Landscape_ME_December_2011.pdf

m i d d l e e a s t d e C 2 0 1 1

� i www.landscape-me.com i december 2011

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For free subscription and to view the magazine please visit our website:

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A Member of

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This MonthEDITOR’S NOTE

ow that the weather is getting cooler, we often tend to plan our weekends and holidays around outdoor activities and outings. And what better way than to enjoy lunch al fresco surrounded by nature or to take a walk in one of the many community parks in the UAE.

In this special edition of Landscape Middle East we feature some of the best designed gardens for resorts and hotels in the region. The designs are from the portfolios of Woods Bagot, MESA and Cracknell.

We also include articles about some of the most beautiful gardens from around the world such as San Silencio by OPPENHEIM ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN LLP which is a �55,000 square foot mixed-use resort and residential in the Port of Caldera, in Central America.

Jimena Martignoni writes about Copalita which is a preserved archaeological site located �0 kilometers west of Huatulco, Mexico, which has been developed and recently opened as an educational-oriented park.

Meanwhile Mario Pisani explores “The Big Dig’ in Xian, China; a unique design concept. The project realized by Topotek I, represents the tangible materialization of the unconscious dream of traversing the entire planet from Berlin to re-emerge on the opposite side of the world.

Enjoy!

N

Nada Abdel Khalek

www.landscape-me.comThe First Specialised Landscape magazine in the Middle East

Published by:

MEMEdia Publishing FZ LLCiMPZ

PO Box 485005, dubai, UaETelephone: +971 4 4470927

Fax: +971 4 4470928

Managing EditorNada abdel Khalek

Copy EditorJohn Hampton

Sales ManagerBoushra dinnawi

art directorandy Mondaya

Contributors

G. allison HedgesFiona LawElif Bonelli

Rochelle GreayerMario Pisani

Jimena MartignoniEman Kamel

Printed byal Nisr Publishing LLC

Webmasterwww.pdinventive.com

Landscape is distributed free of charge in KSa, UaE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman,

Jordan, Eqypt, and Lebanon byEmirates Post UaE

The Hospitality Issue

m i d d l e e a s t d e C 2 0 1 1

Untitled-2 1 11/26/11 4:27:47 PM

Cover photo courtesy of DIONAEA-GARDENS LTD.


ContentsDecember 2011- Issue 54

32

2052

46

12 MakitaInterview

18 HotelandResorts32 SanSilencio

42Womeninlandscape

46 TheBigDig,Xian,China

52 Copalita...tracesfromthepast


Contents

Intelligent Irrigation SolutionsP.O. Box 16781 Jebel All, United Arab Emirates • Tel.: 971-4-2221217 • Fax: 971-4-2289130.Email: [email protected] • Website: www.fitcoirrigation.com

A Complete Range of Quality Products for the Irrigation Professional• micro irrigation • Bubblers • sprays • Rotors • sprinklers • automation Products • Hydraulic Control Valves• Fountains & aerators • Filtration • Fertilizer injection • Back Flow Protection • mist Cooling • Hose end

Adjustable Rotary Nozzles

Ideal for both Residential and Commercial Applications

K-Rain’s Rotary Nozzle provides increased uniform coverage over conventional fixed pattern spray nozzles while delivering matched precipitation. With adjustability from 80o to a full 360o in one nozzle, it offers flexibility in system design.

The highly efficient water delivery reduces soil erosion and runoff, saving water and money. Rotary Nozzles are the perfect solution for low water pressure areas. They are designed to operate at lower pressure while still delivering precise, even coverage.Recommended for use with K-Rain Pro-‘S’ series Pop-Up 1/2 ” inlet spray bodies with female riser stem thread for Nozzle connection. Available in 4”, 6” & 12” pop-up heights with both anti-drain check valve and pressure regulation device options.

K-RAIN ADJUSTABLE ROTARY NOZZLES

MODEL RN200-ADJ FEATURES/BENEFITS

• Adjustable from 80o to 360o

• Female Thread• Matched Precipitation-Across various radii and patterns• Low Precipitation Rate-Reduces run off• Low Flow Rate-Less material, fewer zones• 20% Radius Reduction-Patented flow control, no tools required• Unique Speed Control-Maintains speed of rota-tion over varying pressure ranges• Flexible Usage-Any pattern can be combined in the same zone with matched precipitation• Large Filter-Prolongs product life• System Flexibility-Can be installed on the same zone with rotors• Two Year Limited Warranty

The unique Adjustment tool allows for easy adjustment of the pattern while the system is on and provides a clear view of the setting alignment.

