: Boushra Dinnawi Administrative Assistance: Sarry Gan Art Director: Ramon Andaya Contributors: Jimena Martignoni, Duncan Denley, Ken Campbell, Walter Bone, David Fletcher, Stephanie Kowalski, Verónica Mesa. Printed by: Al Nisr Publishing LLC Webmaster: www.pdinventive.com

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contents February 2018 - Issue 128

desert INKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape installation to Downtown Design

18 26 32 36 42 46

A Healing Environment Useful Topographies The World of Hunger Games South Park

Simplicity at its best Orquideorama

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I news and events

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

I news & events

Lootah inspects Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Project

Lootah inspects Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Project Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality made an inspection visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Project and reviewed its work progress. Lootah was accompanied by Eng. Dawoud Al Hajiri, Assistant Director General for Engineering and Planning Sector, and a number of officials and engineers from the concerned departments, as well as the contractors and consultants in charge of the project. He stressed the importance of the project, which is considered as a modern architectural landmark that will be added to the emirate’s unique and distinct features. The project, which is supervised by the Municipality, is coming up on a total area of about 66,000 square meters in Jaddaf area on Dubai Creek. Lootah reviewed the details of the project, the method of implementation at the site and samples of the main materials used in the project and also discussed some technical issues. He directed the project team of consultants, contractors and engineers to complete the project within the specified time and schedule according to the importance of the project and its vitality. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library project is unique and distinguished in terms of size and shape. The library has an architectural form like an open book. The project includes the main building which consists of a basement, ground floor and seven floors containing a central warehouse for books. It also contains a laboratory for preserving books, collecting and processing materials, and facilities for digital conversion of books. The project also has specialized libraries, including

Information Center, Arabic Library, Public Library and Children’s Library, which has corners for reading stories, children’s books and other activities that contribute to the expansion of children’s understanding and endearment of reading. The Family Library focuses on books that cater to safe education to the family members and enhancing family links. The project also include International Library, Media Library, Periodicals Library, Audiovisual and Publications Library, Internet Services, Youth Library, study rooms, meeting rooms, as well as a private library containing collectibles, books and rare articles related to Al Maktoum family. Other highlights include the Business Library, multiple open reading areas, permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, theater, cinema and book lending corners to enable visitors and tourists to keep abreast of the movement of scientific development in the world. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is also poised to become a forum for the mingling of cultures through the cultural services, which will be provided by the library such as live shows of documentaries and lectures from all over the world. The huge library building will host many cultural and knowledge events and art exhibitions, where the latest technologies will be used in holding them. The library will be equipped to make it one of the largest electronic libraries in the world. It will also serve as a cultural and scientific movement in the country and a catalyst for reading and scientific research and will support writing books, translation works and publishing.

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I news & Events

Jury meets to select winners of Dubai International Award for Best Practices The International Jury of the Dubai International Award for Best Practices (DIABP) has started the process of selecting the 10 best practices to win the 11th cycle of the award, organized by Dubai Municipality in coordination with the United Nations Center for Human Settlements (UNCHS-Habitat). In October and November last year, the Technical Advisory Committee of DIABP had met in Dubai and shortlisted 110 nominations for award from the 523 nominations received during this cycle of the award. The shortlisted 110 nominations were submitted to the International Jury, headed by Eng. Mohammed AbdulAziz Najm, Director of Sewage Treatment Plant Department of Dubai Municipality and comprised of members from seven different countries from all continents selected by the United Nations. Mohammed Mubarak Al Mutaiwei, Assistant Director General for Communications and Community Affairs at Dubai Municipality, who opened the Jury meeting, urged the members of the committee to enhance the award’s role in promoting best practices and benefiting from many of the projects submitted from all over the world. The opening session was also attended by Khalid Mohammed Badri, Director of Corporate Marketing and Relations Department, Maryam Ahmed Bin Fahd, Director of Knowledge Management Department and Mohammed Al Louz, Head of Knowledge Exchange Section. During the three-day session, the jury members will evaluate the 110 projects presented to them. The winners will be announced by the Director General of Dubai Municipality at a later date. Winners will be selected from each of the five branches of the Award. The Best Practices Award for National Urban Policy is aimed at commending national and regional governments that have successfully adopted and implemented national urban policies. These governments recognize the need for cities to receive high priority attention in national development strategies at the macroeconomic and social policy level. According to the UN-HABITAT, the term “national urban policy” refers to “a set of interrelated decisions derived from a well-planned government-led processes involving coordination with many parties and mobilizing to achieve a common vision and goal, thus enhancing the urban development of manufacturing, productivity and solidarity flexible long-term thereby promoting transformational, productive, inclusive, flexible and long-term urban development. Another branch of the award is for the Best Practices Transfer Award, which is a tribute to local governments, academic institutions, the private sector, civil society and any other organizations and institutions that develop effective local monitoring systems to follow up and review the new urban plan and sustainable urban development goals. The award considers data, standards and sound monitoring

During the Jury meeting mechanisms necessary to achieve a sustainable urban development plan. The monitoring mechanism enables local and national governments to make the right decisions on adopting best practices, helping to track changes and documenting city performance in an organized way to make better results. This will increase the likelihood of cities addressing environmental, social and economic urbanization elements. There is also the individual award for contributing to the urban economy and local finance, which aims to commend the individual who made distinctive contributions to the development of the urban economy and local finance by working with local authorities or other relevant organizations. The individual’s work contributes to improving tax incentives, increasing urban productivity, improving revenue generation and aggregation, and providing decent jobs and fair opportunities. The Private Sector Award for Contribution to Regional Planning, Urban Planning and Design, and the progress of a private sector organization that has successfully provided technical assistance and advice to the local government to develop and implement effective regional and urban planning that works in the form, identity and effectiveness of the city, thereby increasing prosperity and sustainability. The award for research in legislation, rules, regulations and government systems aims to commend the outstanding research in this pivotal area. The research will be assessed based on its handling of new topics and presenting new thoughts or having a great impact. The research should have provided important information, perspectives and analysis of the topics mentioned above or highlighted national or local governments that have adopted and implemented laws and regulatory mechanisms to support well planned urbanization, including legal frameworks and clear implementation mechanisms. “We are witnessing an increasing growth in the number of people interested in the practices that are presented to the Award in each cycle, and we are launching this cycle to ensure the continuity of the noble principles established by the UAE government to help people improve their living conditions. It is also a continuation of the Dubai Declaration, launched by late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 1996 in Istanbul during the Habitat II Conference,” said Al Mutaiwei. “The DIABP, since 1996, has honored, during the last 10 cycles, 105 winners from more than 115 countries and so far the award has received more than 5,270 practices that have been documented in an electronic archive on the site of the award free of charge for all to benefit from and transfer to their communities and cities and disseminate these successful practices in improving the living conditions in their settlements,” he pointed out.

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I news & events

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I news & events Electrolux, a global leader in household appliances, marked the launch of its annual ‘Give a Ghaf’ Tree Planting Programme on Thursday with 500 students planting and dedicating Ghaf trees seeds at the Dubai British School in Dubai.

