Welcome to our November issue, where we explore the landscapes of the Middle East, delving into the intersection of heritage, design, and ecological innovation. Our cover story is an exclusive interview with Sam Spinks, Managing Director of WAHO Landscape Architects, who shares his team’s visionary approach to reimagining Erth, formerly the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi. Through WAHO’s sensitive landscape design, which harmonizes the UAE’s natural desert and coastal environments, Erth now offers a luxurious yet deeply cultural experience. With each thoughtfully chosen plant, material, and spatial element, the landscape at Erth invites visitors to immerse themselves in Emirati history, honoring the heritage of pearl diving and the broader cultural legacy that
In this issue, we also explore the evolution of irrigation in the Middle East, tracing the journey from ancient water management techniques to today’s sustainable solutions. This article highlights the technological advances transforming irrigation practices to conserve resources while maintaining lush, thriving
We also share exciting news from Sharjah Sustainable City which has joined forces with the University of Sharjah’s College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) to promote sustainable agriculture among its students. Read on for more details. Emirati developer NABNI Developments recently launched their ‘Avenue Residences 7 by NABNI’ luxury residential building in the vibrant Al Furjan district of Dubai. The Emirati-inspired architecture and design uniquely features an outdoor serene Ghaf garden for residents to enjoy in recognition of the importance of the region’s most prominent tree.
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UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH STUDENTS EMBRACE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AT SHARJAH SUSTAINABLE CITY WORKSHOP
Sharjah Sustainable City recently collaborated with the University of Sharjah’s College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) to provide hands-on learning experiences in sustainable agriculture. This initiative, aimed at fostering awareness and practical knowledge around eco-friendly practices, was a part of CFAD’s annual Sustainability Day celebration, themed “Beyond the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.”
Approximately 300 students, faculty, and staff engaged in a workshop titled “Plant Your Pot,” where they explored creative methods in sustainable agriculture.
During the workshop, experts from Sharjah Sustainable City guided participants through the process of planting and caring for their own potted
plants, emphasizing eco-conscious techniques that contribute to a healthier environment. Carl Atallah, Director of Marketing & Communications at Sharjah Sustainable City, highlighted the importance of such partnerships, noting that the workshop served as a model for how sustainability-focused collaborations can inspire students to tackle environmental challenges with creativity.
Professor Nadia M. Alhasani, Dean at CFAD, expressed the university’s enthusiasm for hosting the event, which aligned with their goal of encouraging students to integrate sustainability into their art and design practices. “Our theme, ‘Beyond the 17 Sustainable Development Goals,’ challenges students
to think critically and apply their creativity to real-world environmental issues. It’s an approach that not only enriches their projects but also equips them with tools to address pressing global challenges,” she explained.
Sharjah Sustainable City frequently organizes workshops and events to promote sustainable living among its residents and within the broader community. These efforts, rooted in the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aim to inspire eco-friendly practices that contribute to a low-carbon future. Earlier this year, the city partnered with CFAD for a wood recycling workshop, demonstrating a commitment to ecoconscious initiatives.
NORMA Group, a global market leader in engineered joining technology, introduced its flagship water management brand, NDS, to the EMEA region at the 2024 EIMA Show in Bologna, Italy. This launch marks a major milestone in NORMA Group’s commitment to providing advanced water management solutions tailored to EMEA’s diverse needs.
At an event on November 7, industry professionals gathered at NORMA Group’s EIMA booth for the highly anticipated brand unveiling. Samir Shah, President of NORMA Group’s Water Management business, addressed the attendees, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its water management business and enhancing customer benefits across the EMEA region. The event provided attendees, including distributors and contractors, with opportunities to network.
With a legagy of over 50 years in irrigation, drainage, and flow management, NDS has become synonymous with highquality water management solutions in North America. Now, as NORMA Group’s flagship brand for EMEA, NDS brings a comprehensive portfolio of over 2,000 products, including drip irrigation, valve boxes, as well as joining and landscape solutions. Designed for efficiency, NDS irrigation systems can reduce water usage by up to 70% compared to conventional systems. The brand’s production facilities on multiple continents underscore NORMA Group’s dedication to local manufacturing and sustainability, with increased use of recycled materials.
“Our new flagship brand is built on values of customer commitment, water savings, property protection, and sustainability,” explained Samir Shah. “By uniting NDS’s proven product and market expertise with NORMA Group’s engineering heritage and global infrastructure, we’re poised to better serve the water management needs of professionals across EMEA.”
The recent acquisition of the Italian brand Teco further complements NDS’s
NDS BECOMES NORMA GROUP’S FLAGSHIP BRAND FOR WATER MANAGEMENT IN EMEA
offerings, bringing decades of experience in efficient micro-irrigation and highquality materials to the group’s portfolio. This expanded product range enables NORMA Group to offer one of the most comprehensive water management solutions in the market.
About NDS
Founded in 1972 with the invention of the first plastic catch basin for landscape drainage, NDS has become one of the most trusted names in stormwater, irrigation, access box, and flow management solutions worldwide. Since joining NORMA Group in 2014, NDS has continued its legacy of industry-leading innovation, delivering high-performance products engineered for durability, ease of installation, and resource efficiency. As the flagship water brand of the NORMA Group in EMEA, NDS will continue its mission to “put water in its place”.
About NORMA Group
NORMA Group is an international market leader in engineered and standardized joining and fluid-handling technology.