ADJUSTING THE ARC

• Recommended Spacing: 17’ – 21’• Pressure Rating: 25-45 PSI• Precipitation Rate: 0.37 to 0.50 in/hr (depending on head spacing)

SPECIFICATIONS

ADJUSTABLE ROTARY NOZZLES PERFORMANCE METRIC

Adjustable from 80o to 360o

Make more effective use of your water with


News & Events

Estidama - the sustainability programme spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) - recently held two villa owner’ workshops in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi on November 1 and 2 respectively. These workshops provided villa owners with important step-by-step guidance on how residential sustainability best practices can be employed prior, during and after the development of stand-alone villas and townhouses and the importance of doing this. The workshops, part of an ongoing awareness and training campaign by Estidama, will also include another set of sessions in Al Ain on December 12 at Al Ain Municipality and in Abu Dhabi on December 13 at Abu Dhabi Municipality. Held in collaboration with the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) and the three municipalities of the Emirate, the workshops saw technical experts from Estidama, the UPC and DMA help private individuals -

who either own or plan to build their own villa - better understand the requirements of Estidama, the benefits of sustainability and the steps that need to be undertaken in order to apply for the One Pearl rating that is mandatory for all properties in Abu Dhabi. “With Abu Dhabi’s sustainable growth, there will of course be more demands on energy and water resources. We are addressing these issues and we rely, among other things, on Estidama initiatives to help reduce overall consumption. Building sustainable homes is a healthier, more comfortable and environmentally friendly choice, which also makes sound financial sense in terms of return on investment,” said H.E. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, General Manager at the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.The workshops aim to transform the planning, design and construction standards of individual- villas and townhouses across the Emirate. Al Ahbabi adds: ‘Homeowners have a choice in the orientation, design and building materials for their residences and if informed choices are made then they will positively contribute to Abu Dhabi’s sustainability commitment, which will bring about significant benefits to the ecosystem in accordance with the guiding principles of Vision 2030.”Villa owners received firsthand knowledge on industry acknowledged best practices for construction material selection, unit insulation for interior roofs and walls as well as for door and window frames, cooling techniques

and equipment, shading, landscaping and irrigation tips, energy and water saving methods. Recently the UPC, together with the Municipal System, unveiled the Estidama Pearl Villa Manual. The detailed manual is designed to assist villa owners, design consultants, contractors and suppliers in maintaining Estidama standards during the villa construction process and provides comprehensive guidance on the requirements of Estidama. As well as this, the manual, available online on www.estidama.org, provides an overview of the Estidama Pearl Villa Rating System (PVRS) and the steps to follow in the application process for new and existing users of the programme. The manual also introduces a simplified compliance procedure for product selection and offers advice on how to select materials and suppliers. Highlighting the importance of the workshops and community involvement, Eng. Amer Al Hammadi, Director of Planning and Infrastructure at the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), said: “Awareness, education and knowledge are the main drivers that empower behavioural change and a change in mindsets of individuals towards sustainability is a core part of ensuring that Estidama gradually and positively impacts our environment.”By working closely with communities, organisations, businesses and policy makers, Estidama is helping to preserve and enrich Abu Dhabi’s physical and cultural identity while constantly striving to improve quality of life for its residents “ For more information on Estidama, the Pearl Rating System and the training sessions offered, please visit www.estidama.org

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (the UPC) today unveiled two important new Geographical Information Systems (GIS) initiatives. The first, GeoPlanner Version 2, is an updated addition of the Council’s hugely successful GeoPlanner technology while the second, GeoPad, comprises state-of-the-art planning software especially for use on the iPad. Both initiatives once again prove the UPC’s commitment to employing the latest, ground-breaking technology to facilitate the urban planning process in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The launch of these latest technologies coincides with World GIS Day, the international forum that sees users of GIS technology around the world demonstrate how real-world applications are making a difference to society.GIS technology is a highly valuable component in all of the UPC’s business activities and, aligned with the guiding principles of Vision 2030, it is vital in helping the Council’s planners define the shape of the Emirate. The clear goal of GIS is to inform the decision-making process by integrating data from an array of different sources and visualising the whole planning process. These

Emirati villa owners in al ain and abu dhabi briefed on the mandatory Pearl Rating System requirements

Estidama Organises Sustainability Workshops for Villa Owners

Abu dhabi urban planning council Unveils two new gis initiatives

Launch of latest technologies coincides with World GiS day, which sees more than 80 countries celebrate how GeoSpatial technology is shaping the world

