May 2021

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

middle east

May 2021

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The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

Editor’s Note The UAE’s a trendsetter in the region for many industry’s but most noticeable has been its bold vision for the transformation of its architecture; transitioning buildings of the past into modern works of art and sustainable landscapes of the future!

UAE cities are in a unique position, they’re not bound by centuries old buildings or streetscapes meaning they can create purposeful and functional buildings and urban spaces that meet and anticipate the needs of its citizens and residents. Abu Dhabi has paved the way in this respect by placing nature at the heart of its city plans, opening its first urban forest, Al Fay Park, earlier this year.

According to research group the Tree Urbanistas, “it is only through reestablishing contact with the natural world, particularly trees, that cities will be able to function, be viable and able to support their populations,” in the future.

Writing about Urban Forests in The Conversation, Alan Simson, professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Forestry at Leeds Beckett University in the UK, explains: “the urban forest needs to be designed as a first principle, part of the critical infrastructure of the whole city, not just as a cosmetic afterthought.” And Al Fay Park architects SLA would agree.

In our cover story interview, we speak to SLA design principal, partner and co-owner, Rasmus Astrup about the Middle East’s first urban forest and why he thinks Al Fay Park and others like it will be the solution to the biodiversity crisis. Read page 10 for more.

With a focus on local sustainable projects in this issue, we feature the unintentional street gardens of the UAE that are sustaining communities and ecosystems alike, as well as more contemporary master planned garden projects.

Enjoy the issue!

Managing Partner: Ziad Maarouf Amine Copy Editor: John Hampton Administrative Assistance: Sarry Gan Art Director: Ramon Andaya Contributors: Kristoffer Holm Pedersen, Natasha Smith, Dr. Anne Gharaibeh, Sejal Nagjee, Natalie Habib, John Arthur Davies, Oksana Zakhariya, Marlene Eid, Almudena Grande Printed by: Al Nisr Publishing LLC Webmaster: www.pdinventive.com

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contents May 2021 - Issue 167

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Mid East’s first urban biodiversity park is a game-changer for the region’s public realm An urban forest in a desert city UAE street gardens

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Nature and Wildlife will connect to Dubai Creek Tower

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Transformational Design Sharjah’s hidden jewels

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A Plea from Conocarpus Indoor &Outdoor Living Perfectly balanced Spanish Treasure

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I news & Events

M.H. Al Mahroos signs exclusive partnership with ‘Toro’ Irrigation Systems in KSA & Bahrain Mohammed Hassan Al Mahroos, the leading provider of construction & water technology equipment for commercial and residential segments is proud to announce its partnership with Toro, irrigation systems in both of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kingdom of Bahrain.

Following the recent partnership with Toro in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain; the US modern irrigation systems and smart water-saving technologies manufacturer stipulated providing M.H. Al Mahroos with the various advanced irrigation systems, products, and related technologies.

Toro is one of the largest companies that specialises in modern irrigation technologies in the world, with accumulated experience in the field of irrigation of gardens, green spaces, agricultural projects, golf courses and artificial lakes. Since its establishment in 1914 as the first supplier of agricultural tractors in the US, Toro is now the leading global provider of innovative irrigation solutions, including gardens maintenance, lawn care, management and operation of infrastructure construction, and irrigation.

Toro provides an extensive variety of products to serve a wide range of golf courses, government institutions, rental companies, farm owners and contractors. It has several advanced irrigation systems like communication through radio, optical fibres or cables for central control. It also provides modern irrigation services with high accuracy while saving time and facilitating the irrigation process for all customers and controlling the quantities of water consumed for irrigation purposes through an intelligent system to determine irrigation models and their times as desired by the customer.

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Mr. Talal Al Mahroos, Manager in Executive Management at M.H. Al Mahroos, said: “We are pleased to sign this strategic partnership agreement with one of the prestigious international company that continues to lead in harnessing the latest technology in developing modern irrigation systems, which meet the needs of various clients and projects, and in a way that serves the goals of preserving the environment and its natural resources.”

Mr. Al Mahroos added: “We are proud to be the exclusive provider of Toro modern irrigation systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain. This reflects our keenness to present the finest applications and automated equipment in the implementation of large projects in both kingdoms, in which we aim to meet, and keep pace with the requirements & aspirations of our clients in utilising the latest engineering and technical mechanisms to optimize time and effort.”

Mr. Mohamed Ghaddar, Toro Regional Sales Manager - MEA, stated: “We are delighted with the new partnership with M.H. Al Mahroos in both Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kingdom of Bahrain.

Through this partnership, we will strive to serve M.H. Al Mahroos’ quality visions by utilizing our modern irrigation technologies. We look forward to cooperating with the Company to provide the best and most advanced solutions in the field of irrigation systems and water management.”

“For more than a century, we have sought to reduce our environmental footprint by optimizing our operational processes without undermining the quality of our products and services. Our continuous investment in innovation and developing new products is an integral part of our strategy by providing alternative energy solutions, smart applications and automated technologies, thus offering various advantages, such as time, efforts and costs optimization,” Mr. Ghaddar added.

M.H. Al Mahroos has been established in 1930, becoming one of the few choices in the GCC countries that provides prestigious international brands in the field of engineering products.

Stemming from its solid belief in the importance of innovation, M.H. Al Mahroos also introduced, Itemshub.com, an ecommerce that simplifies the shopping experience of construction & other industrial equipment.

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I urban nature park

Mid East’s first urban biodiversity park is a gamechanger for the region’s public realm.

Recently opened in Abu Dhabi, Al Fay Park is a new kind of urban nature park By: SLA With its innovative biodiversity, microclimate and social activities, Al Fay Park is a paradigm shift in how to design and implement nature in the dense megacities of the Middle East.

Gone are the water-consuming and soulless ‘Las Vegas landscapes’ of the past. Enter Al Fay Park – a new 27,500 m2 public park in downtown Abu Dhabi that signals a new kind of Middle Eastern city development: Driven by inclusive nature rather than iconic buildings.

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Al Fay Park is designed by Danish naturebased design studio SLA for the client Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport and has been dubbed ‘a game-changer’ in how to design and implement city nature in the dense megacities of the Middle East. The park is the first urban park in UAE that uses biodiversity to enhance the local microclimate as well as the social public realm.

The park design is devised through SLA’s inhouse biologists and planting experts’ yearlong research

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studies of the region’s unique nature and wildlife.

Its published in an internal plant book covering all the native plant species of the UAE, their optimal growing and living conditions, and how to integrate them into design.

“Al Fay Park is a new type of forest park in Abu Dhabi. Through our extensive research in the region’s flora and fauna, we create a new paradigm for how to think and design public realm in the Middle East. Al Fay Park is a celebration of Abu Dhabi’s native nature and culture and a prime example of how to maximize climate action, increase life-quality, and radically improve the biodiversity of an entire city – all on a former sand site,” says Rasmus Astrup, Design Principal and Partner in SLA.

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I urban nature park The coolest place in town Meaning “The Shade Park” in Arabic, Al Fay Park channels the park’s innovative use of nature-based design solutions to lower the temperature and create optimal microclimate throughout the day.

The park’s official hashtag is #followtheshade.