With around 8,000 employees, NORMA Group supplies customers in over 100 countries with more than 40,000 product solutions. NORMA Group supports its customers and business partners in responding to global challenges such as climate change and the increasing scarcity of resources. NORMA Group’s products help reduce emissions harmful to the climate and use water more efficiently. Its innovative joining solutions are used in water supply, irrigation and drainage systems, vehicles with conventional and alternative drive systems, ships and aircraft, as well as buildings. NORMA Group generated sales of around EUR 1.2 billion in 2023. The company has a global network of 25 production sites and numerous sales offices in Europe, North, Central and South America and the Asia-Pacific region. Its headquarters are located in Maintal near Frankfurt/Main. NORMA Group SE is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the regulated market (Prime Standard) and is a member of the SDAX.
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STEP INTO SERENITY
NABNI Developments launches Residential Oasis with Stunning Outdoor Ghaf Garden
Set to be completed in Q1 2027, ‘Avenue Residences 7 by NABNI’ showcases a unique blend of Emirati heritage and modern design, emphasizing the beauty of local trees.
NABNI Developments, one of Dubai’s leading Emirati real estate developers have incorporated a unique ghaf garden into its latest residential project in Al Furjan, Avenue Residence 7 by NABNI. Following the successful sales of Avenue Residence 1-6, Avenue Residence 7 is NABNI’s first Emirati-inspired off-plan project in Dubai. Set to be completed in Q1
2027, this new addition to the Avenue Residences collection showcases a unique blend of Emirati heritage and modern design.
NABNI Developments celebrated the launch of the project with an exclusive grand ceremony at the Hilton, Al Habtoor City, Dubai. The luxurious 12-storey apartment building represents a new chapter in NABNI Developments’ success story. Featuring an Emirati-inspired facade influenced by Barjeel wind towers and the dhow boat, the building will house 166 luxury apartments, comprising 63 one-bedroom, 84 two-bedroom, and 19 three-bedroom units. Every apartment is meticulously designed with sophisticated living spaces and exquisite finishes. Kitchens will come equipped with built-in appliances, and the units will showcase premium fittings that exude luxury and elegance. Residents will also enjoy a wide range of Emirati-inspired amenities, including two pristine outdoor swimming pools, Majlis/Residents lounge, jogging track, a fully equipped fitness studio, a dedicated children’s play area, and a serene outdoor Ghaf garden.
“We are excited to announce the launch of Avenue Residence 7 by NABNI, our newest residential development in Al Furjan. This latest project aligns with NABNI Developments’ strategy to enhance our portfolio of high-quality, luxury residential offerings in prime
locations,” said Khalid Alsuwaidi, Chief Commercial Officer of NABNI Developments. He added, “Our latest project meets the growing demand for family-friendly living spaces while expanding our market reach in Dubai. This project reflects our commitment to local culture, innovation, quality, and sustainability, solidifying NABNI’s position as a leader in the real estate sector.”
Building on its legacy of luxury residences in Al Furjan, Avenue Residence 7 by NABNI integrates modern luxury with influences from UAE’s rich cultural heritage, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The carefully selected interior finishes and materials, such as travertine and natural stone, reflect the surrounding environment. The building’s layout fosters connectivity and interaction among residents, with outdoor spaces, designed to encourage community engagement.
The residential development will be constructed with a focus on environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, contributing towards a sustainable future. The building utilizes sustainable stone materials that require minimal maintenance, reduce heat and offer high durability, resulting in long-term savings for residents.
NABNI Developments offers an attractive 40% payable during the construction phase and 60% upon completion.
Irrigation Design Services
A NEW ESCAPE IN THE RED SEA FOR MARINE NATURE LOVERS
Discover Shebara, Saudi Arabia’s premier Red Sea destination, where luxury meets nature in an unparalleled marine paradise
Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury resort, Shebara, and the fourth to open its doors at The Red Sea Global (RSG) destination will welcome guests for the first time this month.
Shebara, the first to open RSG’s owned and operated resorts, is built to offer luxury, sustainability, and
innovation converging to redefine how tourism is delivered. The resort provides direct access to an extraordinary marine environment where guests can enjoy diving in some of the most pristine, biodiverse waters in the world.
Its unrivaled hospitality is rooted in the Saudi tradition of Hafawah - which encapsulates generosity, consideration, and kindness –offering guests unique, timeless, and extraordinary experiences. Shebara’s 73 overwater and beachfront villas appear as if they were a string of pearls floating above the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.
With sustainability as a core focus, Shebara seamlessly combines its unique architecture – take one-ofa-kind stainless-steel orbs, which fade into the horizon as the surface refracts the light - with the island’s natural environment. The resort also has its own solar farm and an array of integrated utilities.
Shebara is a year-round destination with cool summer temperatures. Located 25 kilometres from the mainland, the resort can be reached by a 30 to 40-minute boat ride or a 30-minute seaplane flight from Red Sea International Airport (RSI). This relative isolation provides a sanctuary for those seeking an extraordinary escape into nature and wellness.
RSI is situated within three hours’ flying time of 250 million people and eight hours’ flying time for 8% of the world’s population, and has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023. International flights began in April 2024, with a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International.
Erth Reimagined WAHO’s Vision for Erth’s Cultural Landscape
by WAHO Landscape Architects
In the heart of Abu Dhabi lies a destination that intertwines heritage, hospitality, and modern luxury. Once known as the Armed Forces Officers Club, the property has undergone a significant transformation into what is now called Erth, a name that reflects its deep connection to the Emirati legacy. Rich in history, the project stands as a testament to the values of the UAE, honouring its past while embracing the future.