Policy, Development Review, Estidama and Corporate Communications, it is the most popular planning support development tool at the UPC. The latest version, GeoPlanner 2, comprises a number of value-added components that facilitate planning needs and the lively and attractive new interface brings a higher performance rating.The just-launched iPad app, GeoPad, has been developed by the UPC’s Spatial Data Department to allow managers and planners to easily view projects, plans and maps on their iPad device. Through online synchronisation with the UPC’s spatial database, the app allows users to access such updated data from anywhere and at anytime.The UPC’s strong GIS capabilities continue to win praise. Just last month they received one of the highest possible ratings in the “2010 Abu Dhabi Stakeholder GeoMaturity Assessment” reported by the Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Centre (ADSIC) from the Executive Council while last year, - at the GISWORX fifth annual conference - they received the “2010 Excellence in GIS Award.” GIS Day is a worldwide event that takes place every year. More than 80 countries are participating this year through events such as corporate open houses, hands-on workshops, community exhibitions and school assemblies, all with them the aim to raise awareness about technology and its important role in helping governments and communities to better understand the world around us.

latest GIS technologies and capabilities are being shared with the UPC team today, through a series of demonstrations and interactive workshops.Commenting on the launch, Eng. Amer Al Hammadi, Director of Planning and Infrastructure at the UPC explains: “The UPC regards GIS technologies as an essential element of the planning process and we therefore continue to drive forward in ensuring that we have the latest capabilities and tools at our finger tips. These latest initiatives take our GIS abilities to a new level and they will be of benefit not only to our internal team here at the UPC but to all our key stakeholders as well.”GeoPlanner is an internal web portal, developed by the UPC’s Spatial Data Department, that enables the Council’s planners to easily identify masterplans, planning policies and regulations for any location or area and to visually track the development proposal review and approval process. Used throughout the UPC’s planning departments, including Planning

GeoPlanner 2 and GeoPad unveiled

5 i www.landscape-me.com i december 2011Landscape I www.landscape-me.com I December 2010 �

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Spas are designed for all year round use

New products

Indoors or outdoors?The basic question is: indoors or outdoors? In spite of the fact that spas are designed for year-round use outdoors, indoor installations are still popular. However, if your garden and the immediate neighborhood allow you, do not hesitate to place the spa outdoors. There is nothing like having an outdoor bath in every season…The most important thing is to place the spa so that you have a nice view from it. The spa should also be located in an easily accessible part of the house or garden to provide comfort throughout the year.The decision on where to place the spa also depends on how often and for what specific purposes you plan to use it. In general, it seems ideal to separate the spa from anything that is connected to stress, and to create a separate pleasant environment, preferably with a nice view of green vegetation in a quiet part of your house or garden.Outdoors is a natural spa environment and it is perfect to set the spa on a patio. For example, you can make the most out of landscape unevenness and set the spa into a slope. There is an enormous number of installation possibilities. Thanks to the cover, unlike classic pools, you can have the spa surrounded by trees and other vegetation.You will appreciate the outdoor location especially in our climatic conditions. The varied seasons of the year ensure diverse experiences. The winter bath in particular is fascinating. However, if you still want to be better protected against possible ups and downs of the weather or your neighbors’ eyes, a roofed terrace, gazebo or pergola might be the right solution for you.Pierre Gabet, CEO- Azur System General Trading LLC

More about technology

The spas have various dimensions and capacities, variable numbers and location of seats, benches or loungers, each of which has a given number of jets to massage individual parts of the body.

The most typical features of spas are the wooden cabinet, in which the spa is fixed, and cover protecting the water level and preventing energy losses. A spa remains filled with water that is continuously heated to a required temperature as the optimum temperature for hydrotherapy is a recommended 37oC to 39oC. The equipment set includes filtration system and ozonator that keep water clean.

Universum Spa is a home oasis, a private rehabilitation centre, a place for the regeneration of strength, for relaxation and abreaction. It provides individual relaxation as well as family entertainment, eases fatigue after a working or sports activity, can relieve you of pain, fatigue and stress. You will enjoy the spa exactly where and when you need it most, AT HOME! You can place the spa outside on a patio or directly in the garden and you will enjoy the bath in any weather, in every season. Look forward to having a fascinating soak under a starry sky or even in snowdrifts.