The shade is provided by more than 2,000 native trees and bushes – including the national Ghaf trees that have been replanted from desert nurseries into the park – all specifically chosen to strengthen biodiversity for both plants and wildlife and to maximize natural cooling throughout the park. The resulting microclimate reduces traffic noise and temperature and creates a distinct forest-like environment. The sloping entrances funnels the cooler southern breeze down into the park while local grasses and bushes reduce sand infiltration.

“Al Fay Park is specifically designed to provide both biological, environmental and social benefits to Abu Dhabi. The density of the trees, the soil design, the irrigation using solely recirculated water, and the sole use of native species not only ensure that the park has radically reduced its irrigation with 40 percent compared to conventional parks. The planting also attracts bees, pollinators, birds and animals, providing a lush and lively atmosphere in the middle of Abu Dhabi – this is a with 100 percent birdsong guaranty! Lastly, the microclimate design provides the best possible social ecosystem for play, sports and leisure – making Al Fay Park both socially and climatically ‘the coolest place in town’,” says Astrup.

Benefitting from the optimized microclimate, Al Fay Park is buzzling with social activities such as multiple sports facilities, playgrounds, street fitness, climbing walls, minigolf, food trucks and a host of informal outdoor seating areas. Along the edge of the park, a winding forest track invites visitors to explore sensuous and wild nature experiences amongst the flowers and grasses and under the canopies. The result is a park with authentic ecosystems and natural habitats for wildlife that also is an open invitation for all to explore nature, interact with each other and relax together in a peaceful, comfortable and serene setting.

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“The world-class design of Al Fay Park has created an environment that encourages community members to socially engage with one another while also connecting with the nature that surrounds them. We’re looking forward to witnessing the growth of this dynamic park that will benefit Abu Dhabi for future generations to come,” says Latifa Al Hallami, Acting Director of Urban Growth, at Department of Municipalities and Transport.

All in all, Al Fay Park is the Middle East’s first showcase of how to strengthen urban biodiversity while creating a cool, comfortable and unique round-the-clock public realm for all residents and visitors to meet, play and live.

Landscape Architect: SLA Client: Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport Size: 27,500 sqm Completion: March 2021 Collaborators: Parsons (architect of record), iGuzzini (lighting), Barari (contractor) Images provided by ©SLA/Philip Handforth

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I iNTERVIEW

Rasmus Astrup

Design Principal and Partner in SLA

Rasmus Astrup Abu Dhabi Desert

An urban forest in a desert city Rasmus Astrup of SLA architects tells us how his team built the ‘coolest place in the UAE’ using a city nature approach.

SLA is a multidisciplinary internationally renowned architecture practice with its roots in Scandinavia.

As it approaches its 30th year in business, its focus remains on nature-based design. “We call it SLADNA internally,” says Rasmus Astrup, Design Principal for international projects at SLA. How has SLA evolved as a practice over the past three decades?

The only thing that has changed are the cities we work in, and the challenges they are facing. Besides our aesthetic design language, which always starts with inspiration from - and understanding of - nature we also bring a strong interdisciplinarity to our projects.

We believe that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to solve the clients’ demands and cities’ complexity. When I started in SLA, we were more or less

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all landscape architects or designers, but now I work closely with biologists, anthropologists, planting experts, master planners, and forest engineers – all of which we have in-house in SLA. We need the anthropologists because of our strong focus on social values in our designs, and because all our projects fundamentally are about improving the life of people. We are currently experiencing a global demand from our clients towards more urban space and city nature. Basically, we see the urban space is the “social glue”, or the democratic fundament for cities and societies. We always use City Nature as a broad term for our approach to urban design, with focus on creating sustainable, resilient and healthy designs; but we also believe that the urban public realm is the most democratic place. It is the place where everyone can meet equally and engage - despite gender, age, social status and religious background.

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Al Fay Park Planting nurseries replanting ghaf tree.

What was the inspiration for Al Fay Park design?

Nature is always the fundamental inspiration for us at SLA, but it is also an inspiration that is deeply linked with knowledge. The design of Al Fay Park consists of two main elements: An urban Activity Spine consisting of varied activities, diverse recreational programs, sports, outdoor cafes and food trucks and opportunities for both formal and informal social gatherings; and a green, lush Planting Frame consisting of a wide mix of local trees, shrubs and bushes, dense planting and a varied bird-, insect- and animal life – all designed to create a cool and sensuous ‘forest’ surrounding for the park’s many activities. Five years ago, when we made our first visit to the UAE, one of the key things we discovered was that we couldn’t find any fulfilling literature on the local plant species. Therefore, we spent a full year researching and writing our own internal book about all the local species of UAE. There was some material in Arabic, but we needed an English version with focus on habitats, biotopes and functionality, and not just a list of Latin names. Many people think that the UAE is only sand and palm trees, but the nature here is so rich and varied, and the book was driven by our desire to be inspired and learn as much as possible about the original UAE nature. Partly for our own need of hardcore knowledge in our work, but also because we believe that a nation’s culture is directly linked with a nation’s nature - and that is actually the inspiration for Al Fay Park.

Will urban forests become the norm in cities around the world?

When we were invited by the Department of Municipalities and Transport to make a proposal for the site, we were given the design task to make an “activity park”. Instead of

Al Fay Park UAE Native Plant Book

jumping directly into designing, we instead thought of “the frame” of the activities. UAE has 6-8 months of the most desirable climate, but as you know, summers here can be very hot. The purpose of the urban forest had to frame and create an optimal microclimate for the activities. Our working title was “the coolest place in town”, meaning both in vibe and temperature. Urban foresting is a global mega trend, and it could easily be the frame for other programs.

It is representing a paradigm shift in urban development and how cities can contribute to solving the biodiversity crisis, mitigating urban heat islands and promoting social inclusion. I mean, why is urban design normally so static, when nature constantly acts dynamic? An urban forest will change over time, it will become wilder and richer, but it will also enhance its capability to clean the air and lower the temperature plus - equally important – it will create an awareness of nature for the citizens. In Denmark, a science group recently monitored 1 million kids and discovered that growing up without a presence of city nature increased the risk of mental illness by more than 50 percent. We believe that every citizen should have an urban forest near their home.

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I iNTERVIEW

Al Fay Park Microclimate Diagrams

How did you put your signature stamp on the park’s design?

In a way, our signature is to propose an urban biodiversity park in the first place – and then having it constructed.

That required both deep inspiration rooted in the culture and nature of the UAE, deep knowledge of microclimate, biology, sociology, and then the ability to put all these elements into a cohesive design. That is SLADNA. But if I should point to a single ‘signature design’ gesture, I believe the “forest track” is quite unique and very signature SLA. The forest track is made of steppingstones zig zagging between the Ghaff trees, following the topography in the forest, giving you an intense feeling of being in the middle of nature while you are actually right in the middle of the city. Another signature stamp is that everything is growing, maintained and evolving on biodiversity’s terms, making it a quite unique ‘city nature ecosystem’ for both people, plants and animals. You can say that we have designed the park for both local residents and local birds – the two first bird nests came while the park was still under construction. In other words, our signature is not only about how the park looks, it is more about how it functions and how it makes you feel. Imagine walking around Abu Dhabi on a hot sunny day. You feel the heat and the city soundtrack from the cars. Then suddenly you come across a new park. A park like no other: Where the trees grow wilder, the wildlife is more prevalent, and the public life is more active. You start to smile, sense the surroundings, hear the sound of birds and fully feel the cooling comfort under the shaded tree canopies. You feel like… in a forest.