Erth’s story began in 1983 when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan envisioned a recreational space for the UAE Armed Forces. Over the years, it has evolved, opening its doors to the public in 2003 and undergoing a rebranding in 2021 to symbolize a new chapter in Emirati hospitality.
Though Erth boasts luxurious amenities and grand facilities, one of its most striking features is its landscape, thoughtfully redesigned by WAHO.
Inspired by the UAE’s coastal environment, WAHO’s landscape design serves as a window into the nation’s cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the interplay between the desert and the sea. A tribute to the age-old tradition of pearl diving, the gardens honor the livelihoods of tribes and families who relied on this essential trade for survival.
The central garden courtyard, with its multiuse open space, is a focal point for guests. It not only serves as a recreational hub but also evokes a deep sense of place, where every design element—from the colors to the materials—
tells a part of the Emirati story. For Erth, the landscape is not just a beautiful backdrop but a continuation of the heritage that the property is so deeply rooted in.
WAHO’s design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also enhances the visitor experience by offering a contemplative space where the past, present, and future of Emirati culture converge.
As Erth steps into this new phase, its landscape will remain a key element in creating memorable, culturally infused experiences for its guests.
Sam Spinks, Managing Director of WAHO Landscape Architects speaks to Landscape Middle East:
Can you explain the key inspiration behind Erth’s landscape design? How did you integrate aspects of Emirati culture into the overall concept?
The design centers around capturing the cultural importance of ‘journey’ and ‘hospitality’ within a contemporary setting. It creates a space that serves as a destination—a place of welcome, safety, and restoration for both body and mind, reminiscent of hospitality offered after a long journey.
The design narrative draws from the coastal margin between the desert and the sea. How did this specific interplay influence the choice of materials, plants, and colors?
Color, texture, and form play crucial roles in establishing a sense of place within the landscape. The design incorporates pastel and lime greens inspired by coastal vegetation, paired with burnt tans and creams that reflect the sand and sabkha coastal margins of Abu Dhabi.
Pearl diving holds a special place in Emirati heritage. Could you elaborate on how this particular tradition informed specific landscape design elements?
The central plaza is the focal point of the site, serving as the hub for events and gatherings. A circular water feature at the center is inspired by the shape and appearance of a pearl. Its inverted convex design mirrors the natural irregularity and texture of pearls, with a thin film of water that references the Arabian Gulf’s dynamic movement, enhanced by the prevailing winds.
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What were the most significant challenges you faced when redesigning the garden within the historical context of Erth? How did you overcome them?
Erth’s main building, designed by renowned French architect Roger Taillibert, is a significant civic asset in Abu Dhabi. Its symmetrical form integrates seamlessly with the central plaza. For WAHO, the primary challenge was understanding the original vision for the space and developing a response that honors Taillibert’s design while incorporating contemporary amenities and reflecting local cultural influences.
How do you envision the landscape evolving, and what long-term impact do you hope it will have on visitors and the local community?
Erth, formerly known as the Armed Forces Officers Club, has undergone a transformation, evolving from a private venue into a vibrant, publicly accessible hospitality space. As the complex expands its hospitality offerings, the landscape is designed to adapt to these changes, evolving over time with the natural growth of trees and shrubs. It is intended to provide a lasting impact, fostering connection and engagement within the local community.
Omrania, part of the Egis Group, is an award-winning architectural powerhouse that has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's urban evolution for over 50 years. Omrania's multidisciplinary expertise is evident in iconic projects like the Riyadh Metro, PIF Tower, and KAFD Grand Mosque - each reimaging the possibilities of design and engineering. Omrania's mastery of landscape architecture particularly shines in the expansive King Salman Park project, a visionary sustainable urban oasis. The firm's holistic approach, combining concept creation, meticulous design and on-site supervision, ensures the seamless realization of complex projects, including the Kingdom Tower and Hilton Hotel. Omrania thrives on close collaboration among its interdisciplinary teams, consistently delivering innovative, sustainable, and culturally resonant solutions that endure for generations.
Experience the artistry and expertise of Omrania— where every project becomes a legacy.
The Nature of Art
A Nature-Immersive Museum Experience in Buenos Aires
By Jimena Martignoni
The Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is located in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, celebrated for its cultural offerings, parks, and grand avenues. Built at the turn of the century following an international architectural competition, the museum has become a city landmark—not only as an iconic building but also as a dynamic cultural institution that remains at the forefront of the art scene. Founded by Eduardo Costantini, the museum’s holdings are anchored by his renowned collection.
The new and only branch of MALBA, which opened in September 2024, is located approximately 50 kilometers north of the City of Buenos Aires, in Puertos, a large residential development with a strong cultural focus. Covering almost 1,400 hectares around a 200-hectare artificial lake, this ambitious and innovative project was launched in 2010 and is still a work in progress. The natural topography of the area, bordered by the Luján River—part of the Delta system with numerous tributaries—was considerably altered for the implementation of the project. However, the overall urban and landscape plan incorporates a holistic, sustainable vision.
Key decisions for this enclave include a planting plan featuring only native species, water management for domestic use and irrigation, prioritizing pedestrian and bike pathways over cars, and, perhaps most notably, the conservation of a 60-hectare natural preserve along the river.