The spa continuously prepares a hot, wonderful bathFiltration with ionization keeps the water clean, heating keeps it warm, insulation with a cover protects the spa and saves operational costs. The fundamental part of a spa in the shell mould - its shape, dimensions and a series of other seemingly small details define whether a specific massage spa is really able to provide everything a spa is supposed to provide. Every detail of our spas is meticulously designed with an emphasis on your comfort and absolute relaxation. Moreover, spas are virtually maintenance-free because we know that your time is precious. All you have to do is immerse your body in the water and enjoy…

Spa is your healthThe positive effects of hydrotherapy are based on water buoyance, its optimum temperature (37-39oC) and targeted flow. Hydrotherapy strengthens the blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, improves skin tonus, relaxes the muscles and stimulates the immune system. It also favorably affects the human mind: it reduces anxiety, tension and depression. While you are relaxing in the spa, your brain releases endorphins, which ease pain, generally have a relaxing effect and induce a good mood. A bath in spa helps rehabilitation after an injury and it also works preventively as it increases stamina, improves condition and mobility.People experience a feeling of weightlessness in water; the joints in particular are relieved from the continuous impact of gravity because the body’s weight in water is 85-90% lower. Simply immersing in warm water in the spa will calm you down and slow the activity of your internal organs, which is the thermal effect of hydrotherapy. The mechanical effect of hydrotherapy lies in short and-long-term relief from pain.

Hydrotherapy is the basis of everythingMore about hydrotherapyThe essence of hydrotherapy is the principle of action and reaction, where instant action is followed by a longer-lasting reaction. This principle applies doubly for our spa. They combine a hot bath with targeted flow of massaging water streams which results in long-lasting total promotion of the blood circulation and relaxation.Hydrotherapy belongs among the methods applied to supplement or even substitute common treatment methods. The significance of such methods is growing together with interest in a healthy lifestyle and natural healthcare. All these supplemental methods have the same aim – to achieve total harmony of physical, mental and emotional strength: total “wellbeing”.

Stress is a negative phenomenon of our timeStress is a negative phenomenon of our time – whether mental or physical. However, it’s impossible to avoid stress completely and therefore it’s essential to be able to reduce the effects on health and wellbeing. One of the best ways is a suitable method of relaxation. Emotional relief brought in the spa is an effective remedy for stress as well as its prevention.A session is spa has a healing benefit, as well. In addition to other advantages, a session may help treat arthritis and rheumatism. People suffering from arthrodynia are recommended to take a morning bath in the spa before their daily routine. Recently there was a discovery of the favorable effects of hydrotherapy on people suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Regular use of the spa can even eliminate insomnia problems.It is essential to use hydrotherapy for rehabilitation of the body after sport. A hot soak with massage flushes away lactic acid, which is stored in the muscles during physical activity and causes stiffness and pain. Sport massage in the spa has a positive effect not only on speed and flexibility but also on strength and faster recovery. This massage helps reduce tension prior to sport performance.


AZUR SYSTEM Trading LLCph +971(0) 50 548 21 59e [email protected]

Transform your ouTdoor space

designs create an alluring ambience in the outdoors

burning bioethanol

for over 8 hours

no ash

Fully portable, eco-friendly open


Committed to Quality

Tel: +971 2 6274818 Fax +971 2 6274817 • P.O.Box: 73878 Abu Dhabi, UAE • Website: www.aldhafragroup.com

ADVANCED HYDROTECH A.Tech

ISO 9001 : 2008

The Intelligent Useof Water from USA

The Water & Soilmanagement solutions from

USA

Quick-easy-safecompression and

Electrofusion fitting from Italy

High-Grade valves from Austria

Butterfly Valves from Spain

Drip Irrigation from Turkey

New products

UNIDELTA

DELT-ONE, the new compression fitting resulting from an innovating and then patented idea, i.e. the “integrated component”. Based on such integrated component that allows using the safest o-ring gasket, DELT-ONE makes the installation easier and faster while ensuring the perfect hydraulic seal.

Since more than one year Unidelta Italy has joined forces with Advanced Hydrotech for the promotion and sale of its products throughout the UAE region. A partnership based on mutual respect and on the commitment to supply not just a product but real solutions to guarantee the water conservation. Based on this “zero leakage” philosophy those are the main combination of products and services characterizing such a partnership.

Among the huge range of compression fittings a special focus should be put on the UNIVERSAL TRANSITION COUPLING (code 1033). This item is used to connect systems in PE metric piping with existing pipes made of any material (polyethylene, steel, copper, lead, PVC, …..) with external diameters ranging from 15mm to 34 mm.In this way it is possible to switch from imperial to metric (or vice versa) pipe systems.

The program includes also the CLAMP SADDLES with and without reinforcing ring from 20mm up to big diameters (160 and 200 mm).

The offering is completed by a full range of approved ELECTROFUSION FITTINGS used for connecting polyethylene pipes for conveying gas up to a pressure of 10 bar or drinking water and fluids up to a nominal pressure of 16 bar. They are compatible with PE80 and PE100 pipes manufactured in accordance with EN 1555, EN 12201, EN ISO 15494, ISO 4437, ISO 4427, ISO 14236, ISO 13460 and DIN 8074. Due to the quality of the raw materials used, Unidelta fittings are resistant to a large number chemical substances and UV radiation. Their main features are:- Each item is marked with a barcode where an optical pen or scanner can read the nominal diameter, fusion time and cooling time.- The metal coil is positioned securely near the internal surface of the fitting to optimize heat transfer between pipe and fitting and to reduce fusion times.- Most Unidelta electro-fusion fittings from Ø 180 mm upwards have Easy-Grip carrying handles to aid transport during installation

All the information on the Unidelta products can be freely download from the web site www.unidelta.com.