Electrolux pledges the planting of another 5,000 Ghaf trees in the UAE as part of #ForTheBetter

The programme is now in its fourth year of operation, with a total of 15,000 trees being planted so far across the UAE. This year, as part of the #ForTheBetter society, the programme aims to plant a further 5,000 Ghaf trees. The Ghaf tree is the national tree of the UAE and is part of the rich history and heritage of the UAE and Gulf countries. Electrolux has partnered with Goumbook, a local social enterprise organisation in the UAE and GCC. The ‘Give a Ghaf’ Tree Planting Programme has been created to both educate and raise public awareness about the Ghaf tree and its properties, whilst encouraging people to plant indigenous trees to help protect the environment. During the annual campaign Electrolux engages with local schools to talk about both sustainability and the importance of the Ghaf tree. At first even for this initiative in 2018, pupils had the opportunity to plant their own Ghaf tree seeds in the grounds of the school, in the attendance of the Swedish Ambassador H.E Henrik Landerholm. Following this, the students then created a dedicated card to a friend or a family member, which they then hung on the dedication Ghaf tree, which would become a testament to their participation in the programme. Following the programme, Lorenzo Milani, CEO of Electrolux Middle East and Africa commented: “The Ghaf tree planting at the Dubai British School was a huge success. It was fantastic to see so many children participating in the planting programme and learning about the importance of sustainable development at the same time.

“We’re also thrilled to play our role in the preservation of the regional environment as part of our commitment to the region and its drive for cleaner, healthier living. We have planted more than 15,000 Ghaf trees over the last three years, and we hope to reach 20,000 by the end of this year.” He concluded: “We’re delighted to be here today, and I’d like to thank the Dubai British School for their hospitality, as well as the parents and children for being a part of this initiative.” Ros Marshall, CEO of Taaleem added: “Teaching the next generation about sustainability is a great way to foster the culture of giving back to the community from such a young age, and help enhance their understanding and appreciation for the environment. The discussion and tree planting initiative was very informative, and the students learnt a great deal about how they can implement green practices and further their social responsibility.”

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I NEWS & EVENTS

Future Landscape & Playspaces Abu Dhabi under the Patronage of Abu Dhabi City Municipality Under the patronage of Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Advanced Conferences & Meetings launched the 4th Annual Future Landscape & Playspaces Abu Dhabi Conference, at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. This event focuses on improving urbanism and liveability through sustainable landscaping and innovative playspaces. In his speech, Eng. Mohamed Al Amri (on behalf of Eng. Eissa Al Mazroui), Executive Director of Abu Dhabi City Municipality, highlighted the Municipality’s aim to strengthen the cooperation and partnership between the public and private sectors to build more sustainable parks and recreational facilities, while satisfying the aspirations and needs of the community in terms of modern landscapes and playspaces. This event brought together key officials and decision makers from Abu Dhabi City Municipality Dubai Municipality, Sharjah Urban Planning Council, AECOM, ARUP, WSP, ARCADIS, 5+ Design, Burohappold, Khatib & Alami, and many more. Future Landscape & Playspaces Abu Dhabi Conference’s rich programme featured exciting presentations among which we can mention: “Building resilient public realm and cities of the future” by Dima Zogheib from Arup, United Kingdom “Thinking streetscapes in Abu Dhabi” by Hala Alamine from Abu Dhabi City Municipality “Designing and developing community play spaces and playgrounds that are interactive and imaginative” by Farah Mekkawi from AECOM “Impact of vegetation on microclimate in hot climate conditions

ASLA Statement on the Living Shorelines Act The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) applauds Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ) for introducing the Living Shorelines Act, which would provide critical funding to help our nation’s coastal communities develop flood-resistant green infrastructure projects that integrate plants and local ecosystems. In the aftermath of major hurricanes and superstorms, the United States has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in evacuation, clean-up and rebuilding efforts. The Living Shorelines Act will promote the use of nature-based systems and materials to help coastal communities address climate-related weather events and rebuilding efforts in a more resilient and cost-effective manner. The bill also includes a provision to require communities to monitor, collect and transmit data on living shoreline projects, which will provide critical metrics on the benefits of these green infrastructure projects. Landscape architects are on the front lines of protecting coastal communities from the destructiveness of storms. They work

– regional examples” by Abeer Manneh from 5+ Designs “Creating the perfect play destination for families to shop, dine and play” by Andre Badawy from Arcadis In addition to these presentations, several local and international case studies and panel discussions were conducted. The response to this event was hugely positive as delegates and sponsors enjoyed a stellar line-up of speakers as well as the opportunity to network with the industry’s key decision makers. Commenting on their participation, a Project Manager from the UAE ministry of Infrastructure and Development said: “Very interesting conference with a variety of subjects – yet harmonious”, the coFounder of Fairy Tales Kids Amusement Arcade stated: “It is a very useful conference for companies spacialised in the child play business and a great opportunity for networking”. Future Landscape & Playspaces Abu Dhabi Conference was held with the support of HPS Middle East, Land F/X, Ithara Group, Consent, Energis, Eco, and Akrobat. On the second day, featured speakers from the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Damac Properties, Azizi Developments, University of Sharjah, DEC Dynamic Engineering Consultants, ARUP, Cheeky Monkeys Playland, Khatib and Alami, AECOM, Placemaking, 5+ Design, and many more. For more information about the conference, please visit www.futurelandscapeandplayspacesabudhabi.com or contact lara.makdessi@acm-events.com

with nature as they design projects that control flooding, restore shorelines and provide thriving eco-habitats. In designing these environments, they collaborate with local residents to ensure that the infrastructure provides opportunities for recreation and economic and educational benefits. “The Living Shorelines Act is smart policy for our nation, and gives communities options for their planning toolbox,” says Nancy C. Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. “Green infrastructure helps position coastal communities to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and provides critical services that improve human and environmental health.” “As a landscape architect, I support this legislation because it will allow communities and design professionals to work together in developing long-term solutions for transforming our coastal communities,” says Kate Orff, ASLA, founder of SCAPE Landscape Architecture and the first landscape architect to receive a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. “Creating a built environment that protects and sustains us must include natural systems. Robust coastal ecosystems are critical next century infrastructure.” ASLA urges all its members to use the iAdvocate Network to contact their members of Congress about cosponsoring this important legislation that will help protect coastal communities and highlight the critical role landscape architects play in their health, safety and welfare.

I sustainable Landscape

desert INK’s landscape installation to Downtown Design shocks and excites visitors By Duncan Denley and Romit Chakravarty, desert INK

desert INK were delighted to be approached by the organisers of Downtown Design late last year with an unusual proposal; create a temporary entrance landscape that excites and amazes. With a limited budget, armed with boundless creativity, enthusiasm and access to our resourceful sister companies at Desert Group, the desert INK team set about creating a space which would delight visitors to the show. “When we first engaged in the project, there were a few clear points which came out of our early brainstorming. Firstly, as a temporary landscape there is great potential for waste. We wanted to create a landscape which was composed of entirely re-useable materials. Secondly, we wanted to blur the boundary between art, landscape and architecture. Finally, we wanted to juxtapose unusual colours, forms and materials

with plants” comments Romit Chakravarty, lead designer on the project. Guided by these three touchpoints, the team first looked at materials readily available to them that could be reused after the event. With some help from Desert Group stores, the team assembled a material inventory consisting of plants, locallysourced gravel, sweet sand and surplus stone pavers. “These materials would form the backbone of the landscape, but we still needed that unusual element. Something used in abundance on our construction sites that people haven’t seen used in a landscape before” adds desert INK’s Managing Director, Duncan Denley. Chakravarty then stumbled upon the idea of creating a framework of scaffolding, wrapped in brightly coloured traffic tape. “This was just the ‘pop’ of colour that we were looking