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How did you manage to achieve 40 per cent less water than traditional parks?

Besides the complete lack of rain, another big learning curve when we first started working in the UAE was how rich and varied the soil is here. In the UAE, there are various sand types, rich in minerals, and we know how to add nutrients with peet for instance. However, the real challenge is that the sand does not retain water, making it very hard to create sustainable and effective irrigation. We designed a soil type with an added volcanic compound called Zeoplant and placed it around the trees in the park, allowing us to store the water around the roots. On top of that, the planting concept of Al Fay Park is devised to enhance biodiversity and empower the natural habitats of the park. Using only native plants, the planting creates a self-sustaining natural environment, drastically reducing the demands for irrigation and water consumption, while the use of the original and more ‘wild’ Ghaf trees reduce the need for traditional care and pruning in the park.

Actually, we are testing to reduce the irrigation level even more over time to support the natural habitats and make them support each other.

What will Al Fay’s legacy be?

We are already now getting a lot of attention from clients and collaborators about our city nature approach. I think that Al Fay Park will show that parks must be truly green – not just in color, but they must also strengthen biodiversity, minimize the use of resources, optimize microclimate, clean the air, etc. Right now, we are in the middle of a

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global COVID-19 pandemic and we must of course take that very seriously. But I actually have much more fear of the global biodiversity crisis which will be the real test for us humans. It is my hope that Al Fay Park can contribute and inspire how cities can solve this most fundamental challenge of our time.

How long did the forest park take to design from conception through to realization of the project?

We made the first sketches in June 2019 and completed the park in February 2021. Speed is always a challenge in the Middle East and Asia, but we are more or less used to it. The fact that we also had to finish the construction during the COVID-19 pandemic was obviously unexpected.

I made my last visit to Abu Dhabi at the end of March last year, and I haven’t been able to go back since. We have made site supervisions with live streams, daily photo registrations and endless online meetings. Luckily, we were quite far in construction and had solved all the major challenges before COVID hit the progress. And we had a strong and close collaboration with architect-of-record Parsons and couldn’t have made the project without them.

From my point of view, the biggest practical challenge was to figure out how to replant the 400 big and old Ghaff trees we have in the park. We knew from other projects how challenging replanting can be, but we had a great collaboration with the contractor al Barari and agreed on a method to replant big trees from dessert nurseries.

It is such a delicate process, and it can only be made with patience, knowledge and handcraft. It takes up to 2 months from starting the process at the nursery until you have replanted a Ghaff tree at the site. We had many assumptions about the rate of trees that would die after replanting, but we ended with less than 5 percent, which quite frankly is impressive.

Have you any similar projects in the region?

I think it is super interesting when nature and technology can support each other. We are part of a climate strategy for Abu Dhabi where we very soon inaugurate a pilot project that combines mechanical systems with plantings, light reflective pavement and mist. In the project, we are addressing the fact that during the day the sun is heating up, so we need cover for shade, but in the evening the sky is cooling down and removing the hot air from the surfaces. Therefore, we have developed new shading structures with architects CBT and engineers Buro Happold that mechanically close for shading during the day and open for cooling during the evening. Tests show that we can change the temperature of a site with almost 10 degrees by combining nature and mechanical structures in such a way. I find this really promising and exciting and a great example of how deep knowledge of nature, culture, microclimate, technology and sustainability can create new and innovative solutions for the future development of the UAE.

Al Fay Park Tree Moving Diagrams

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I street GARDEN

UAE street gardens Blurring the lines between the private and public realm, these often-untamed street gardens show a side of the country that we rarely see

By Charles Lamb The interface between the public space outside and the private world within a property’s boundary, conventionally defined by a wall or fence, provides a demarcation of ‘mine’ and ‘theirs’, imbued with the societal knowledge that crossing the threshold requires certain behaviours and social constructs to be adhered to. But what about the ‘ours’ space,

Complete set-up on the street, Jumeirah, Dubai

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that soft line between the public and the private, where life spills out from the house into the street, and which passers-by can also enjoy, but is not fully part of either environment? In the UAE, such edges outside houses are often appropriated by the residents in many of the older, more organically developed areas of towns and cities regardless of

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Stretching the garden into the street, forming a soft boundary, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

whether the district is high-end or more down-atheel. With uses ranging from growing plants for pleasure or food to providing areas to sit either as an informal majlis or with individual seats, as well as occasionally rearing livestock, these lived-in strips provide inspiration for the integration of the public and private spheres in developments and designed landscapes, and for creating an environment where life has the opportunity to spill out onto the street and for interactions to occur between people.

The diversity of these edge spaces in itself defines them - without a set design playbook to follow, the undulations in styles and uses of these gardened and inhabited strips between the public and private realm add a patina of age and community to the streetscape that would be unusual to find in a wholly masterplanned scheme. Each area relies on the individuality of the inhabitant: at one house, their desire may be a chair to sit and watch the word go by, or a larger majlis under the shade of a few trees; in others, cultivating productive crops may be a priority, or mixing these with flowers for a more ornamental aesthetic. Elsewhere, the crow of a cockerel occasionally punctuates the air, marking his territory, and bee hives nestle against a wall under the shade of a couple of palm trees.

Pomegranates, kale and other produce growing on a repurposed street corner, Jumeirah, Dubai

In all these, you will often find places to sit, the chairs placed to provide vantage points to the street beyond, but close enough to the property to be considered belonging to it. By their placing close to the boundary wall and within this appropriated space, these chairs imply they are not for public use but conversely are neither totally private. They acknowledge that there are eyes on the street, and that those who inhabit the area have perhaps only popped out for a minute before they will be back.

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I street GARDEN

Street garden produce, Al Safa, Dubai

It is this concept of ‘eyes upon the street’ that Jane Jacobs highlights, in her seminal work ‘The Death and Life of Great American Cities’, as being a determining factor in the success of a neighbourhood - the constant succession of eyes, or the feeling that they are there, brings a sense of intricacy and safety to a neighbourhood as well as a lived-in quality that may not be the case where backs are turned and the street is left blind. In contemporary landscape architecture literature, this has been expanded to include the concept of the ‘transitional edge’ by academics at the University of Sheffield (Thwaites, Simpson & Simkins), whereby the integration of a street’s social, spatial and material dimensions are taken into consideration in the examination of its current form and potential interventions. Here, the argument is that locally focused, small-scale change and adaptation may be significant to how people interact with the urban environment.

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Throughout it all, there are the people that inhabit these diverse spaces. Discussing practical matters of maintenance with someone in their street garden in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi emirate, they tend to the spaces every day, and vary their plantings between the summer and winter, with food crops thriving from late October onwards until the onset of the summer heat.

For shade, they use street trees, either intentionally planted or self-seeded, providing cover for the chickens and other birds they keep, and for fish in a makeshift pond made out of an old bath. But why keep going with such effort on the street, rather than inside the property?