Committed to Quality

Tel: +971 2 6274818 Fax +971 2 6274817 • P.O.Box: 73878 Abu Dhabi, UAE • Website: www.aldhafragroup.com

ADVANCED HYDROTECH A.Tech

ISO 9001 : 2008

The Intelligent Useof Water from USA

The Water & Soilmanagement solutions from

USA

Quick-easy-safecompression and

Electrofusion fitting from Italy

High-Grade valves from Austria

Butterfly Valves from Spain

Drip Irrigation from Turkey

�0 i www.landscape-me.com i december 2011

New Products

Keeping stride with global “Pro Green” initiatives to promote and utilize sustainable energy sources in the region, Dubai Municipality leads by example, having begun the execution of its Green Building

specifications with constructing Government buildings, lawns, public parks, neighbourhood parks and public toilets utilizing green energy.

The neighbourhood park at Al Sufouh, located at a few miles distance on Hessa Street in Jumeirah, is the first of its kind to use a solar powered lighting system. The park, which is constructed on an area of 1.55 hectares at an approx cost of Dh 7 million, has been strategically designed to cater to the needs of the neighbourhood, offering scenic beauty, a relaxing atmosphere, a 500 meter jogging track and play courts for Tennis, Basketball and Volleyball.

With a view to exploiting the abundant sunlight available throughout the year and thereby reduce the overall

Ligman Lights Up Al Sufouh Community Park

Nearly two years have passed since Dubai Municipality handed over a Dh 7 million community park to the residents of Al Sufouh. The park was part of Dubai Municipality’s ‘a park a day’ campaign launched during the 31st Plantation Week last March. It also contributes to the municipality’s target of turning eight per cent of the city green between 2020 and 2025.

�� i www.landscape-me.com i december 2011

consumption of conventional electricity; the park was conceptualized to include a solar energy solution for its night lighting. The solution called for a design that was not only practical, but added aesthetic value as well.

Having conducted an extensive analysis on the requirements for prescribed lighting levels, operational hours, safety factors and the scenic setting of the park, LIGMAN Lighting designed and delivered just such a solution; practical and efficient in function yet unobtrusive and harmonious with the park environment.

The solar lighting was implemented over a period of two weeks in line with the specified time frame by Dubai Municipality.

www.ligmanme.com

Facts about Ligman Solar at Al Sufouh Neighbourhood Park

- Total Energy saving 15.96Kw/ day

- 5.8 Mw p.a. energy saving

- Cost of electricity saved AED 1747.62 p.a. (calculated as 0.3AED/- per Kilowatt)

- Saves CO2 emission 3.1kg p.a.

- Minimum maintenance

- Advantage of local climatic condition

- Dust accumulation on solar panels and temperature rating are on the batterry challenges hence time to time maintenance is done by Ligman

- Automatic on-off lights help in energy saving

- Recyclable components

-Saves cost of cables, power generation and power transmission and reduces maintenance charges.


When did Makita Gulf first set up business?Makita Gulf FZE was incorporated in the year 1997 and is one of the subsidiaries of Makita Corporation, Japan.

How has your business expanded since its inception?Makita Gulf has been actively developing its business in the regions in response to the rising construction demand in some countries fueled by the sharp increase in oil prices in recent years. Makita Gulf’s sales are on the rise since its inception in 1997 and we hope to continue strongly with this positive growth trend in the years to come.

What is Makita Gulf’s lineup of products sold in the region?Makita Gulf has a variety of professional power tools which cater to the construction, fabrication and wood working industries in the Middle East, Africa and CIS markets.We are proud of being the market leaders in each segment in the power tool market. Our products are well-respected and are given high credibility by users especially for their user-friendly and eco-friendly features. We always ensure to have adequate stocks of spare

parts for the entire tool range which is critical for this industry and therefore maintain a huge stock in our warehouse located at Jebel Ali Free zone in Dubai. This always helps our agents to provide the best service levels to our customers.Our range of Garden tools is equipped with end-user and environment friendly technology.We now have a good range of Garden tools to meet the demand created by an increase in landscaping activity in the Middle East and growing demand of professional garden tools in the African and CIS markets.