for, and it ticked the boxes in terms of re-usability and creating a sculptural quality” says Denley. The resulting landscape featured two large olive trees recessed into rolling mounds of Mediterranean-style planting. These planting installations are set within a grid of vertical scaffolding poles, onto which the red tape is wound. The unexpected combination of calm hues of green interspersed with the vivid red of the tape created a shocking and exciting composition. Visitors were delighted as they moved through the spaces, discovering a number of ‘rooms’ and planting compositions framed by the maze-like structure of the scaffolding. “We think the installation actually looked better at night”, comments Denley. “The red of the tape looked like some sort of intricate laser array when illuminated by carefully-placed lights”. With clients Downtown Design suitably awed by desert INK’s creation, the team are eagerly awaiting next year’s chance to push the boundaries even further. “We just love this kind of project” comments Chakravarty, “it’s so unusual and a completely blank canvas. We transformed a 320 square metre, flat piece of concrete into another world. It is context-less, so we had very few limitations on what we could achieve. Visitors were totally immersed in the experience. I hung around in the installation for hours, just listening to the reactions of the visitors as they speculated on how this was all created “. Denley was equally enthused about the public’s reaction “we love using a hide and reveal technique. People always want to know what’s around the corner; what’s hidden from view. We are all born with curiosity and people love to explore, so withholding an amazing view or feature from the initial entry to the space then lets visitors discover it on their journey.” With yet another amazing commission under their belt, desert INK are extremely excited about their future. “We’ve got the d3 Park launching to the public next month, which will change the game again” notes Denley, “we’re not interested in churning out ‘standard’’ landscapes and we will continue to push in new directions. We’re now focussed upon the design for the Sustainability Pavilion at EXPO. The landscape technology and plants we’re using have simply never been applied to an urban setting before. Natives harvested from the desert by our own hands, intelligent irrigation systems, and materials incorporating waste. You’ll be hearing a lot from us in the future. We hope you enjoy the new directions in landscape which we create”. Known for their context-driven, sustainable landscape designs, desert INK are a registered design consultancy landscape based in the Dubai Design District. With 15 years of experience in the region, Managing Director Duncan Denley leads a creative team backed up by the 28 years’ experience held in the Desert Group and vision of CEO Michael Mascarhenas.

Known for their context-driven, sustainable landscape designs, desert INK are a registered design consultancy landscape based in the Dubai Design District. With 16 years of experience in the region, Managing Director Duncan Denley leads a creative team backed up by the 30 years’ experience held in the Desert Group and vision of CEO Michael Mascarhenas.

I future of healing

A Healing Environment

Kuwait Children’s Hospital will feature landscapes that promote patient recovery through positive healing environments By: Paul Fraser Landscape Architect, SSH SSH was appointed by Kuwait’s Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Public Works (MPW) to design a new tertiary paediatric hospital in Al Shuwaikh, Kuwait. Once complete, the hospital will be the largest of its kind and a landmark development for the Emirate, delivering 792 beds over 300,000 sqm of functional floor space. The brief called for a futuristic yet functional design, fusing energy efficiency, state-of-the-art technology and world-class healthcare design. At the same time, as hospitals are places of hope and rehabilitation, a key principle of the design team’s

agenda was to create a welcoming and positive environment for all children and their families. From the outset, the MPW and the design team adopted an evidence-based design approach to support advantageous clinical outcomes, underpinned by a compelling narrative that would permeate all aspects of a child’s experience of the hospital. The ancient Kuwaiti folkloric tradition of the ‘sea shanty’ and the use of storytelling to hand tales down through the generations was developed as a central theme. It yielded a cast of ‘sea friends’ who provide both metaphorical and literal

Dusk view of the Kuwait Children’s Hospital.

Combined shade diagram showing the relationship between building form and microclimate.

what became known as a ‘fifth elevation’, SSH’s landscape design team grasped the opportunity to create a sequence of exterior spaces that will visually benefit inpatients when viewing from the rooms in the ward tower above. This collection of garden spaces, directly accessible from the hospital, manifests the design team’s intent of creating a whole hospital environment embedded with ‘design for wellness’ principles as a core element. Landscape Design Strategies During the initial concept stage, employing an academic ‘evidence-based design’ approach, SSH’s landscape team established a set of universal principles that were used to test the efficacy of options generated. structure, instilling a sense of theatre not normally associated with a healthcare environment, through the interweaving of colour, art and sculpture. In parallel, a crystalline approach to geometry, taking cues from the sea shanty theme and palette, was adopted as the primary generator for the architectural form. The resulting polygonal forms manifest at a range of scales in both plan form and three dimensions, again resulting in a continuity through architecture, interiors and landscape. As a key driver of the project, the client wished to maximise the opportunity presented by Level 5’s podium roof. In developing

First and foremost, SSH organised the outdoor garden spaces to respond to the primary user groups of the hospital: Inpatients – a range of mobility and rehabilitation needs Outpatient children – and their families visiting the hospital Parents – taking advantage of the outdoor spaces with their inpatient children, or allowing able bodied siblings to play during a visit to the hospital Staff – looking for a place of quiet reflection, or somewhere to take a break during a busy shift Parents – seeking places of quiet reflection to come to terms with difficult situations. The access to the main public arrival, showing art-inscribed walls and entry water feature.

Axonometric section showing the relationship between the landscape spaces and architectural form.

I future of healing

The main public arrival and dropoff, with the linear water feature and porte cocheres defining the arrival experience.

Interior view of the main arrival atrium ‘aquarium’, greeting all visitors with an expression of the Sea Shanty theme.

Internal and external design At the ground floor, the primary organisational structure revolves around how and where different modes of arrival access the building and basement, while making the public arrival experience as comfortable and welcoming as possible in a bid to relieve stress during what can be a daunting experience for patients and their families. The external arrival spaces precede the experience of entering the hospital, the main atrium conceived as a giant ‘aquarium’, inhabited by superscaled sea creatures – a unique experience and antidote to the apprehension associated with traditional hospitals. The hospital arrival sequence forms a major element of the design – the first experience of the visitor on arrival. Drawing alongside formal planting intersected with art-inscribed walls, and past a stepped water feature, the visitor comes alongside the building, giving the first view along its entire length. A grand, geometric water feature directs the view and forms a counterpoint to the façade, from which porte cocheres reach over the access road to mark each main entrance. The ground floor design approach strikes a balance between regional relevance, predominantly through the texture and feel of the planting design, and synergy with the architectural language.

The internal space planning of a hospital is intensely rational, so the vertical circulation through this building is used to derive spaces relevant to each lift core upon arrival to the Level 5 gardens. Given the scale of the building and roof gardens, at approximately 300 m long, this minimises walking distances both across the gardens, and transversely through the building. The value of high-quality outdoor spaces to a facility such as the Kuwait Children’s Hospital can be thought of in several ways. The Kuwaiti climate means that the active use of the outdoor environment is not practically possible year-round. However, studies have shown that views across attractive gardens from within a healthcare facility can have a positive impact on clinical outcomes (Roger Ulrich), in addition to offering extended views to semi-public and private areas, such as cafeterias, receptions, wards and rooms. This underlined to the team the value not only of the experience within the garden, but the views across it from within the building – both during the day and at night. For inpatient children, a range of spaces are provided, including open, flexible areas that allow staff to curate group activities, and more secluded gardens where children can be

Combined landscape master plan showing both the ground floor and Level 5 podium gardens.