For them, it was for the space and to see people going by, with the inherent energy that comes from social interactions.

Discussing the possibilities for including elements of such organic street-side development in contemporary landscape design (either in new developments or retro-fitting into existing areas), Will Bennett, founder of Wilden Design, sees simple ways of achieving this by ‘pushing back boundary walls, or even staggering them from plot to plot, so they are not abruptly separating the public space from the private space’, with this ultimately creating ‘opportunities for variation of the street character, and additional edges where the street can be ‘adopted’ by residents and for life to grow organically.’ Delving into the older areas of towns and cities across the UAE provides inspiration for how this may look, with the piecemeal adoption by residents over time creating a patina of organic development and a sense that the street is cared for by the people who live there. It is this potential to soften the distinction between the public and private realms that the existing stock UAE street gardens provide such exciting inspiration for.

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I Creek Harbour

Dubai Creek Masjed Mediating the Harbor Reserve and Calatrava’s Tower The proposed Masjed design sits at the natural vista as a monumental structure.

In a city full of landmarks, it’s hard to imagine how an architect can pull off a project that is even more rooted in the rich culture of the UAE. The design team proposed a monumental Masjed following the famed Calatrava’s Dubai Creek Tower. The tower features an Islamic Minaret, a distinctive architectural feature in Islamic culture, and links Ramsar—a protected wetland and wildlife refuge—in a major spine at the Creek Harbor. Likewise, the Masjed design is proposed following EMAAR Master plan. It acts as a Dome

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structure for the Minaret emphasizing the minaret’s Lily Flower concept.

The iconic Masjed is located along the green corridor consisting of series of pedestrian bridges that are visually connecting the tower to the sea. Dubai Creek Harbor is a six square-kilometer world-class development located on Dubai Creek. The area has long been Dubai’s center of history and culture and is in close proximity to the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Concept The Masjid is seen as a necessity to complement Lily-based Islamic Minaret concept. The Masjid is a translation of a waterlily Dome-like arrangement along the green corridor extension which visually links the ensemble to the sea water at the horizon. The continuous green spine from the Creek Tower to the sea water provides the architectural inspiration for the Iconic Masjid in this profile landscape. The Tower is considered the Masjid Minaret, so the Masjid did not require a minaret, but rather a dome, which is the second element of a Masjid. Waterlily petals served as a perfect source of inspiration for the Masjid’s array of pointed arches.

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I Creek Harbour

Rowaqs are created on both sides of the formation by a double set of arches, allowing for the interconnection of the Masjid’s inside and outside, as well as continued access to the green corridor.

The interior of the arches is free of columns. Most of the time, they work to physically connect the worshipper to the sky. The Masjid’s interior is protected by a perforated skin that stretches around the frame. When the weather allows, this envelop may be opened to let fresh air in.

Leveling and Functions The land slope called for two ground floors: one with a park in the back and one with the main praying hall in the front. The travel on foot through the Dubai master plan’s green corridor passed through the Masjed, using the Rowaqs on both sides of the masjid to reach the bridge across the back street. The green corridor splits at the Masjid site and rejoins at the bridge on both ends. The green

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corridor passing through the site is diverted around and under the Masjid. The masjid can house up to 3,000 men and 1,000 women praying at the same time in addition to the roof floor. The building consists of: • The main floor containing the main pray hall that is directly linked to the landmark Calatrava Tower Plaza through the green corridor.

• The open roof is an ideal place for nighttime meditation or for watching early morning sunrise.

• The design contains a lower garden directly linked to the green bridge coming from the sanctuary.

• The garden floor encompasses the Moathen/Imam Residence, the Library and the Quran Teaching Rooms, abolition spaces and services, in addition to hosting excessive number of worshippers and attracted tourists.

• The design has two parking floors underneath with easy access to all floors and with separate elevators for men and women leading directly to the prayer hall lobbies on various floors.

This article was written by Dr. Anne Gharaibeh, Department of City Planning and Design, College of Architecture and Design, Jordan University of Science and Technology. Irbid, Jordan Design Team: Principle designer: Anne Gharaibeh, Ph.D., MLA, UP, Arch.

Design manager: Jumana Salem, Senior Arch.

Team: Yousef Khalaf, Arch.

Mohammad Hijazi, Arch.

Mohamad Rahahleh, UP.

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I PRIVATE RESORT

Transformational Design

By Sejal Nagjee

CEO and Creative Director Milestone Dubai

How to give clients their own private resort at home Most of us are itching to travel again and escape the mundane of work and routine but with restrictions still in place in many countries around the world, it seems that we might have to put our plans on hold for another while longer. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t offer our clients their own escape.

This Hattan villa in the Lakes oozes relaxation and luxury, it’s a private resort on your doorstep, all thanks to clever landscape design and craftsmanship.

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Space planning Space planning arises from a client’s brief which gives an insight into their lifestyle. How many people do they wish to entertain on different occasions? Are they typically entertaining 15-20, 30-50 or 100 people at their parties? How do they wish to spend time in their garden?

Usability and functionality are always at the top of every landscape designer’s agenda, usability arises from the empty spaces within. Where to plan enough empty space is key to landscape design.

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I PRIVATE RESORT

Hattan at the lakes was commissioned in 2002 and was approved for a full renovation. Being able to cook outdoors and enjoying the garden with family and friends were the main criteria. We retained the old hattan feel whilst still modernizing it.

Flamed granite was used to make it safe for walking as it’s a non-slip surface around the pool.

The lagoon shaped pool with a thatched pool bar pergola also retains the hattan feel.

Features The pool is the focal point of landscape.

Determining the size of the pool is important.

Generally, the residential pool size is 90 cms at shallow end to 160 cms at deep end with a size of 9x4 m at least. This pool is irregularly shaped and allows an easy length to swim.

Having a pool bar is a luxury. It’s incredible to be able to be served from the pool bar and relax with a drink in the pool. In this case, the overflow pool is made at the same level as the ground and is seamless in design.

Pergola A large pergola which is completely waterproof is a prominent feature of the landscape. With a size of 11m x 4 m, it accommodates a bar, feature wall, lounge seating, a swing and makes a great entertainment area.

It’s important to have a water proof structure to avoid bird droppings, moisture droplets that make the cushions of the furniture wet always in the mornings and avoid direct sun and rain. It’s like having an open outhouse.

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The pergola is an i beam structure, cladded with wood with underground footings and is very solid. The lighting in the pergola with a fan makes it absolutely a gorgeous sit out space making it usable in the summer too.

Outdoor kitchen is a must have, including all the facilities such as a sink, power sockets, drawers and storage and table top 4 burner grill. Being right behind the bar, it makes it very easy to use.

A Bar is always a nice feature as you can sit in the evening with your friends. Fridge and bottle cooler are easy to plan too. It is convenient to use by bartenders during a party.

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I PRIVATE RESORT

A Water feature built in the pathway creates a nice view from the living room window. It’s so important to think about the views from a window as landscape is always built inside out. What you see from a window is very important as when you are not using the garden, it’s what you will see from inside the house.

Lighting Lighting design is the most important in any landscape. Highlighting features by spot lighting, highlighting the plants and trees, using downlights and concealed LED strips in the bar, planter boxes and ceiling creates a mood, keeping the lighting a subtle ambience.