What are the different products under Garden tools offered by Makita Gulf?Makita gulf has the entire lineup of Electric and Petrol Garden tools and related Accessories for this region. We have also developed a good range of Lithium-ion battery operated cordless garden tools. We also have an agent in each country and provide speedy and reliable after-sales service to all our customers at all times

What are the special features of Makita’s Garden tools?We would like to emphasize that Makita as a group strongly cares for its environment and is actively promoting the following for our garden tools.

Makita Gulf Pioneering the tools industry...

Interview

stripe background.indd 17/5/11 3:47:06 PM

Makita designs and markets an extensive lineup of power tools. Makita’s principal products include circular saws, jig saws, planers, drills, hammers, grinders, and sanders. To meet an even wider range of customer needs, Makita also markets a wide range of environmental friendly garden tools.

Mr. Masanori Hasumoto M.D Makita Gulf FZE trying the new Cordless Makita Hedge Trimmer with Li-ion battery

“Go Green” for EnvironmentOur range of Garden tools is equipped with end-user and environment friendly technology.


Our Garden line range with these features will be of great significance for Masdar city which

is one of the most prominent environment friendly and sustainable

cities in the world.

Lithium-ion eXtreme Technology (LXT) for cordless garden tools (Brush cutter/Chainsaw/ Hedge Trimmer/Blower…) - 36V High Power - Very low maintenance - Zero CO emission - Low noiseLithium-ion batteries are light weight, achieve rapid charging and a long life cycle which is a result of an optimum charging system.

BUC250RD – Lithium-ion Cordless Chainsaw

Makita Mini 4-Stroke Engine (MM4) for Petrol Brush cutter and Petrol BlowerHigh performance in Compact design - Low hydro carbons and Nitrogen oxides emission.MM4 is a small 4-stroke engine and is as powerful as a 2-stroke engine with very less emission levels.

EM2650UH – Petrol Brush cutter




Water Treatment

Desalination the Key to Fresh Water for Drinking, Irrigation and Disaster Response

By G. Allison HedgesLandscape Architect, ASLAEstidama’s PQP for PVRS & PCRS

IIf we were to look at Google Earth we’d notice that our planet looks predominately blue in color. About 71% of the surface is covered by salt water oceans, with the remainder consisting

of continents and islands. In addition to the oceans there are many lakes and rivers. All totaling, about 97% of the earth’s water supply is saline, leaving only a 3% fresh water supply. Unfortunately though, only about 1% of the fresh water supply is readily available. With the scarcity of readily available fresh water creative strategies and unique ideas are needed now and must be employed in earnest rapidly. The following three areas are of urgent concern and place demand on seeking solutions to providing fresh water: Population Increase; Irrigation of Agriculture and finally; Disaster Response.Population IncreaseBased on current United Nations statistics the earth’s population has just reach seven billion people. This staggering number strains the earth’s resources daily. The unending need for clean drinking water, nutritional food, medical care, education and shelter continues

to burden our earth. One statistic notes that 3.6 million people die each year due to water related diseases and one in eight people lack access to a water supply. Also, 50% of people do not have good sanitation. According to United Nations demographers, the world’s population reached one billion in 1804; two billion in 1927; three billion in 1959; four billion in 1974; five billion in 1987; six billion in 1998 and now seven billion in 2011. The UN projects that the world’s population will reach eight billion by 2025 and 10 billion by 2083. Irrigation of AgricultureAccording to the Economist Intelligence Unit data reveals that the UAE produces roughly 70% of the fruit consumed domestically but still relies heavily on imported vegetables. Due to the regions hot desert climate and lack of sufficient fresh water needed to grow crops the demand for vegetable imports into the Gulf will likely grow at a yearly rate of 4.6%. This indicates that the Gulf will continue to import 85-90% if it’s foodstuff annually. According to Mohammed Jalal Al Reyaysa,