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I future of healing

Eye-level view of the main public space at the heart of the Level 5 garden experience.

gradually reintroduced to the outdoor environment and cared for on a one-to-one basis. There are also specific opportunities for delivering patient physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatments that cater for a range of ages and abilities, in addition to specialist spaces for children with mental health conditions to be cared for by specialist staff. The network of outdoor spaces is connected by walking routes and activity trails, providing the perfect opportunity for patients who may be coming to terms with post-treatment reduced mobility to gradually rebuild their independence before being discharged to return home. In this respect, the gardens present opportunities not only for clinician-led physiotherapy and rehabilitation, but also semi-independent and eventually fully independent patient exploration en route back to home and community life. Although the Kuwaiti climate is particularly challenging from the point of view of planting design, not only with high temperatures but also low levels of humidity, the predominant use of raised planters allows access to natural materials to all. It also creates many opportunities for informal seating, allowing visitors to the gardens a wealth of opportunities to find their own place to rest or socialise. The physical integration of the Level 5 gardens with the building helps ensure a favourable microclimate for both plants and visitors. By ‘depressing’ the gardens by one level within

the roof, and integrating a surrounding shading and deflecting ‘lip’, exposure to prevailing wind is minimised. The orientation of the building provides a substantial amount of shade to the gardens, especially the areas in immediate proximity to the circulation cores where the key activities are focused. The planting design on Level 5’s gardens provides texture, colour and variety, helping to define the main spaces by providing enclosure and seclusion where appropriate. In the area of the gardens specifically for inpatient children, a ‘growing space’ has been provided, allowing children to engage with planting food crops under the supervision of hospital staff, enhancing their tactile experience of the outdoors. At the ground floor, the planting design accentuates the geometric language of the architecture, helping to ‘ground’ the building in its site, while a graded approach to intensity helps legibility for visitors, clearly marking out the location of the main public drop-offs – in contrast to the more natural planting on the service and A&E side. This approach also allows the targeted use of irrigation water as opposed to a blanket ‘site-wide’ approach. Water is a primary element of the design at both ground floor and Level 5. At the ground floor, a linear series of geometric reflective planes defines the public arrival and drop-off, separating it from the road visually, and softening the traffic noise with falling water. The animation of the water is at

One of the patient spaces, catering for a range of ages and ability levels, including accessible water and murals expressed on the boundary wall.

its most intense at each main entrance, where locations have been identified for works by Kuwaiti sculptors to introduce the ‘sea shanty’ narrative to visitors on arrival. At Level 5, water is at a more human scale, to be experienced at close quarters. Here the focus is on sensory engagement and play in the children’s spaces, and serenity in the spaces for parents and staff. Water is used both at seating height to allow children in wheelchairs to interact with and experience, or washing around and over paving for paddling in and jumping over. In all guises, the sound of moving water adds a restful dimension to the gardens, marking a contrast to the monotonous sounds of the ward where they may have been recovering from a major illness or surgery. Throughout the hospital, the use of public art, at a wide range of scales and linked closely to the ‘sea shanty’ narrative, enriches the patient experience. In the external spaces, this manifests in a variety of forms, including poetry inscriptions, murals and sculpture. In the design team’s view, there is a strong crossover with what is often called ‘playability’ – the idea that the entire outdoor environment encourages play and interaction, rather just in prescribed locations and on certain equipment. Both have a bearing on a child’s perception of outdoor spaces, with flexible play opportunities allowing them to engage with and shape their environment using their creativity and imagination.

Benefits of quality landscape design in healthcare The evidence gathered by the design team supports the view that investment in, and the careful design of, the outdoor spaces associated with the hospital will add value to all its users, including during the times of the year when the climate precludes their active use. For example, the physiological effects of natural materials and environments were studied by Nakamura and Fujii (1992) by recording brain wave activity with an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine. While people experiencing an outdoor setting surrounded with planting and natural materials exhibited a tendency towards relaxation, a man-made and more oppressive setting such as mass concrete elicited a stress response. This was further correlated by the Center for Health Systems and Design at Texas A&M University (Ulrich et al) in studies using images shown in a controlled environment while the subject’s alpha rates were monitored under a similar methodology. Alternatively, a survey at a major children’s hospital in the USA (Cooper Marcus & Barnes) revealed that about half of all visits to their gardens came from members of staff, seeking respite from a busy shift. When considered alongside the needs of parents taking a break from ward care, it became apparent that the Kuwait Children’s Hospital should also include quiet, contemplative spaces, which SSH’s landscape team provided for on the roof garden level.

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An overview of the ‘public’ areas of the Level 5 gardens, accessible to visiting families.

Paul Fraser Landscape Architect

“In both cases, evidence-based findings support the essential need to invest in the quality of hospital environments that will improve clinical outcomes and patient recovery times, while minimising staff errors through stress-reduced environments” says Dr. Angela Burke, Associate Director – Healthcare, at SSH. “With respect to the Kuwait Children’s Hospital, SSH’s landscape team has played a critical role in seemingly complementing this cutting-edge hospital design, which places all patients, families and their carers as central to the delivery of healthcare with encouraging and positive external environments.” On completion, the Kuwait Children’s Hospital will be among the most advanced of its kind in the world, and its exterior spaces an integral part not only of its physical design, but of the care and treatment it will offer to the children of Kuwait and their families. Project: Kuwait Children’s Hospital Lead Designer: SSH Design Partners: HKS, WSP Author: Paul Fraser, Landscape Architect, SSH

One of the internal light well spaces penetrating the building, further expressing the design narrative.

Paul joined SSH in November 2015 with 15 years’ experience in leading teams who develop innovative, sustainable and inspiring landscape solutions in support of SSH’s client’s projects. Before joining SSH, Paul spent nine years working for WS Atkins in its London studio, where he was responsible for international major projects and led teams on large and complex briefs across the UK, Middle East and India. These included Oxford Circus, Baku White City, King Abdul Aziz Road and Doha Metro. Paul’s passion for design, ability to creatively challenge the brief and drive innovative solutions makes him an excellent team player. Paul has a Bachelor’s and Post-graduate Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Gloucestershire, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Design from the University of Westminster. He is a Chartered Landscape Architect, a member of the Landscape Institute, Urban Design Group, and an affiliate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. ABOUT SSH SSH is one of the leading master planning, infrastructure, building design and construction supervision firms in the Middle East, with a reputation for design integrity and a portfolio that includes landmark projects throughout the region. The firm maintains offices in Abu Dhabi, Algeria, Bahrain, Dubai, Iraq, Kuwait, London, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Founded in 1961, we employ approximately 1,500 highcalibre local, regional and international experts in their individual fields, most of whom are from globally renowned international consultancy firms. We ranked 3rd architecture company in the Middle East among the top 100 Architects in the world and number 1 design firm in the cultural sector in the world by World Architecture Magazine in 2015 and 2016. We were also ranked in 95th place among ENR’s Top 225 International Design Firms for 2017. SSH’s multifaceted practices include architecture, urban design and planning, structural and civil engineering, MEP/ building services, interior design, highway and bridge engineering, storm water drainage, utility design, sanitary engineering, marine engineering and district cooling, in addition to high-profile project management and construction supervision services.