In turn, MALBA Puertos introduces a new museum concept, featuring both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces as well as a Public Art Route (Circuito de Arte Público) that includes more than twenty pieces. Large-scale sculptures and follies are scattered around the Central Lake and the Natural Reserve, establishing a strong connection with the landscape and enriching the communal spaces.
For the more traditional exhibition rooms, the architectural plan by the Madrid-based office Estudio Herreros offers three separate pavilions beneath a single 2,500 m² translucent roof. In this way, the three box-shaped buildings are framed by three covered plazas that serve as interconnected gathering spaces. This dynamic indoor/outdoor proposal helps draw people from one ‘box’ to the next, encouraging an intimate art journey and offering a more engaging and flexible experience than the typical museum visit.
Opposite page: The recreated grove frames three open-air rooms, and a see-through pathway allows for a close connection with the wetland-like custom-designed soil.
This page: 2,200 trees were planted in a 150 x 20-meter frieze that expands the museum’s semi-roofed piazza, weaving the space together and enhancing the walking experience.
Next page, bottom: Small offspring are already beginning to spread the grove naturally.
Photography: Fernando Schapochnik
Photography: Estudio Bulla
In line with these concepts of art-sauntering—an alternative, freer way to enjoy art in a more unorthodox, natural setting—the museum also includes open-air exhibition rooms nestled within a dense coppice of riverloving trees. Thus, the aim of inspiring the audience to feel a natural impulse to discover art is literally responded to with the strong presence of nature. With 2,200 trees geometrically planted across a space 150 meters long and 20 meters wide, the artificial grove encloses three ‘rooms’ that, while serving as spaces for art exhibitions, evoke natural clearings within a forest. In the end, the design is about recreating a piece of nature, treated as both a work of art and a piece of architecture, where users—art lovers, nature lovers, and curious, free-spirited people—can find a moment of peace and spiritual elevation.
At the same time, it subtly erases limiting preconceptions and beliefs about the binomials of art and nature, architecture and landscape, and the built and unbuilt.
Estudio Bulla, the leading landscape architecture firm and involved in the Puertos Master Plan since 2016, conducted in-depth research and an experimental process to identify the right tree species. Meeting key requirements such as fast growth and regional native status, Tessaria integrifolia (common name in Spanish: Alisos) was selected as the sole species for the coppice. This tree is endemic to South America and grows along the riverbanks, particularly characteristic of the middle and upper Paraná River delta. It is a pioneer species, as it spreads rapidly and colonizes sandbars throughout this river and its tributaries.
In the Puertos area, it was found growing naturally in several locations, thriving in favorable conditions. Ignacio Fleurquin, one of the three founders of Estudio Bulla, explains: ‘We conducted a site survey throughout Puertos, searching for a tree that could meet the listed requirements. When we came across numerous groups of this tree growing spontaneously along the site edges, we knew we had made a significant discovery. We also wanted to avoid purchasing trees and instead work exclusively with plants found on-site, and this tree seemed to have all the conditions we needed for the project.’
This objective introduced a key element for a sustainable landscape plan but also posed a significant challenge in terms of success. To address this, the team called in several renowned soil and tree specialists, among whom Juan J. Neiff, Master’s in Continental Aquatic Ecology, stands out for his unique research on the behavior and growing conditions of Tessaria integrifolia. Together, they established two large on-site nurseries, dedicated exclusively to these trees, and grew a total of 2,200, the same number used for the final planting.
Another challenge was recreating the very specific soil that this species requires, since the entire soil area of Puertos has been fully anthropized for urbanization and construction purposes. Despite the trees growing naturally and already being adapted to the site, the cluster of trees intended to frame the open-air exhibition rooms had particular requirements, such as their dependence on cycles of flooding and drought, which determine their growth conditions. Thus, the design team planned and built a two-meter-deep planting medium, incorporating four different soil layers and a drainage pump system to remove eventual excess rainwater or irrigation water. Ultimately, the project incorporated a specially thought-out artificial wetland-like system that ensures the right growth and living conditions for the alisos trees framing the artwork.
Building on this, what makes the recreated wetland conditions all the more remarkable is that visitors, in order to navigate the open-air exhibition spaces, must walk along an elevated pathway whose see-through metallic structure allows them to view the space below. The soil and life growing underneath the transparent path then become closer to the viewer, both literally and metaphorically.
Estudio Bulla was also responsible for the design, including the curation of materials and the lighting plan, for the pathway system and the surfaces of the open-air exhibition spaces.
Opened very recently, the new MALBA has already become another iconic landmark, this time outside the formal city of Buenos Aires. With daily free entrance, a museum store, and a café, the visit also offers the chance to enjoy the many green areas in Puertos, such as the lake, the Reserve, and the central piazza with generous boulevards and custom-designed urban furniture.
Probably, the reason this museum experience —getting close to multiple art forms— becomes especially appealing is that it offers the rare opportunity to simultaneously immerse oneself in nature. Today, the tree plantation is beginning to thrive, and butterflies and small birds have come to be not just playful visitors but even leading ‘artists’, humbly blurring lines between nature and art.