BBQ is well lit by directional spot lights which provide good visibility for cooking. All functional areas are well lit and lighting is evenly spread to have enough for larger parties and occasions.

All lights are LED and therefore consumption of electricity is low.

Sustainable materials All materials in this project are sustainable.

Flamed granite, porcelain, stone mosaics, solid meranti wood, metal lantern, LED lights, pet friendly artificial grass - all long lasting, low on maintenance and low on electricity consumption. www.milestonedubai.com Photo Credit: Mr. Orkun Orcan.

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Water Conservation - UAE Highest Priority Water is a precious and finite resource that must be carefully used ensuring adequacy for generations to come.

AustraBlend®Mutli Mineral Root Zone Conditioner innovates cucumber production at greatly reduced water application.

Consistent with the National Food Security Strategy (NFSS), AustraBlend® Pty Ltd, along with Polyclean LLC Dubai, is working with major food production entities of key vegetable crops including capsicum, cucumber and tomato as well as alfalfa and grain crops grown at reduced water rates by as much as 50%, complying with water saving initiatives and crop intensifications in support of the NFSS. AustraBlend®MMMRZC has the capacity to increase the nutrient and water use efficiencies of local soils resulting in significant increases in crop yields, supporting the UAE Food Basket Initiative aimed at increasing domestic production and water conservation.

Better growth and earlier maturity of fruit resulted in a 57% increase of fruit productivity over that of the control!

AustraBlend®MMRZC Guarantees More Crop per Drop !!

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Plant Height – 29% greater than control!

Leaf Size – 24% greater than control!

At 40% water reduction, 8% production gain over control!

AustraBlend® Multi Mineral Root Zone Conditioner innovates urban landscapes through water saving and greater biomass (lawn grass) production.

Results of an ICBA (Dubai) trial at a Sharjah Palace where ABMMRZC was used in the establishment of Paspalum vaginatum lawns.

At 40% less water than normal application, fresh grass biomass was 175% greater than that of the control.

AustraBlend® UAE Distributor Polyclean LLC, Dubai Tel: 971 050 635 9026

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I SUSTAINABILITY

A collection of ecoretreats hidden in the Sharjah desert contribute to the region’s rich biodiverse landscape

Sharjah’s hidden jewels

Enveloped by towering dunes, Mysk Al Faya Retreat lies at the foothills of the sandy mountains of the sprawling Mleiha desert. This archaeological site near Fossil Rock looks out over centuriesold natural landscape, providing guests with panoramic views of the sweeping mountain ranges and transporting them to a different time.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) have succeeded in creating a truly local and authentic experience, achieved by unique touches including, the use of sustainable materials derived from a stone structure originally constructed during the 1960’s.

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Developed under the Sharjah Collection brand, and operated and managed by Mysk

by Shaza, Shurooq reinforced its emphasis on site-responsive criteria to govern the design, architectural interventions and choice of materials in construction when re-imagining the existing structure. Sustainability, thus, emerged as an integral element in reimagining this decades-old structure, which Shurooq masterfully transformed into an elegant contemporary boutique luxury retreat.

The intense and prolonged sun exposure and extreme temperature fluctuations of the desert

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necessitated the use of locallysourced special construction materials equipped to provide heavy thermal mass. Attention to detail marked every aspect of the retreat’s design and construction process as the choice of materials was dictated not merely by the arid climate, but also referenced the iron-rich mountains that surround it.

The earthy colour combination of natural stone, sandy-brown concrete and Corten steel allows the eco-retreat to blend discreetly into its historical landscape. To enhance the natureinspired vibe, skylights in the rooms allow guests to soak in the splendours of the desert sky at night. Use of glass water bottles, tree planting initiatives, and a host of recycling practices further elevates the environmentally friendly policies in place at Al Faya.

Mysk Kingfisher Retreat Set among Kalba’s rich nature and biodiversity on the East Coast of Sharjah, Mysk Kingfisher Retreat is a verdant property that urges guests to slow down and enjoy nature’s bounty. The

I SUSTAINABILITY

eco-retreat is situated inside the Al Qurm Nature Reserve, famed for its rich biodiverse ecosystem of mangrove forests and rare species of birds, turtles, fish and deer.

The Mysk Kingfisher Retreat is another jewel in The Sharjah Collection by ‘Mysk by Shaza’ with 20 luxurious tents, set up approximately 30 metres away from the shoreline to avoid deep dewatering and raised from the ground by almost one metre to preserve the flora and fauna.

The boutique nature retreat is a gateway to a unique world of conservation. Showcasing one

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A sea turtle rehabilitation centre will soon open and in partnership with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah, Shurooq will create education centres to foster greater environmental awareness amongst guests and visitors about ongoing efforts to preserve this crucial habitat.

In addition, it has further improved visitor experiences with a host of sustainable initiatives to minimise its impact on the fragile ecosystem.

Kingfisher Retreat is a car-free zone and bases its waste management plans on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycling. An organic garden, bird water pond, turtle meeting point, nature walks, and beach cleaning activities are other eco highlights here.

of the UAE’s most diverse ecosystems, Kalba – a verdant mangrove forest recognised as a globally important wetland by the Ramsar Convention, champions the environment through its various green credentials.

With 20 luxurious tents, set up approximately 30 metres away from the shoreline to avoid deep dewatering and raised from the ground by almost one metre to preserve the flora and fauna. Three layers of insulated roof minimises heat inside the tent while low lighting options are mindful of the sensitive wildlife.

Mysk Al Badayer Retreat Mysk Al Badayer Retreat is a haven of calm offering traditional Arabian hospitality in the heart of the Al Badayer desert in Sharjah’s central region. The retreat reinterprets authentic Emirati desert living by providing guests with an elevated desertcamping and dune experience, with 21 fully serviced rooms, 10 luxurious tents, traditional mix of delicacies and desert leisure activities.

Al Badayer’s sustainability ethos is reflected in its recycling and desert cleaning practices, chemical-free private pools, use of locally sourced ingredients at its restaurant and glass water bottles throughout the facility.

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I Conocarpus

A Plea from Conocarpus Why Conocarpus (otherwise known as the damas tree) deserve a second chance

By John A. Davies Over the last decade or so, Conocarpus has received much bad press throughout the Arabian Gulf. Both species are involved, these being C. lancifolius, native to coastal areas of south western Arabia and the horn of Africa, commonly known as the damas tree, and C. erectus, native of Florida, known as the buttonwood mangrove. The claims are that their roots invade domestic drainage systems and disrupt underground utilities and foundations.

However, in defence of the tree, I offer the following plea:

Conocarpus lancifolius

Public Park - an ideal location allowing the tree to grow naturally

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Appeal The Conocarpus tree’s particular appeal to householders is its high salt tolerance of up to 25,000ppm, its evergreen nature and rapid growth which, in its early stages, ranges between 2 and 3 metres per year, thereby offering a quick solution to providing shade and privacy. Though these characteristics may be welcomed, the appearance of feeder roots in a toilet bowl is certainly most unwelcome.

This would not occur if joints in underground drainage systems and water pipes were properly sealed at the time of installation.