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Useful Topographies Outside the City of Buenos Aires: outdoor furniture that adapt to the landscape By: Jimena Martignoni

Landscapes refer in the first place to the wild: nature and all those components and attributes that make it up. Geography, as a synonym for land and territory, and topography, as a certain configuration and particularities a territory offers, become two of the most tangible concepts underpinning the design process of Estudio Cabeza. The whole collection of pieces for the outdoors experience which this Buenos Aires-based office has been creating for more than twenty years is born in an in-depth study, observation, replication and recreation of the shapes of nature. “By traveling the land of Argentina and other LatinAmerican countries, I learned to find out hidden and obvious shapes in nature —rocks, sand dunes, green slopes, plateaus—, all appearing as elements to be used

for siting down, laying down, resting, watching. Places to inhabit the landscape”, says Diana Cabeza, founder and head of the office. Adding: “The generosity of this region, with the grand scale of its territories and topographies, makes us think of the communal character of the local public space and the appropriate set of solutions for the massive sense of these places”. These ideas are where the concept of “Useful Topographies” is rooted. And the way we have, as users, to grasp the nature of the pieces that furnish the places we live in. Either in urban contexts or in open areas outside the city they may seem or appear just as the simple objects we use on a daily basis, but in both situations is the thoughtful design of outdoors furniture what makes

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a difference. The difference between enjoying a place or just passing by, the difference between the sense of belonging or the feeling of being expelled, the difference between feeling physically and emotionally confortable or a feeling of discomfort. In these two projects it is quite easy to appreciate how the furniture pieces merge into the landscape instead of coming out of it. The first project is called “Clam shells” (Almejas in Spanish) and is located in a sea club resort in the province of Buenos Aires, in a seaside town where extensive sand dunes and woods feature heavily. The second project is called “Berths” (Literas in Spanish), only a few kilometers north of the city of Buenos Aires, in a large gated community housing with a central lake.

The clam shells respond in shape and concept to these tiny creatures of the sea; the idea of something that opens up and offers, in this case, a place to rest and watch. An intimate spot immersed into a larger context: a piece which offers shelter in an endless landscape of sand dunes and lawn-covered areas next to the beach. When talking about her first approach to the design — the initial thoughts that came to her mind while visiting the site in front of the ocean—, the designer relives her walks along the beach when she was a little girl. The memory is that of hundreds of small clams brought in by the sea tides and waves, walking barefoot and stepping on them: the memory of the mind and the memory of the body. The wooden pieces have a total length of 5 meters and the back reaches 1.50 meters high. However, the design of these pieces allows for flexible use, sometimes people use it as a place to lie down with their legs up leaning on the reclined back, sometimes people use it to sit down and resting their heads on the back. Built with a basic iron structure and finished in hardwood, the clam shells became a landmark for this beach. From the distance, they look like dots in the landscape, embedded into the lines of the ground; shells almost closing over lazy happy people, or people happily protected by wooden shells.

The berths are pieces which combine the many possible uses of three different elements: a bed, a sun chair and a deck. Here, as part of the common areas of a gated community housing by a central lake, the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topography is rather diverse and descends towards the water. Most parts have a change in elevation of approximately 90 centimeters and some other parts are less steep. The designer created the pieces and decided their exact position according to these existing conditions. At the same time, the location was a response to the sites function: such as watching the water and sunbathing, and to the specific needs of the area, such as wind protection.

The shapes or conceptual layout behind these pieces are a raft and a pier. Extending along a full length of 11 meters, the piece is partly a sun chair and partly a linear deck. The horizontal surface, which is 1.25 meters wide and appears simply resting on the soil, serves as a place to walk and a place to lie down, a place to sit in a more attentive position and also a place for gathering and sitting in groups. It is the composition of both forms and the combination of all those uses what makes this piece all the more remarkable. Visitors repose and adapt their bodies to the ergonomic shapes of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;berthsâ&#x20AC;? and the fixed reclined back. Teenagers, kids, and grown-

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ups lie on it, side-by-side, relaxing and enjoying the sight of the reed-covered shore and the sound of the murmuring water in front of them. When Diana Cabeza explains and talks about those topographies by which she gets inspired, she provides an interesting line: “Unexpected ergonomic territories”. Although quite intellectual, this is nothing more than a poetic line which refers to the “accidental” function of a shape of nature, or the unplanned opportunities naturally provided by the land. It is in these simple situations that her designs rely on, observing, visualizing and experimenting. Finally, of course, the careful and almost obsessive process of construction: the art of thinking every detail and the art of making it true. All for the landscape and the people living and loving it.

Location: Villa del Mar-Pinamar, sea town in the province of Buenos Aires / Puertos-Escobar, Buenos Aires, Argentina Outdoors furniture design: Diana Cabeza, Estudio Cabeza. Design Team for “Literas”: Martín Wolfson, Diego Jarczak, Lucía Velasco Suárez Design Team for “Almejas”: Martín Wolfson Landscape Plan for Puertos: Fernando Gonzalez and Diana Cabeza Date of completion: 2016 Photography: Gustavo Sosa Pinilla, Mariela Rivas

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An inside look at the new Hunger Games theme park in Dubai

The World of Hunger Games By: Walter Bone

Registered Landscape Architect Area Development Manager DEC Dynamic Engineering Consultants

The latest installment to Motiongate’s theme park in Dubai Parks and Resorts saw Lionsgate reveal The World of Hunger Games’ (WHG) depicting the popular movie franchise. Located just off the central hub fountain adjacent to the Hollywood theater and New York Street in Motiongate, WHG opened last October featuring two new rides, as well as a thematic food cart and other amenities. The venue was designed (by Dynamic Engineering Consultants alongside the Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR) creative team and IMA Design Group who produced the early concepts) with a storytelling landscape in mind that repeated both hard and soft landscape materials from all of the movies. The project consisted of themed imagery utilizing local materials designed by both Falcons’ Treehouse and Paragon Creative and provides two major attractions; the capital bullet train launch coaster and the Panem train simulator.

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As guests approach the hub fountain from New York Street, the large Lionsgate marquee sign shines from the 9 o’clock position. Once inside, guests are welcomed by internally lit punched metal tubes providing a sparkling setting at night. The Hunger Games Plaza is both informative and formal. Each Hunger Games District is represented by its own District Pilaster with descriptions of each District and what each District is responsible for in providing to the Capitol city of Panem. To the left of the Hunger Games Plaza is the Hall of Justice stage where the movie’s main character, Katniss Everdeen, volunteered to replace her sister as a Tribute. As in the movies, a large LED screen that is 3m x 4m stands on erected steel tubular columns showing all the happenings in the Capitol city and the World of Hunger Games attraction. For those who like to snack, movie-themed Peetah’s Bakery offers a variety of treats and drinks. Thematic wooden picnic tables and stools provide safe and comfortable seating for those who have

survived the Launch Coaster ride. A locker room is also available for storing bags, hats, glasses, etc prior to entering the Launch Coaster. Themed paving replicating the scenes of the movie feature stamped and stained concrete as well as themed plastering, gates, railings and site furnishings also complimented the overall parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surreal look and feel, allowing guests to be totally immersed into the Hunger Games experience. Motiongate have successfully delivered another iconic attraction with the World of Hunger Games and now Phase Two will see a Six Flags theme park opening in Dubai Parks and Resorts. Six Flags will offer the largest thrill seeking attractions in the region with roller coasters, dark rides, water rides and themed attractions unlike any other venue in the region.