Location: Escobar, Buenos Aires
Date of completion: September 2024
Landscape Architects: Estudio Bulla. Ana García Ricci, Lucía Ardissone, Ignacio Fleurquin
Architects: Estudio Herreros / Estudio Torrado for local management
Consulting experts: Juan J. Neiff, Hector Svartz, Carlos Anaya Team (E. Bulla): G. Balian, G. Raffo, F. Argibay Tomé, G. Tarzia, F. Garcia Legassa, J. González Santamaria, A. Pérez Unzaga
Client: MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires) / Consultatio
Photography: Estudio Bulla (drone), Fernando Schapochnik, Jimena Martignoni
Photography: Jimena Martignoni
By: Sejal Nagjee CEO, Milestone Landscaping LLC
How to design a livable luxury garden in one of Dubai’s most sought-after neighborhoods:
La Collection Mirador 1
In the heart of La Collection Mirador 1, Arabian Ranches, Milestone Dubai has crafted an outdoor sanctuary that blends modern sophistication with resort-like luxury, designed to captivate and inspire. This transformation focused on updating an expansive property with an existing pool and integrating stylish, functional spaces that enhance the villa’s overall aesthetic while preserving the stunning views of the adjacent golf course.
The client envisioned a modern, timeless landscape that could offer spaces for relaxation and entertainment alike. Through collaborative design, detailed 3D renderings, and mood boards, Milestone helped transform this vision into reality, moving from concept to completion with every detail thoughtfully refined. After obtaining necessary approvals, the Milestone team began bringing the project to life, focusing on both beauty and function.
Standout Features: A Pool-Centric Design and Entertainment Haven
The expansive pool serves as the centerpiece, offering stunning views from within the villa. Accented with aqua green Sukabumi porcelain tiles, the pool evokes a luxurious resort ambiance that ties seamlessly with the outdoor bar and pergolas. One pergola serves as a lively entertainment hub with disco lights, a fully equipped bar, a pizza oven, and versatile lighting, while another pergola closer to the villa provides a serene spot for morning coffee. Together, these features create a resort-like feel that’s equally suited to lively gatherings and quiet moments.
Sustainable Choices and Integrated Lighting
To enhance both aesthetics and sustainability, Milestone incorporated energy-efficient LED lighting, perennial
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plants, and an automated irrigation system to optimize water use. Garden spike lights, tree-enhancing lights, and concealed LED strips illuminate key elements, creating an enchanting ambiance while being eco-friendly. Thoughtful lighting circuits allow for adjustable atmospheres, from tranquil evenings to vibrant party settings, highlighting the pool, pergolas, and pathways alike.
Seamless Flow and Inviting Entrance
One of the project’s highlights is the seamless transition from indoors to outdoors, achieved through coordinated beige or wood-look tiles that unify the villa interior with the landscape. Low plant heights preserve sweeping views of the golf course, letting residents enjoy their private oasis without compromising openness. The front entrance redesign completes the transformation with a clutter-free, modern welcome. An existing pergola was revamped to a crisp white, complemented by simple stepping stones, integrated driveway tiling, and a clean aesthetic that sets an inviting tone for the entire property.
Innovative Solutions for Unique Challenges
Handling heavy rainfall was a primary challenge due to the property’s large pool and extensive landscape. Milestone implemented additional drainage points leading to the golf course to manage overflow, ensuring the landscape remains resilient and functional even during Dubai’s heaviest rains.
Client Satisfaction: A Space for Every Mood
The client was delighted with the final design, noting the cohesive use of neutral tones, tile choices, and lush greenery that brought their vision of a luxurious, timeless landscape to life. The result is an outdoor haven with spaces for every mood and occasion—an elegant escape that feels both deeply personal and universally inviting.
If this design has inspired you to transform your own outdoor space, visit Milestone Dubai’s website to explore more of their work or schedule a consultation. Discover how Milestone Dubai’s thoughtful, timeless designs can elevate your landscape into a truly exceptional experience.
Photo credit Mr. Orkun Orcan
WATERING THE FUTURE
Irrigation technology has transformed over centuries, shaping how humanity interacts with water and land to support agricultural growth. This journey, starting with ancient civilizations, has evolved into advanced, sustainable systems designed to use water wisely and reduce environmental impact. Let’s explore how irrigation has changed and where it’s heading.
The Roots of Irrigation Technology
More than 5,000 years ago, early irrigation practices emerged in Mesopotamia, where the Sumerians built dams and canals to make arid lands fertile. In Egypt, the Nile’s natural flooding was harnessed through basin
THE EVOLUTION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
By: Elsayed Salam Landscape Expert
irrigation, which supported large-scale crop production. The Romans took it further with aqueducts, delivering water across their empire and ensuring reliable access in urban and rural areas. In Asia, intricate terracing systems in China and Southeast Asia managed water flow efficiently on steep slopes, showing early examples of sustainable irrigation.
A Shift Toward Precision in the Modern Era
As societies advanced, so did irrigation methods, particularly with the development of precise systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation. Drip irrigation, for instance, delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste from evaporation or runoff, while sprinkler systems target specific areas with accuracy. These technologies represent a shift toward using water more sparingly, especially as environmental challenges drive the need for sustainable solutions.
Modern innovations now include smart irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensors, which use real-time data to control water use based on weather, soil conditions, and plant needs. Such systems help reduce water waste and promote healthier plant growth, making irrigation more efficient and aligned with conservation goals.
Sustainable Practices in Contemporary Irrigation
Recent advancements have significantly reshaped water management for agriculture and landscaping, with a strong focus on conserving resources. Smart irrigation systems, for example, use sensors to monitor weather and soil moisture, adjusting water delivery as needed. This approa ch minimizes waste, ensures plants receive just the right amount of water, and saves energy.
Another major advancement is the use of renewable energy, like solar-powered pumps, which reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, greywater systems are being implemented to recycle domestic water for irrigation, further reducing the demand on freshwater resources.