Global Food Fair (SIAL) Middle East Chairman he states: “GCC countries currently import 90% of all food products. With its population growing at three times the global average, the GCC region is increasingly depending on imports to meet food requirements. Adding to the challenge is the fact that GCC countries are some of the most water-scarce in the world, with only 1.4% of land suitable for agriculture. Food security therefore is of prime concern and major challenge for the regional governments.”Disaster PreparednessAlong with concerns of increased population and irrigation is the vital response to natural disasters. With many natural disasters such as the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (January 2010) in the Caribbean Ocean and the earthquake/tsunami off the north eastern coast of Japan (March 2011) in the Pacific Ocean portable desalination kits must be made readily available.Research students at MIT’s Field and Space Robotics Laboratory (FSRL) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering are working on a portable solar desalination technology. This solar-powered system could be rapidly deployed in crisis situations to produce fresh drinking water. It could also be used in remote areas such as desert locations or small villages in developing countries. In response to these three great needs for fresh water several research institutes are finding viable solutions which are remarkably sustainable. One such solution is desalination of seawater through the process of Reverse Osmosis.Recently I attended a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative (MITEI) lecture hosted by Masdar Institute. This lecture was part of the Distinguished Lecture Series given by MIT Chevron Professor, Dr. John H. Leinhard V. He is the Deputy Director of Chemical Engineering at MIT with more than 23 years of experience in issues of heat transfer, desalination, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and instrumentation. He spoke primarily about the serious issue of water supply, which is a growing problem worldwide. Based on his research at MIT he proposed a possible solution to prevent water scarcity thru the desalination of seawater or brackish water. Brackish water generally has more salinity than fresh water, but not as much as seawater and may also be a mixture of fresh water and seawater. Dr. Leinhard has had years of experience in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). Here he was the Director for the Center of Clean Water and Clean Energy. He now works closely with UAE’s Masdar Institute on crucial research initiatives and solutions that employ the use of technologies in desalination. One solution being studied at MIT is humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination. HDH is based on the natural process of our Water Cycle (also



Water Treatment

known as the hydrologic cycle or H2O Cycle), whereby seawater evaporates from the oceans due to heat from the sun. Water droplets rise to condense into clouds, which when saturated, precipitate back onto the land and sea to begin the evaporation and condensation process all over again. Dr. Leinhard’s proposal compares “Thermodynamics” with the transfer of heat energy from the sun which begins the hydrologic cycle. The next step is “Humidification” and is compared to the water cycle’s evaporation of seawater into the atmosphere forming a gaseous cloud. He also compares “Dehumidification” in the water cycle with the highly saturated and condensed cloud that precipitates onto the land and sea. He proposes recreating this natural water cycle though the technological use of reverse osmosis HDH desalination of seawater. Implementing reverse osmosis technology for seawater then becomes a viable option as a provider of fresh water which meets many global demands.The following is how the Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration system works: RO removes molecules and ions such as salt from seawater by applying pressure to the fluid as it flows over a permeable membrane. The process is initiated once particles of light from the sun fall onto the solar photovoltaic panel and excite electrons in the panel (Thermodynamics). This activity generates electric power which pushes seawater through various pumps until it is sent, under extremely high pressure, into a vessel having a permeable membrane made of polymer material (Humidification). The water that eventually diffuses through the membrane will have had minerals removed and will therefore be fresh water (Dehumidification). In conclusion, there are many reasons to research alternative desalination technologies for obtaining fresh water. The greatest need for desalination is driven by forecasts of rapidly increasing population. Of course as population increases the demand to grow and irrigate crops for agriculture also increases. Another immediate need for fresh water is preparation for disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and flooding. This precipitates the need for transporting desalination kits to these devastated regions. Finally, our quest for fresh water solutions is a global concern that rests on the shoulders of research institutes around the world. It is commendable that there are research institutions such as the USA’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and the UAE’s Masdar Institute of Technology all of which strive to create innovative technologies that promote sustainable “Green Solutions” not just for this generation but for those that follow.

Portable Solar Desalination from MITOctober 23, 2010 by spisharamClean drinking water is a necessity for human survival. MIT researchers have come up with a mobile solar powered water desalination system which could help remote regions have access to clean water. The Project This graphic shows the team’s concept for a portable system that could be shipped to disaster zones.

...our quest for fresh water solutions is a global concern that

rests on the shoulders of research institutes

around the world.


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Saadiyat Beach Villas is Saadiyat’s first residential community that features high-end luxury homes and landscaped gardens. The villas are located in the island’s hospitality hotspot – Saadiyat Beach District. They enjoy a prime location next door to a collection of

international five-star resorts, and top-class sports and leisure facilities, including the region’s first championship beachfront golf course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and the world’s first Monte-Carlo Beach Club outside of Monaco. According to MESA design group, the US Landscape firm who were tasked with fulfilling Saadiyat Island’s vision for future development by incorporating the meaning of its name ‘Island of Happiness’ into the landscape design, six themes were explored for each of the different districts across the island. “TDIC’s vision was to develop a cohesive and integrated theme based on ‘pleasure’ to be experienced throughout the district. The Saadiyat Island ‘Street of Dreams’ was to be a world-class experience for residents and visitors with a distinct sense of place and identity. The landscape designs were critical to the establishment as a distinctive place. The ‘Street of Dreams’, now called the Jawaher Al Saadiyat Beach Villas, showcases six (6) villa types for a total of ten (10) different style units covering four (4) architectural styles including: high-end street design, active landscape areas with seating, water features, view corridors to Gary Player Golf Course, cart paths linking Al Manara and St Regis Hotels sites, sales centre and the