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South Park San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oldest Park Reinvented By: David Fletcher 36

South Park is the oldest park in San Francisco having served the needs of diverse populations, including immigrants, refugees, designers, artists, and young professionals for the past 162 years. The park was recently redesigned building on this history, while solving the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infrastructural issues and making the park accessible to all. The design team worked with the neighborhood over three years, to develop and improve the masterplan. The team used parametric software to help evaluate land use, circulation patterns, tree conditions and drainage systems, and also to generate

multiple 3-D iterations for path and wall layouts. This analysis translated into the formation of a tightly bound material system with four key components: an expandable, modular paving system; large sloping meadows; vegetated infiltration basins; and low retaining walls that mediate between paving and planting areas. Using a single, meandering pathway to link public plazas, informal stages, bioretention gardens, gently sloping meadows, and a custom play structure with the surrounding neighborhood, the park ties together disparate functions and creates a space that offers diversity of use. Private Garden to Public Park South Park is located in the heart of the SOMA (South of Market) District of San Francisco, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hub for business and culture, containing many museums, tech and design businesses, as well as the baseball stadium. The area is also home to an economically diverse population, with residential hotels adjacent to condos and high value commercial real estate. Given this diversity, the 1.2-acre park had to provide a variety of flexible and responsive spaces that met the unique needs of its visitors. South Park was originally constructed in 1855 as an English picturesque strolling park at the center of an exclusive residential community. At the end of the 19th century it was given over to the public and provided respite for immigrants who had moved to the area to work in the docks and warehouses. In the years following the 1906 earthquake and fire, the park served as a refugee camp, providing temporary housing for 648 people. As the neighborhood was rebuilt throughout the early 20th century, bonfires burned in the park as longshoremen kept warm, waiting for calls from the union hall. Towards the end of the 20th century, the park evolved quickly, reinventing itself to meet the needs of a quickly changing population: first families, then elderly and disabled homeless moving into residential hotels, and finally young professionals in the dot-com boom. Over the years, ad-hoc improvements had led South Park into disrepair. In 2011, The South Park Improvement Association appointed a landscape architecture firm to develop a design for the park. Working closely with neighbors and community leaders, the design team helped to facilitate more than 12 community outreach

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meetings and develop a park masterplan and landscape design. These designs negotiate between the need for flexible public spaces and alleviating major infrastructural and functional issues including poor drainage and lack of ADA accessibility. Contemporary Picturesque The new design of the park may be described as a contemporary interpretation of the picturesque, guiding visitors along a carefully choreographed, meandering pathway while revealing a variety of accessible amenities and flexible spaces. The primary determining factors of the formal design decisions were driven by a hierarchy of existing trees, structures to remain, circulation patterns, access points, social nodes and intended use. By linking these points with a single path, the design forms a consistent linear promenade connecting a variety of amenity spaces while meandering amongst colorful and drought-tolerant plants along the length of the park and allowing for lateral crossing. The programmatic elements arrayed along the pathway are anchored by varying scales of plazas, formed at key junctures, through the thickening and thinning of the path.

The design strategy utilized four tightly bound material systems: an expandable, modular paving system; large sloping meadows; vegetated infiltration basins; and low retaining walls that mediate between paving and planted areas. The resulting design includes a series of long walls that flow through the park, to define spaces, hold grade, and provide seating and protection from the adjacent streets. The tectonic system for the path consists of a simply constructed combination of easily modified components that allow for diverse spatial, programmatic, and topographic solutions. The path system is comprised of site-cast concrete paving constructed to look like individual “tablet” pavers with rounded edges and “slider” bands that are arrayed along the north/south axis throughout the park. The combination of these two elements allows for a coherent modulation in the width of the path responding to contextual/ external spatial desires, and fine-grain adjustment of the path edge that responds to site-specific conditions. The design also updated and made major infrastructural improvements including a state of the art irrigation system, bio-infiltration swales, flow

through planters, subsurface infiltration wells and bulb-outs for improved pedestrian safety and traffic calming. One programmatic element included a ‘universal’ play area. The custom designed play structure form came from the simple goal of two connecting circles and the beautiful fluidity of Nudibranch, a sea mollusk. Rounded berms rise from the play surface, to meet the structure as it dips down towards the groundplane. The mounds have multiple functions, providing informal play space while providing points of access to play elements and framing an accessible area along the edge of the structure. Parametric software was again used to generate a responsive model for the custom play structure, this model allowed us to quickly generate multiple versions of the structure. It also would automatically distribute netting, fittings, and play elements, responding to the manipulation of the perimeter and interior tube forms. Parametric Design The initial design for the park was developed through an iterative analog diagramming and design process. Design decisions were made through intuitive understandings of the site, public feedback,

and embedded in rule sets that guided design decisions. The design team took this information and utilizing cutting-edge parametric design software as tool to aide in the production of working 3-D models, technical documentation and construction documents. Parametric software was used to develop a responsive 3-D working model, that integrated the site data including existing utilities and topography. This model was responsive, in the sense that various 3-D parameters could be modified and would universally update the entire model. Paving tablet width, length, and distribution could be adjusted by modifying inputs, allowing the entry of exact values, or perhaps more intuitive and site specific adjustments. Updates to wall profiles, thickness, edge radii and even the distribution and frequency of skate deterrents were automated. The distribution of the paving field was essentially a simple vector outline that the parametric software would convert into the modular tablet paver field. This allowed for the clean export of vectors to 2-D CAD with minimal trimming and cleanup. The use of a ‘live’ model helped greatly in the preparation of a set of working documents that reads, at times, like an “Ikea” set of assembly instructions. This was necessary due to the City required low bid contracting process.

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With over 22 feet of grade change on the site, and tight tolerances to achieve and accessible public space, accurate elevation points of the paving were input into grasshopper to generate a topo mesh. Modifications to the topography could be checked against the master model for errors or adjustments needed. Drainage inverts points could be connected to each other, with the resulting vectors converted into tubes so that the drainage system could be evaluated in model form helping to avoid potential conflicts as well as generate volume calculations for trenching spoils. A Sustainable Park for All Drought tolerant plantings, performative bioinfiltration gardens, and an irrigation system that utilizes rainwater collected onsite work together to create an ecologically sustainable design. However, the park is also socially sustainable, meeting the needs of an economically diverse population, providing accessible play space for all ages, and offering diverse spaces for public use. A lack of fences opens the park to all, while short concrete seat and retaining walls offer informal seating and stages for the theater of daily life. By combining historical analysis with parametric design and a contemporary aesthetic, South Park succeeds as an ecologically and socially sustainable park, setting the stage for use, connection, and delight while creating a space that is both magnetic and evolving.

SOUTH PARK Completed: 2017 Size: 1.2 Acres Budget: $3.4 Million Project Title: South Park Client/Owner: The South Park Improvement Association Lead Designer: David Fletcher Landscape Contractor: Bauman Landscape Contractors Civil Engineer: BKF Irrigation Design: ISC Irrigation Irrigation System: Hunter Industries Electrical Engineer: Zeiger Electrical Photographer: Marion Brenner Furniture: ID Metalco Trash Receptacles. Benches and Tables by Landscape Forms Multiplicity line desiged by Fuseproject Materials: Concrete, Stone, Stainlesss Steel, Accoya Wood, Thermory Wood Trees: Platnus acerifolia â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Chionanthus retusus, Chondropetalum elephantum Soil: American Soil and Stone Playground Equipment - Fletcher Studio Custom Designed built be Berliner with Miracle Palysystems

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Simplicity at its best Beirut’s M1 Building or The Notorious Building as its also known is a beacon of simplistic intelligent design By: Francis Landscapes Positioned in an enviable location on the “corporate row” at the heart of Beirut’s Central District, rises a notorious building dividing its U-shaped layout into three main office blocks. Linear, pure, and minimalist, the garden is an inter-connection of three main spaces for maximum simplicity and to achieve the utmost effect all emphasized along with the intriguing focal points.