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Addressing Challenges in Sustainable Irrigation
While these advancements are promising, true sustainability in irrigation depends on addressing challenges like groundwater depletion, especially in regions where overextraction has led to resource shortages. Financial barriers also limit access to advanced irrigation technologies, particularly in developing areas where traditional methods remain prevalent. Nonetheless, efforts are ongoing to make modern irrigation more accessible and sustainable, balancing efficiency with environmental conservation. Innovative
practices like using reclaimed water or rainharvesting systems are steps toward making irrigation systems that are both effective and environmentally responsible.
Innovations in Water-Efficient Landscape Irrigation
The integration of smart technology has allowed landscape irrigation to achieve new levels of efficiency. Smart irrigation systems use data-driven algorithms and sensors to control water distribution based on specific plant needs, ensuring that water is applied only when necessary. By optimizing irrigation schedules according to real-time conditions, these systems save water and promote healthier landscapes.
Drip irrigation is another popular choice for sustainable landscapes. Targeting water directly to a plant’s root zone, drip systems limit evaporation and prevent runoff, making them a water-wise choice. Incorporating droughtresistant and native plant species into landscape design also helps conserve water, as these plants generally require less irrigation, aligning with the goals of sustainable landscaping.
Designing Efficient Irrigation Systems
Effective landscape irrigation design considers key elements to ensure both sustainability and plant health. One approach is zoning, where a landscape is divided based on specific watering needs, optimizing water use by targeting plants with similar requirements in each zone. Traditional sprinkler systems are often replaced with drip irrigation in these zones, reducing water loss and runoff.
Smart controllers equipped with weather and moisture sensors enable automated adjustments, adapting irrigation schedules to changing environmental conditions. This technology significantly cuts down on unnecessary water use, aligning with sustainable practices. Additionally, using durable materials for piping and valves minimizes maintenance, prevents leaks, and reduces water loss over time.
Design elements such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling further enhance sustainability, making landscape irrigation systems efficient and environmentally friendly.
From Flood Irrigation to Sustainable Drip Systems
The journey from ancient flood irrigation to today’s drip systems highlights the evolution of water management practices. Historically, irrigation relied on nearby lakes or rivers, but modern systems often store treated water in reservoirs that meet strict sustainability criteria. In traditional irrigation, small channels branched from rivers and required manual dams to control water flow. Today, these have been replaced by isolation valves that precisely manage water delivery across different landscape areas. Similarly, traditional open canals have evolved into drip lines, offering high efficiency by directly delivering water to plant roots.
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The Future of Sustainable Landscape Irrigation
The future of sustainable landscape irrigation will focus on using technology and innovative materials to adapt to changing climates and water availability. As droughts and climate variability increase, smart irrigation systems that leverage real-time data will become essential, allowing landscapes to receive only the water they need while avoiding waste.
Additionally, using drought-resistant and native plants will complement irrigation technology, reducing dependence on supplemental watering. Advances in materials science are also driving the development of water-permeable paving and more efficient drip lines that reduce evaporation and runoff.
Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and bioswales, will play a larger role in urban areas, capturing rainwater and reducing strain on city drainage systems. As these trends evolve, collaboration between landscape architects, urban planners, and environmental scientists will be key to creating resilient and sustainable irrigation systems for urban environments.
Irrigation technology has come a long way, from ancient practices that harnessed natural water sources to today’s advanced, sustainable systems. As we face growing environmental challenges, the focus on efficiency and conservation in irrigation will continue to shape how we manage water resources, ensuring a sustainable future for landscapes and agriculture alike. Through smart irrigation systems, renewable energy, and innovative design, the path forward combines tradition with technology, helping us nurture the landscapes of tomorrow responsibly.
Ghiya Park
A Vision for Sustainable Heritage and Cultural Renewal in Cairo
Design proposal for a cultural park
By Marwa Elkhamisy Landscape Architect
A Glimpse of Old Cairo in a Modern Landscape
Situated beneath the historic Salah El-Din Citadel Plateau, Ghiya Park aims to blend sustainability with the rich cultural legacy of Cairo, creating a dynamic public space for both locals and visitors. This ambitious project will foster community engagement, celebrate the environment, and preserve the city’s heritage, all while enhancing the urban landscape of Old Cairo.
Inspired by the intricate layout of ancient Islamic cities, this park’s design reflects the historic charm of Cairo with its narrow, angled streets and irregular geometric shapes. These features form a central core with winding pathways and cozy seating areas, capturing the distinctive
At the heart of the park stands The Ghiya, a striking central landmark inspired by traditional Egyptian pigeon towers. This modern interpretation serves a dual purpose:
as an observation tower with panoramic views over Cairo and as a sanctuary for pigeons. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the city while engaging with the pigeons, celebrating a cherished Egyptian tradition.
By blending authentic Egyptian architectural elements with modern sustainability practices, the park offers a secure, interactive environment. It features a variety of social, cultural, educational, economic, and entertainment activities, creating a unique and vibrant public space that brings the essence of old Cairo to life in a contemporary setting.
Interactive Spaces for Community Engagement
Ghiya Park will feature a variety of spaces designed to promote interaction and community activities. These include open-air venues for performances, art installations, workshops, and cultural festivals, ensuring that visitors of all ages can engage with the park’s cultural offerings. These spaces will also be designed to support local craftspeople and artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work and engage with the public in meaningful ways.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the park’s design, from its eco-friendly infrastructure to its focus on environmental education. Green spaces will be abundant, with nature trails, gardens, and shaded areas encouraging visitors to connect with the natural world. Sustainable materials will be used throughout, and the park will incorporate renewable energy sources, rainwater harvesting, and waste reduction initiatives to minimize its environmental footprint.