Foundations Where foundations are concerned, root barriers again provide an answer, in this case pertaining to a boundary wall, alongside which a hedge of Conocarpus was to be planted. The task involved excavating a trench 1m deep and introducing at the side of the exposed foundations a root barrier, this being mirrored along the edge of a patio on the opposite side of the trench as a “belt and braces” precaution against roots extending to the villa. Thus both the foundations of the boundary wall and the villa were protected.

Remedial action When a toilet drainage system is invaded by roots, which could be of any tree, not only Conocarpus, a remedy is to empty less than half a cup of copper sulphate or rock salt into the toilet bowl, which over a few days or weeks will dissolve the offending roots, fortunately without killing the tree, the resulting debris being flushed out of the system.

Thereafter copper sulphate crystals can be applied at three month intervals.

Copper sulphate crystals

Root barriers Regarding avoiding disruption of municipal services, the answer is root barriers - a particular project coming to mind, for though Conocarpus was not included in the planting scheme, the possibility of tree root disturbance in respect of utilities was a major consideration, the drawing below showing how the matter was resolved.

Section drawing of root barriers in the form geo-textile fabric.

Installation of a root barrier along the foundation of the boundary wall

Installation of a root barrier along the edge of the patio

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I Conocarpus Pruning Another answer to restricting root expansion is pruning, for root growth is equal to the extent of the tree’s canopy, not only to sustain the tree with moisture and nutrients, but to maintain its stability - hence less canopy means less root growth. This applies to the Conocarpus hedge shown below, which is clipped regularly.

Conocarpus hedge

Topiary All trees benefit from judicious pruning, and Conocarpus lends itself to a particular type called topiary, which is the art of clipping amenable evergreen shrubs and trees into ornamental shapes.

Topiary comes to mind when considering Concarpus eectus in road medians where their growth can be somewhat ungainly, as in the image below left. Such examples would benefit by being pruned into columnar shapes akin to the Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), thereby providing the median with a distinctive, elegant character.

Ungainly Conocarpus

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Other topiary shapes easily achieved with both species of Conocarpus include spheres, cubes, domes, pyramids and oblongs, in fact any simple geometric shape, as well as animal forms.

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Further instances of topiary are shown below, all of which can be achieved with Conocarpus

Different Forms of Topiary

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I Conocarpus Incorporating such shapes into roadway medians and verges, roads would become informally known as the Avenue of the Elephant, the Avenue of the Peacock; the Avenue of the Falcon and so on ... echoing a characteristic of Islamic Spain where places were given unique and beautiful names. Pruned in this manner Conocarpus would not develop an extensive root system, posing no danger to pavements or underground utilities.

Readers may be interested to know that Conocarpus also lends itself to the exquisite art of bonsai.

Columns and arches found in mosques and cathedrals symbolising trees

Conocarpus erectus as a Bonsai UAE gift to the CIA

The above specimen reveals the amenability of Conocarpus to pruning. It’s quite remarkable that a tree capable of reaching a height of 30m can be pruned to a height of less than half a metre. The tree in the image is 150 years old and was presented by the UAE to the CIA in recognition of the UAE’s strong and historic partnership with the USA. The Bosai tree and by extension the Conocarpus tree has long been honoured by the ancient practice of Feng Shui for its ability to draw upon the life energies of heaven and share their joy and comfort with all in its presence. This characteristic may be said of all trees, for in ancient times forests were places of worship, later being symbolically represented in cathedrals and mosques and other places of worship by columns, their arches denoting the forest canopy drawing down the life energies of heaven and nourishing the earth and her inhabitants.

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Other uses of Conocarpus include shelter belts, shoreline protection, desert reclamation, reforestation projects, also as buffer zones, and according to research undertaken by the Arabian Gulf University in connection with Bahrain Oil Refinery, the tree is very useful in remediating oilcontaminated soils and abstracting pollution from the atmosphere, hence its value to the environment is enormous.

The negative comments about Conocarpus make painful reading, much of which I know from personal experience to be untrue since first encountering the tree in a public park in Sharjah in 1985. The sight of an Emirati family enjoying a picnic in the shade offered by its branches was a delight to behold. Responding to its perceived negative aspects, the answer is to be aware of its growth characteristics and to plant or avoid planting it accordingly.

However, notwithstanding the negativity suffered by Conocarpus, we must remember that it is a member of the great family of trees with which Nature in her great benevolence has blessed us.

John Davies Image credits: John A. Davies, Landscape Consultants /Wikipedia/ Washington Post.

Masdar Lego Hotel, Central Dubai Park, Land Abu Dhabi

Delivering Solutions Transforming Cities

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WTB Middle East FZE Jebel Ali Free Zone, P.O Box: 261378, Dubai, UAE T +971 4480 9397 | f +971 4886 0701 Burdens Middle East Trading LLC Dar Al Salam Building, office 962, Nr Al Lulu St, Abu Dhabi, UAE

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streetfurniture@wtburden.ae | www.wtburden.ae

I outdoor living

Indoor &Outdoor Living

This hybrid space offers the best of the UAE’s climate year round

By Victor Shenoda

Architect & General Manager Maincrete Building Contracting A global shift in attitudes post pandemic has altered living habits towards utilizing outdoor space. Instead of being isolated from nature by walls and ceilings, today more and more people tend to extend their living zones out into the open air, reconnecting them with nature and letting nature merge with their daily living habits.See below a family home in the Meadows in Dubai, the couple decided to take the plunge and reintroduce nature into their home with a stunning garden transformation complete with four functional zones.

Case Study A family with two young kids wanted to create a stylish

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outdoor living area with a barbeque, sitting lounge, playground for kids and annex room for work. They didn’t know exactly what they wanted, which materials to use and this is very normal practice when it comes to design and build. The mentioned requirements were only: minimalistic and urban style, functionality, coziness, and a connection to nature.

The proposed 3D design matched the clients’ dream perfectly. Without any hesitation, the contract was signed and the work started.

The project scope included 1. Entrance zone, 2. Annex rom, 3.BBQ and dining area, 4. Outdoor lounge with a fireplace.

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Entrance Area First contact with a house gives exactly that first impression like when meeting someone for the first time.

For the clients that are very sociable and often organize dinners at their home, friendly and welcoming Entrance Area was composed with warm wood panel wall, bench with concrete elements and lust of greeneries including lemon and olive trees, bushes, aloe and cactuses. In the evening the area is beautifully lightened with ground and wall lights.

Annex room Since the lockdown the client’s working space has been relocated from office to home. So the task was to create private comfy space for business activities and relaxing retreat. Design criteria was based on fully integrated connections inside-out between annex room, garden and a house. This was achieved by lifting the garden level up to house and annex room levels (with consideration for rain water) that gives infinity effect of living space towards outside and adding extended visual space to indoor area of 28 square meter.

Exterior finishing is combined with warm wood panels, polished concrete, sliding door and black matt lamps.

Interior of annex room is designed in urban style using bricks and rough concrete finish, bulky cooper exposed AC ducts, glass partitions and matt black accessories for washroom and shower cabinet. The room of 28 square meters accommodates comfy sofa, coffee tables, huge tv with sound system and a play station to relax between work. In addition, this room can serve the purpose of guest room when needed.