The central water cascades visibly fuses with the cladded wall, as the water trickles mysteriously down the stone it seems to disappear below the glass walkway and reappear merging with a peaceful sheet of water mirroring the sky above. Punctuated on the water feature are disklike structures carrying ornamental trees and sculptural elements that sit majestically in a throne of water.

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Playing on the contrast between the foreground and the backdrop, at both extremities of this linear space sit two intricately designed green carpets encompassing seating benches to create a subtle and enigmatic refuge where the visitor is embraced and enveloped by nature. On the extremity, a glass walkway shaded by a metallic structure anchored to monumental green walls transports the visitor from one block to the other. Sober, pure, and stripped of all that has no function, the concept here is the creation of a space resonating that of giving the visitors a chance to draw on the emotions that this space renders alive in them.

Francis Landscapes is a professional firm comprised of landscape architects and planners. Founded in 1987, the firm provides full planning, design and supervision services in landscape architecture, environmental planning and urban design. The firm's national and international projects are spread out in the Middle East, Africa and Europe and are located in numerous countries including Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, France, Belgium and England. They include a wide range of urban design, mountain and beach resorts, public parks, hotels, university campuses, sports clubs and office buildings as well as state-of-the-art residences, palaces and government buildings. To shape a clearer idea about us, log into http://francislandscapes.com/

Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

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Orquideorama:

A floating meshwork of modular flower tree structures

Photo Credits: Sergio Gomez

The Orquideorama is a naturally expanding wooden meshwork of modular â&#x20AC;&#x153;flowertreeâ&#x20AC;? structures that weaves its way through a botanical garden in Medellin, Colombia. The stunning structure was built in 2008 by Plan B architects.

The project designed by Architects Arquitectos (Felipe Mesa + Alejandro Bernal) + JPRCR Arquitectos (Camilo Restrepo + JPaul Restrepo, rises from a hexagonal geometry that allows for organic growth and flexibility in the floor plant. The architects wanted the Orquideorama to grow in the same way that a garden seeds and develops, with one “florárbol” popping up next to another. This lead them to design the installation as a series of 14 interconnected modular structures with a variety of funtions. “It works with the scale of the trees concentrating on all the networks in the trunk, it mixes structure and organic force, and opens translucent foliage,” says Mesa. He added, “Assembling modules of seven hexagons, we can define a spatial, structural and bioclimatic pattern that allows repetition, controlled growth and flexibility, both to avoid touching the already existing trees and to adapt to a limited budget. “This pattern or module has a central hexagon that functions like a hollow trunk in which the technical network (structural, electrical, and water collection), the organic network, a hot air exit, and an access to rain and humidity for the internal gardens, concentrate. These trunks were understood as converging vortexes, and therefore the geometry of the wood lining displays a concentrated torsion force through a hyperbolic paraboloid. We tried to combine organic and structural forces.”

The intelligence of the pattern intelligence amplifies through repetition, but the spatial and bioclimatic qualities are already present in each part. You could say the qualities of the pattern emerge from inside out says Mesa. “The space we propose isn’t an empty warehouse or a free plant but rather a field with structural supports that are intermittent with clustered gardens. This allows to combine a large range of activities (weddings, workout, meditation, concerts, fashion shows, etc), with the garden and incorporates its wildlife and weather beautifully together PLAN B Plan B is an architectural office that defines its work through a practice in which equal status is given to dialogue, drawing, travel, layout, construction, etc. and in which professional or academic situations, publication of books, college classes or constructing buildings are constantly dealt with. Plan B trusts in collaborative work making it a position before architecture and understands the practice and the architectural project as open situations, temporary agreements, not imposed phenomena embedded in eco-social networks both local and global. From 2000 to 2005, this work group was led by architects Felipe Mesa and Alejandro Bernal, from 2006 to 2010 it was led by Felipe Mesa alone, and it’s currently led by Felipe Mesa in partnership with Federico Mesa.

I book review

Books of interest Cultivating Garden Style ISBN: 9781604694772 Author: Rochelle Greayer Publication Date: Timber Press (23 Oct. 2014) Language: English

Book Descriptions: Cultivating Garden Style is packed with the latest trends, state-of- the-art products and hot tips that show you how to make exciting outdoor spaces that are personal, practical and fabulous. Style guru and Leaf Magazine editor Rochelle Greayer

Private Garden of Paris IISBN: 9782080202048 PUBLICATION DATE: 29/09/2014 HARDCOVER: 192 pages

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Lying behind the urban facades of Paris is a hidden landscape. Whether grandiose or miniscule, highly manicured or exuberantly untended, these fifty secret gardens are rarely seen by casual passersby. Traditional French-style gardens, such

ROOTED IN SESIGN ISBN-9781607746973 PRICE-107.00Dhs. BOOK DESCRIPTION: A stylish and full-color guide to creatively integrating indoor plants with home decor from the owners of the popular Sprout Home garden design boutiques. Indoor plants play a large role in the design and feel of a space. Focusing on indoor

delights in helping homeowners “channel their inner gardenmaker”. She breaks down the process of garden design into easy steps so that everyone can make gardens that are every bit as liveable in as their homes. Taking the lead from current trends in fashion, interiors and design, this book shows how to get the details right when planning and executing outdoor projects from herb gardens to hot tubs, fountains to firepits, and shell collections to sheds. Ranging widely in mood from ‘Forest Temple’ to ‘Arty Islam’, this carefully curated garden style sourcebook is packed with smart ideas and of-themoment ingenuity. as those of Hubert de Givenchy, Kenzo, or Pierre Bergé, are attached to private town houses, and their designs mirror the elegance and restraint of the classic dwellings. The late Yves Saint Laurents romantic, picturesque kitchen garden reflects his taste for outdoor living. Exotic hideaways include giant tropical ferns and rare flowers, greenery surrounding a Russian datcha, and a Japanese zen garden, demonstrating an eclectic range of urban gardens and providing inspiration to the expert gardener and armchair enthusiast.

gardening--from small containers and vertical installations with air plants to unique tabletop creations--Rooted in Design provides readers with the means to create beautiful and longlasting indoor landscapes. Tara Heibel and Tassy De Give, owners of the successful Sprout Home gardening stores, offer expert advice for choosing plant varieties and pairing them with unique design ideas. Sharing practical tips honed through hundreds of plant design classes, Heibel and DeGive tell readers everything they need to know to care for their one-of-a-kind green creations

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

Landscape Contractor Gulf Landscape & Irrigation Systems T: +971 4 4552316 F: +971 4 8859079 info.glis@akigroup.com www.gulflandscape.com Nakheel Landscapes T: +974 44085333 F: +974 44983420 info@nakheellandscapes.com www.nakheellandscapes.com Desert Group T: +971 4 3404440 T: +971 4 34044416 group@desertgroup.ae www.desertgroup.ae