A Place for Everyone
Ghiya Park is designed to be a place for all—residents, tourists, artists, and families alike. Its mix of nature and culture will offer a restorative environment for visitors, while also becoming a gathering point for local communities to celebrate shared traditions and collective memories. The park aims to strengthen local identity and build a sense of pride among residents while welcoming tourists to experience Cairo’s unique heritage in a contemporary and sustainable way.
I HERITAGE & CULTURAL PARK
Enriching Cairo’s Urban Landscape
Through its careful integration of cultural, environmental, and social elements, Ghiya Park will enhance the urban fabric of Cairo, creating a space that is not only visually appealing but also deeply connected to the city’s history and its future. By blending traditional elements with modern sustainable practices, Ghiya Park promises to become a key cultural destination, enriching the city and inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect Cairo’s heritage. This project is an invitation to explore, engage, and participate in the continued evolution of Cairo—where sustainability, culture, and community come together in a harmonious and lasting legacy.
To ensure the park becomes a vibrant public space, we will integrate a variety of activities:
• Create dedicated areas for displaying historical artifacts and exhibits.
• Develop areas for social events and gatherings.
• Organize cultural workshops, exhibitions, and performances.
• Provide educational programs focused on local history, ecology, and sustainability.
• Offer gathering seating areas and cafes, featuring local food providers.
• Set up bazaars for local craftsmen and handcraft workshops.
• Host cultural events and musical performances to enrich the community experience.
• Design engaging play zones with age-appropriate equipment and interactive features.
• Incorporate safe, shaded areas for rest and family gatherings near the play zones.
Environmental Sustainability:
Native Plants: Use of native , Drought Resistance & Adaptive plants, ornamental grasses, succulents, and shrubs planted in light-colored gravel beds to minimize water consumption and maintenance , minimal the lawn area to reduce water conception .
Shade: Tree and palm canopies provide shade over seating areas and pathways, which lowers temperatures and reduces the urban heat island effect.
Water Conservation: Implementing a recycled water system for irrigation
Pathways: Natural permeable local stones with various patterns and light colors to reduce heat emissions & allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and supporting natural groundwater recharge, Pathway materials are locally sourced, minimizing transportation impacts and supporting regional economies.
Recycled Materials: The playground features sets made from recycled tires and wooden pallets, demonstrating a commitment to repurposing materials and reducing waste.
Energy Efficiency: The design minimizes artificial lighting needs by leveraging natural light and shading, contributing to energy efficiency. And using solar cells lighting units . To enhance recycling and maintain the park’s cleanliness, we will implement a comprehensive garbage segregation system, Install clearly labeled bins for different types of
I HERITAGE & CULTURAL PARK
waste, such as recyclables (paper, plastic, glass), organic waste, and non-recyclables.
To enhance the park’s environment and mitigate the effects of heat, we will incorporate a water feature designed to both beautify and cool the area
Public Transportation Accessibility: The park’s proximity to public transportation encourages visitors to use eco-friendly travel options, reducing the carbon footprint associated with private car use.
Site Area: 8,960 m²
Characteristics: The site consists of three leveled platforms with existing retaining walls.
PLATEAU design studio Based in Cairo Egypt.
https://plateaudesignstudio.com
NAM HOUSE EMBRACING TROPICAL MODERN ARCHITECTURE
CTA | Creative Architects
In the heart of Thu Duc, a bustling city within Ho Chi Minh City, Nam House is a fresh take on tropical modern architecture. Set in one of Vietnam’s busiest urban landscapes, where city temperatures often soar 8–11°C higher than the surrounding rural areas, Nam House is designed to provide a cool, calming retreat. Here, everyday life transitions through a cycle of work, exhaustion, and healing. The tropical climate of Thu Duc, with its heavy rains and intense heat, can make this balance difficult, turning relaxation into a challenge. But for Nam House, comfort in the tropical heat is at the center of its design.
Concept and Context
Nam House sits on a plot of land passed down through generations, surrounded by close family neighbors. The owner wanted a home that connected seamlessly with its surroundings, especially with the house next door, owned by their mother. This vision led to the creation of three unique building blocks.
The front block houses private spaces, including a garage, bedroom, and study, with dense walls for privacy and insulation. The back block, also enclosed with thick walls, contains more private rooms, including two bedrooms, a
I MODERN ARCHITECTURE
bathroom, and a laundry area. Connecting these is the middle block, an open dining space designed to flow into the natural surroundings and connect with the neighboring house. This layout maximizes airflow while minimizing exposure to the sun’s direct heat, creating a light, airy feeling throughout.
Climate-Conscious Design
To achieve thermal comfort, Nam House uses five key climate control strategies, tailored for its tropical setting.
Structural Insulation
Keeping heat out of the building is a three-stage process at Nam House. First, the outer walls absorb solar radiation and ambient heat, but a three-layer wall design prevents this heat from transferring inside. The first layer is a solid brick wall that resists direct heat, while a second air layer separates the inner and outer walls, blocking heat transfer. The third layer, made of four-hole bricks, provides an additional barrier, allowing air
to circulate and further reducing heat movement. This layered insulation blocks most heat from reaching the inside, keeping interiors cool even during peak afternoon hours.