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I outdoor living

the concept of nature and attract an eye with its details. Dining area can accommodate ten people at the table surrounded by cheerfully selected rustic pots with olive trees.

The whole atmosphere blends the smoothness and roughness of natural colors and materials creating mixed feelings of sweet and sour taste of imperfect perfection.

Among kitchen appliances there is 90 cm cooker for barbeque, fire oven for pizza, custom made sink matching the dining table, a fringe and ice maker.

BBQ and dining area.

Inspired by Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi the designer achieved the look that appreciate half-forgotten beauty in weathered objects and raw materials exposed around us. Space made in accordance with this concert translate the truly sense of peace and tranquility through simplicity. Cementations finish on barbeque counter and concrete floor allow to minimize sharp edges that doesn’t exist in nature. Chopped logs under a cooker decorates the space with its natural color and texture.

Custom made dining table made of rustic metal and dark grey parceling stone make this unit timeless. Bolt, uncovered joining parts of the outdoor table repeats

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Lounge with fireplace.

Medically proven fact says that time spend in open air reduce the level of cortisol (hormone of stress) lower blood pressure, recharge energy and increase positive vibes.

Guided by the idea of contributing into people’s wellbeing, the lounge (alternative living room) is designed 60 centimeters below the garden level. That gives feeling of merging into ‘green ocean’. Lowden position of sitting lounge also maximize visibility of greeneries on eye level along with eco purified air supply. Composition of warm wood and rough concrete is gently smoothen by soft and comfy grey mats and cousins on concrete basement together with the amount of greenery and birdsong. The focal point of the lounge is a rectangular shape gas fireplace located in the middle of the room and merging into 3 steps. Gas fire is easy in use and exclude smoke at the place.

There could not be a better decoration then element of fire dancing with the wind on the stone dance floor!

By evening the sitting lounge is lightened by low light around and can accommodate 25-30 person at time. The place already became a favorite location for colleagues meeting, friends gathering and celebrations.

What the client says: “This is the best decision we made during the pandemic.

There are 3 great contributions; the first - quality of life. We are enjoying living in open space every day, starting from morning meditation, playing with kids then baking delicious pizza, inviting friends for barbeque and interesting conversations around the fire… that is what we were dreaming about.

The second – working from home. It is amazing to work in a private office and be with a family at the same time. Also there is no waste of time on traffic which automatically reduce air pollution.

And the third – property value. Everyone who comes here says this is a unique and outstanding space. Yes, all the work we did is for us to use and enjoy and also this is an investment that will pay back in the future in case of selling the villa but honesty we will not sell for the next 10 years for sure”

Photo credit: Oksana Zakhariya Written by: Marketing Manager Oksana Zakhariya Instagram@ozgraph Instagram@maincrete www.maincrete.com

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I TRANSFORMATION

Perfectly balanced Nature is the dominate force in this Lebanese garden

By Francis Landscapes With one main visual axis commencing from the house, flowing through the pool, and trickling on to the breathtaking horizon, this project is a submission to nature’s greatness. Designed to complement existing rock formations that shape a natural amphitheater,

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the project succumbs to nature’s legacy, with ever growing and evolving plant life and labyrinthine pathways that hide nature’s well-kept secrets.

Designing this garden took great discipline. The priority was to make the setting the star player. To

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preserve the organic feel and reflect the splendid natural surroundings, the designers had to decide when to let nature take over and when to tame it.

The primary axis starts at the house and bisects a natural amphitheater formed by protected rock formations to guide the line of vision in a gentle flow of terraces that lead to the serene horizon.

Cradled in the arms of this natural amphitheater, the infinity pool blends into the distant horizon in such a way that it appears to have existed.

Walking around the pool, one is taken away into mysterious walkways that tempt curiosity and guide the wanderer into groves of oak, cedar, and fruit bearing trees, making for a truly multisensorial, multi-seasonal experience.

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I TRANSFORMATION

This project focused on collaborating with nature, resulting in something that is less of a guided tour and more of a discovery at its purest.

The pathways, walkways and promenades hint at undiscovered little islands of pleasure. Even the pool house is hidden, allowing for an uncluttered field of vision, where nature and everything it has to offer can truly be enjoyed.

Here, bliss can be found, as everything is enjoyed from the top of the world.

Completion date: Rehabilitated in 2011 Location: Faqra - Lebanon Landscape architect: Frederic Francis Size: 4,000 m2

is a professional firm comprised of landscape architects, 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, U.A.E, 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/

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strength & speed

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e.

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I OUTDOOR Landscaping

Spanish Treasure A series of landscape interventions have started on an historic site in North West Spain By: AGi Architects

AGi architects carried out a series of landscape interventions on the historic Trazas de Pontevedra, a site located in the province of Pontevedra in North West Spain.

Three of the 18 Galician-Roman sites were enhanced as part of a larger project to create a unique network for the reinterpretation of Galicia’s archaeological landscape.

The interventions in the castros—or Celtic forts— of Alobre, Toiriz, and A Subidá have been sensitive and respectful towards each site’s surrounding environment, as will happen with the other sites in subsequent stages.

The aim was to provide them with a distinct, simple, and

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sustainable identity, while offering a singular experience for visitors and becoming a driver for local tourism.

AGi architects have approached the project as a natural museum where the memory of the landscape is recreated by means of native vegetation, different layering patterns—sound, lighting, ground, and routes—, and a “information pikes” system used as generative and museum-building elements. This creates a cohesive overall experience that brings both the natural and that abstract, imagined, and designed world closer to the observer.

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These first three interventions develop transferrable strategies to be implemented in the rest of the sites included in “Trazas de Pontevedra”, with landscape and material approaches that adapt to each local environment in order to preserve their own distinct essence and personality.

Each of the three forts in this first stage has been provided with access points and routes, with signage to designate the intervention areas and the preventative protection of the sites, as well as singular elements for its musealisation, with the aim of providing the public with a historical narrative around these prehistoric settlements of great scientific, historical, heritage, and socioeconomic interest.

Castro in Alobre Located close to the current seaport in Vilagarcía de Arousa, this is a settlement of considerable size that would have sat at the sea’s edge at the time, and is an excellent example to help illustrate how most of the coastal forts in the province of Pontevedra worked.

The landscape intervention enhances and develops what is already there, offering a cared and designated space around the remains in order to provide better views. The disperse yet orientated pavement designs and the landscape proposal are both more part of an intentional system of call and attraction than mere framed and built signage. The museum content of the site is gradually shown to the visitors, alternating between viewpoints, information stands, and benches.

The entire intervention (pavements, “info-pikes”, or urban furnishings) is shaped around a square grid overlaid onto the site. This grid represents an underlying order in an inevitable reference to grid systems used in archaeological sites.

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I OUTDOOR Landscaping

The intervention also makes use of plant elements, both for the anchoring of slopes and embankments as well as to finish and indicate the routes from the main entrance, always using species that are perfectly acclimatised to the local environment and with virtually no maintenance.

Given the plans for a future extension of the dig site to the north, the intervention in this area is minimal in order to avoid interference and increased costs during future works.