Building Materials Supplier Creative Concrete Concepts T: +971-6-532- 1119 F: +971-6-532-8833 www.tex-crete.com info@tex-crete.com Hepworth T: +971 4 2894670 F: +971 4 2894620 www.hepworth.ae

CONCRETE BLOCKS SUPPLIER Ducon Industries T: +971 4 880 6996 F: +971 4 880 6980 info@duconind.com www.duconind.com

List your company in our Listing Page that reaches thousands of subscribers 50

Landscape products supplier WT Burden T: +971 4 8860700 F: +971 4 8860701 streetfurniture@wtburden.ae www.wtburden.ae Tanseeq LLC T: +971 4 3617199 F: +971 4 3607966 info@tanseeqllc.com www.tanseeqllc.com

Irrigation Supplier Hunter Industries T: +001 760 591 7114 F: +001 760 591 7194 Hanna.Zaidan@ hunderindustries.com www.hunterindustries.com METTS Fzc T: +971 4 4470927 F: +971 4 4470928 admin@mettsfzc.com www.mettsfzc.com Rain Bird T: +971 4 8819671 F: +971 4 8819672

Sport’s Facilities / Playground equipments Cemer T: 90 232 8538704 export@cemer.com.tr www.cemer.com.tr Raymond Sport T: +971 4 3391331 T: +971 2 4499196 F: +971 4 3391080 office@raymondsport.com www.raymondsport.com

City Rubber T: + 971 2 6766400 F: +971 2 6767473 www.cityrubberuae.com

Artifical Grass Supplier

SIS Pitches T: 971 4 3415543 F: 971 4 3415643 sales@sispitches.com www.sispitches.com Green Vision T: +971 4 3596243 F: +971 4 3596242 jitendra@btmedxb.ae www.btme.ae

Trees & Herbs Supplier

Orientalis T: +971 4 429 00 44 F: +971 4 422 52 96 info@orientalis.co www.orientalis.co

ACQUATIC PLAY SOLUTIONS Vortex T: +15146943868 info@vortex-intl.com www.vortex-intl.com

Sport’s equipments

SIS Pitches T: 971 4 3415543 F: 971 4 3419643 sales@sispitches.com www.sispitches.com

Fountain supplier Watermaster T: +974 4444 2494 F: +974 44375923 mstudzinska@watermasterqatar. com www.watermaster.me OASE Living Water T: +971 4299 4847 F: +49 5454 809412 uae@oase-livingwater.com www.oase-livingwater.com

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

Soil Additives Supplier

Zeoplant LLC T: +971 4 4473588 F: +971 4 4473587 info@zeoplant.com www.zeoplant.com

metal fabricator m-tec T: +466 125 4773718 info@m-tec.uk.com www.m-tec.uk.com

COMPOST

Emirates Environmental Technology LLC T: +971 3 704 42 22 M: +971 56 3723377 Email: info@cultiva.ae Website: www.cultiva.ae

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

2-DAY CONFERENCE: 26-27 MARCH 2018 INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP DAY: 28 MARCH 2018 DUBAI, UAE

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE AND SMART URBAN LANDSCAPES IN THE REGION

Special offer for Landscape Middle East subscribers! Register online with the promo code 29368.001_LandscapeME_Adv to enjoy a 10% discount off the standard price.

SUPPORTING PARTNERS:

KEY SPEAKERS INCLUDES:

Mohammed Alrayees, Head of Execution Section Drainage & Irrigation Department, Dubai Municipality - UAE

Benjamin Heydon, Public Realm Consultant, Abu Dhabi Municipality - UAE

Phil Dunn, Design and Planning Manager, Dubai Sustainable City

Mohammed Aljayousi, Director, Landscaping - Corporate Infrastructure, Dubai Properties

Morne Fourie, VP Development, North 25

WHY ATTEND?

Learn about upcoming mega projects that resonate with cultural and city lifestyle visions set by governments in the region NETWORKING PARTNER:

Identify current opportunities and challenges in designing and delivering large scale irrigation projects

Gain insight into effective masterplanning of irrigation systems to meet growing demand and city growth MEDIA PARTNERS:

Understand how to design sustainable and smart irrigation systems

Assess latest trends and innovation in park and golf course design and planning

CONSTRUCTION INTELLIGENCE PARTNER:

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I new ongoing projects

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Your Selected Search Criteria: Status : New Tender Trade Category : Agricultural, Landscaping and Irrigation

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NEW & CURRENT PROJECTS Tender Name

Description

Client

Region

Tender Cost (USD)

Post Date

Closing Date

Gardens and Yards Construction

Construction of Gardens and Yards

Municipality of Bani Saad (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

267

1/15/2018

2/20/2018

Gardens, Walkways and Yards Construction

Construction of Gardens, Walkways and Yards

Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

1333

1/15/2018

2/20/2018

Queen Noor Park Maintenance

Maintenance of Queen Noor Park

Greater Amman Municipality (Jordan)

Jordan

143

1/31/2018

2/19/2018

Garden Maintenance

Maintenance of a Garden

Greater Amman Municipality (Jordan)

Jordan

143

1/30/2018

2/19/2018

Gardens Maintenance

Direct Maintenance of Gardens

Hafr Al Batin Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

800

1/15/2018

2/19/2018

Gardens and Playgrounds Construction

Construction of Gardens and Playgrounds for Children in Residential Neighborhoods

Riyadh Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

1333

1/15/2018

2/19/2018

Parks Construction

Establishment of Parks

Domat Aljandal Province Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

1067

1/30/2018

2/14/2018

Seafront Walkway Works

Carrying out Seafront Walkway Works, including but not limited to Reclamation and Shore protection, Roads, Hard Landscaping and Landscape Lighting, Soft Landscaping and Irrigation and Construction of Substation, Electrical and Pump Room, Guard Room and Services Building

Ministry of Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning (Bahrain)

Bahrain

263

1/18/2018

2/14/2018

Parks Construction

Establishment of Parks

Domat Aljandal Province Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

1067

1/15/2018

2/14/2018

Gardens Maintenance

Maintenance of Gardens

Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

267

1/10/2018

2/13/2018

Gardens, Green Areas Maintenance & Plantations Watering Services

Maintenance of Gardens, Green Areas and Watering of Plantations

Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

1333

1/21/2018

2/12/2018

Gardens and Green Areas Maintenance

Maintenance of Gardens and Green Areas

Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

2667

1/15/2018

2/12/2018

Parks Construction

Establishment of Parks

Domat Aljandal Province Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

1067

1/10/2018

2/12/2018

Landscape and Automatic Irrigation System Works

Provision of Landscape and Automatic Irrigation System Works

Ministry of Works (Bahrain)

Bahrain

1/28/2018

2/11/2018

Parks and Yards Construction

Construction of Parks and Yards for a Municipality

Al Ahsa Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

267

1/15/2018

2/11/2018

Municipal Gardens and Yards Construction

Construction of Municipal Gardens and Yards

Al Ahsa Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

267

1/8/2018

2/11/2018

King Abdullah Al-Shaabah Park Construction

Construction of a Park

Al Ahsa Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

4000

1/8/2018

2/11/2018

Poultry Breeding Projects

Provision of Services for the Poultry Breeding Projects

Ministry of Investment (Egypt)

Egypt

1/2/2018

1/11/2018

Honey Bee Projects

Provision of Services for the Honey Bee Projects

Ministry of Investment (Egypt)

Egypt

1/2/2018

1/11/2018