Minimizing Solar Heat Gain
The outer walls receive the most direct sunlight. To reduce heat gain, Nam House uses a specialized raked mortar joint technique. By setting the mortar 10mm deeper into the bricks, shadowed grooves are created, blocking 70–80% of sunlight. This simple detail lowers the wall’s direct heat absorption by 14–16%, a small but effective step in keeping the house cool.
Enhancing Natural Ventilation
Many homes suffer from poor ventilation because windows are kept shut for security or convenience, turning them into mere sources of light rather than airflow. Nam House addresses this with Z-shaped shades on all windows and
doors, creating a passive ventilation system that draws in cool air from below and releases warm air from above. Every room has at least two windows for cross-ventilation, allowing air to circulate continuously, and reducing indoor temperatures. This design counters the greenhouse effect by ensuring a constant flow of fresh air, preventing heat from accumulating inside.
Managing Heat Delay
Nam House incorporates design strategies to delay the impact of solar heat during peak activity hours. By arranging spaces to stagger heat buildup, the interior remains cool when it’s most needed. For instance, living areas and common spaces are placed away from direct sunlight, and the outer walls act as barriers to reduce heat flow into these spaces. Bedrooms are oriented to avoid sun exposure during occupied hours, with beds positioned against cooler walls. For spaces that heat up quickly, walls have additional insulation to delay the heat flow further. The master bedroom, for example, benefits from a nine-hour heat delay, allowing temperatures to cool naturally before it’s used.
Water and Greenery Integration
In tropical climates, green spaces can reduce temperatures by 6–8°C, so Nam House incorporates both greenery and a small water feature to achieve this. Positioned in the northeast, the lake evaporates water, increasing humidity and cooling the surrounding air, which flows into the house, creating a comfortable microclimate for the residents. This not only regulates the indoor temperature but also contributes to a peaceful atmosphere, with the added visual appeal of a lush, green landscape.
A Comfortable Microclimate
Nam House embodies the principles of tropical modern architecture. By combining structural insulation, solar shading, passive ventilation, heat delay, and natural cooling through water and greenery, it has created a microclimate that enhances the comfort and well-being of its residents. The design not only keeps the home cooler but also offers an aesthetically pleasing environment that promotes relaxation, reducing the stress often caused by the urban tropical climate.
Tropical Comfort and Modern Living
Nam House shows that sustainable architecture can provide real solutions for tropical climates. Every element, from the placement of windows to the choice of materials, is purposefully designed to counteract the effects of the tropical sun. The result is a home that stays naturally cool, ventilated, and connected to nature, proving that even in a hot, urban environment, tropical modern architecture can create a space that’s as calming as it is functional.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis; 2 edition (August 15, 2008)
Language: English
Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 8.8 x 10.8 inches
Price: 319.00 Dhs.
How to read tHe Landscape
ISBN-13: 9781856231855
Paperback: 226 pages
Publisher: Permanent Publications ( January 12, 2015)
Language: English
Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
Price: 111.00 AED
Book’s Description:
According to an ICM poll, 77 percent of UK adults, or about 38 million people, say they walk for pleasure at least once a month. It is remarkable, therefore, that no one has written about the landscapes they’re walking through and enjoying...until now. Patrick Whitefield has spent a lifetime living and working in the countryside and twenty
tHe good garden, tHe Landscape arcHitecture of edmund HoLLander design
ISBN: 9781580934152
AUTHOR: Anne Raver
PUBLICATION DATE : 20 July 2015
HARDCOVER: 320 pages
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
This book presents dozens of gorgeous estate gardens across the Northeastern states of the US, approached thematically; individual sections reveal how components such as gateways, paths, pool terraces, bisques and
Books Description
Design for Outdoor Recreation takes a detailed look at all aspects of design of facilities needed by visitors to outdoor recreation destinations. The book is a comprehensive manual for planners, designers and managers of recreation taking them through the processes of design and enabling them to find the most appropriate balance between visitor needs and the capacity of the landscape. A range of different aspects are covered including car parking, information signing, hiking, waterside activities, wildlife watching and camping.
years of that taking notes of what he sees, everywhere from the Isle of Wight to the Scottish Highlands. This book is the fruit of those years of experience. In How to Read the Landscape, Patrick explains everything from the details, such as the signs that wild animals leave as their signatures and the meaning behind the shapes of different trees, to how whole landscapes, including woodland, grassland, and moorland, fit together and function as a whole. Rivers and lakes, roads and paths, hedgerows and field walls are also explained, as well as the influence of different rocks, the soil, and the ever-changing climate. There’s even a chapter on the fascinating history of the landscape and one about natural succession, how the landscape changes of its own accord when we leave it alone. The landscape will never look the same again. You will not only appreciate its beauty, it will also come alive with a whole new depth of appreciation and understanding.
groves, walls, and borders contribute to lush garden rooms, windblown seaside gardens, calming meadow gardens, intricate formal gardens, and shady tracts of woodland. Over 300 color photographs of beautiful properties in the Hamptons, Connecticut, and upstate New York provide glimpses of the best garden design happening today while breaking down its ideas for the home gardener.
Author Anne Raver details how the firm works to envelop visitors in landscapes that feel entirely whole: plantings near architecture create a dynamic entry progression; hardscape features that lead out into a broader garden gradually cede to more natural, living elements; pools are surrounded by gracious swaths of flowers that bloom in sequence as the season progresses to provide privacy for bathers and a sense of quiet seclusion.
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