Castro in Toiriz This Celtic fort, from the Iron Age, is formed by two fortified enclosures: the higher central platform or croa, Eira dos Mouros, and the terraced area of the antecastro, lower in elevation and towards the south and east. Between them they occupy an area of around two hectares.

Although the site is yet to be excavated, a magnetic survey using ground-penetrating radar in 2012 showed the layout of the existing structures, still underground. The intervention by AGi architects seeks to resurface the way in which the Celtic settlement occupied the headland in its day, avoiding invasive or imitative approaches, allowing

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the visitor to imagine the civilisation that inhabited this promontory thousands of years ago by means of its traces drawn over the landscape.

With this aim in mind, the design includes a series of pieces in Corten steel, placed on site almost as sketches in the landscape, replicating the structures that lie below ground. So, the pieces have a three-fold objective: To provide the visitor with an intuitive interpretation of the settlement below ground.

For this reason, the pieces have been purposely designed with a defined abstract character (elevated flat surfaces or traces in steel tubing).

To give the site location a distinctive aesthetic character as land art installations: sketches in the landscape.

To create a place that can be used by the local community and visitors.

The proposal strives to be sensitive towards the special nature of the promontory and its privileged views over to the west. Two landscape “pikes” are placed along the western boundary, making the most of the panoramic views and framing the nearest castros with which the ancient inhabitants of Toiriz would have established social and economic ties.

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Castro in A Subidá The Celtic hillfort in A Subidá is found on a small and solitary hillock with steep slopes and excellent views over the town of Marín and Pontevedra’s estuary. It is a Romanised settlement of more than three hectares with a double-wall fortified boundary. The steep inclines are an unavoidable starting point for any musealisation proposal. In this sense, the project’s intervention area goes beyond the immediate surroundings of the site, extending down the entire path that will lead visitors from the nearest access point, at the bottom of the slope. The idea has been to recover the path of least incline, avoiding any groundworks that could damage the slopes and the potential structures that remain underground. The path is marked with paving elements that signal every metre in elevation. A series of “pikes” provide the necessary landmarks to guide the public while also serving as a support for museum content, offered gradually as they ascend the path.

Rest areas are located throughout the route, providing a moment of pause to take in the landscape that still dominates this settlement today. The eastern slope of the hillock has been landscaped with native plant species. With overlapping flowering seasons, the selected species form a colourful blanket that covers the hillside, acting as a natural sign visible from the road below, and accompanying visitors on the path.

Once closer to the archaeological site itself, a platform of compacted ground provides a more comfortable visitor experience, allowing the public to calmly contemplate the site and its surrounding landscapes.

Name: First Stage of “Trazas de Pontevedra” Type: Renovation | Museography | Lanscape – Competition’s First Prize Location: Galicia, Spain Date: 2016-2021 Client: Public Photography: Héctor Santos-Díez Awards: European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention AADIPA 2019 – Finalist MIPIM Architectural Review Future Project Awards 2018 –Commendation in the Cultural Regeneration category LafargeHolcim Awards Europe 2017Acknowledgment Prize WAF Awards 2017 - Shortlisted in the “Culture Future Projects” category

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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.

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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

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middleeasttenders.com

+971 2 634 8495

Status : New Tender Trade Category : Agricultural, Landscaping and Irrigation

NEW & CURRENT PROJECTS Tender Name

Description

Client

Region

Tender Cost (USD)

Post Date

Closing Date

Artificial Grass Maintenance

Maintenance, Repair and Replacement of Artificial Grass.

Ministry of Education (Kuwait)

Kuwait

1000

5/11/2021

8/10/2021

Agriculture & Irrigation Networks

Maintenance of Agriculture and Irrigation Networks.

Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs (Kuwait)

Kuwait

500

5/5/2021

8/3/2021

Agriculture & Irrigation Networks

Maintenance of Agriculture and Irrigation Networks.

Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs (Kuwait)

Kuwait

500

4/27/2021

7/25/2021

Agricultural Works

Provision of Agricultural Works.

Ministry of Electricity & Water (Kuwait)

Kuwait

250

3/31/2021

6/29/2021

Landscape& Associated Works

Landscape& Associated Works

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) (Kuwait)

Kuwait

3289

2/20/2021

6/14/2021

Landscaping & Potted Plants

Services for the Landscaping and Potted Plants in Caa Buildings at Muscat Governorate.

Public Authority for Civil Aviation (Oman)

Oman

65

4/28/2021

6/7/2021

Greenhouses Rehabilitation & Maintenance Works

Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Greenhouses (Refrigerated).

Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries & Water Resources (Oman)

Oman

5/12/2021

6/6/2021

Irrigation Networks Pipeline Maintenance & Repair

Maintenance and Repair of Irrigation Networks Pipeline.

Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)

Abu Dhabi

5/6/2021

6/3/2021

Landscape Maintenance

Provision of Maintenance of Landscape.

Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning (Bahrain)

Bahrain

263

5/12/2021

6/2/2021

Irrigation Materials

Laying of Irrigation Materials.

Sohar Municipality (Oman)

Oman

65

4/26/2021

5/30/2021

Irrigation Canals & Networks

Construction of Irrigation Canals and Networks Using Labour-Intensive Approach Jdita Bekaa.

United Nations Development Programme UNDP (Lebanon)

Lebanon

5/11/2021

5/26/2021

Irrigation Canals & Networks

Construction of Irrigation Canals and Networks Using Labour-Intensive Approach Cheikh Taba and Sahel Halba.

United Nations Development Programme UNDP (Lebanon)

Lebanon

5/11/2021

5/26/2021

Trees & Flowers

Supplying Trees and Flowers.

Taif Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

267

5/11/2021

5/24/2021

Agricultural Tools & Materials

Maintenance Process in Supplying Agricultural Tools and Supplies.

Eastern Region Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

400

4/25/2021

5/24/2021

Landscaping & Squares Development

Landscaping and Development of Squares and Markets

Kuwait Municipality

Kuwait

3289

2/20/2021

5/23/2021

Irrigation Canals & Networks

Construction of Irrigation Canals and Networks Using Labour-Intensive Approach Chmistar & Taraya Baalbeck.

United Nations Development Programme UNDP (Lebanon)

Lebanon

5/3/2021

5/20/2021

Irrigation System

the Number of Irrigation Needs of the General Services Department.

German Jordanian University (Jordan)

Jordan

35

5/3/2021

5/19/2021

Irrigation Gardens

Supply of Irrigation Gardens.

Tabuk Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

160

5/4/2021

5/17/2021

Landscaping & Squares Development

Landscaping and Development of Squares and Markets

Kuwait Municipality

Kuwait

3289

2/20/2021

5/23/2021

Irrigation Canals & Networks

Construction of Irrigation Canals and Networks Using Labour-Intensive Approach Chmistar & Taraya Baalbeck.

United Nations Development Programme UNDP (Lebanon)

Lebanon

5/3/2021

5/20/2021

Irrigation System

the Number of Irrigation Needs of the General Services Department.

German Jordanian University (Jordan)

Jordan

35

5/3/2021

5/19/2021

Irrigation Gardens

Supply of Irrigation Gardens.

Tabuk Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia

160

5/4/2021

5/17/2021

52

The First Specialised Landscape Magazine in the Middle East

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