front, side and backyards and swimming pools of each villa type,” explained Will Jones, MESA Associate and Director of the firm’s Abu Dhabi office. Architectural StylesThe Jawaher Al Saadiyat Master Plan is a composition of stylistically related villas and gardens situated along a unified streetscape, anchored by two large parks at either end. The overall landscape design is a rich mixture of contemporary forms and traditional materials, expressed in a modern community. Amenities abound, from covered seating areas and fountains to children’s play areas designed to foster creativity and imagination. Three styles of garden have been incorporated into the overall composition, Mediterranean style, traditional Arabic, and desert contemporary. These styles have distinguishing characteristics, which make them unique. Simple geometric spaces sitting within asymmetrical plantings are the hallmark of the Mediterranean style.

“The overall ambiance is picturesque and romantic. Gardens are lush and richly layered, containing a diversity of plants within a unified framework. Materials and detailing are rustic yet refined. Graceful curving paths invite exploration and discovery. Elliptical lawns form glades within the trees. Rectilinear and symmetrical sequences of outdoor rooms follow strong linear axes and define the traditional Arabic style. While classical order and understated detailing create a sense of simple elegance,” explained Jones.

Global standard master planning, cutting-edge design, modern facilities and inspiring natural beauty combined to make this the Gulf’s ultimate luxury residential destination.

TDIC launch Luxury beach villas on Saadiyat Island

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He continued: “Materials and detailing are refined yet luxurious. Exuberant plantings enliven the overall structured framework. Straight walks intersecting at ninety-degree angles lead to focal points and destinations. Gridded orchards and bosques create shaded and intimate spaces, while overlapping rectilinear geometries set within staggered parallel linear axes form the desert contemporary style. Dynamic asymmetry and rich simplicity are the results. Stark walls and masses of sculptural plants echo the crisp forms of the garden spaces. Materials and detailing are understated and sophisticated and Allees of trees reinforce and naturalistic groves contrast with the rectilinear plan.” Mr Jones then went on to explain the three distinct villa styles:

MEDITERRANEAN VILLAThe quadplex offers privacy and intimate garden spaces at the front and rear yards. From a carport entry, the homeowner walks through his private front yard garden space or loggia to the formal entry hall. Views from the front entry through the living room and loggia offer glimpses of a secluded private patio, lawn, and many amenities exclusive to each unit. From the dining and living rooms, one enters the loggia and enters the rear garden to experience an intimate, spa-like environment. Amenities include: private entry garden with water feature, plunge pool, flagstone terraces, stone detailing, built-in seating, grill space and formal lawn for relaxing or playing sports.

ARABIC VILLABoth grand and intimate formal spaces of the three-bedroom villa begin at the front entrance. From the carport, one enters the home via the foyer or can access the front lawn terrace through a private garden gate. From the foyer, hallway, and all perimeter rooms – living, dining, family, kitchen, and maid’s quarters – one can view garden rooms detailed in stone, specialty gravel, sculpture, a bosque of ornamental trees, and even a fruit orchard. Most dramatic are views from a formal dining room to the pool with water jets. From the loggia, one enters a lounging terrace surrounded by potted plants, flowering espaliers, Palms, and shade trees. Amenities include: formal lawn terraces or courts 5m x 8m swimming pool with water feature, seating spaces and sunning terrace, densely planted

side yards and borders, outdoor kitchen and dining pavilion.

DESERT CONTEMPORARY VILLAThe contemporary villa is expansive with interior rooms flowing into outdoor garden spaces. Clean lines and well-edited design detailing define terraces, courts, paths, arbors, and large swimming pool. Flexible and spare garden rooms allow for many outdoor seating and furniture options, sculpture courts, and custom floral displays. Unique to this floor plan is guest quarters with an intimate, gated, front yard garden. Private courts near the carport provide easy service access for personal driver and maid’s quarters. Amenities include: private courts and gardens, outdoor kitchen and dining pavilion, seating spaces and lounging terrace, large swimming pool with sculptural water feature, cabana and changing facility, shade tree groves and as well as ornamental plantings.

MESA’s Abu Dhabi office went to great lengths to ensure that they kept their landscape design in line with the different architectural styles of the villas. All of the gardens are inspired by traditional garden prototypes that are typically associated with the architecture of the villas. For example, The Mediterranean villas incorporate rustic materials and meandering lines, which are major characteristics of that garden type. The 26 Lemon Trees (Citrus Limon) from Italy were planted in early March of 2011 in the Mediterranean and Arabic villa gardens. Jones said that they anticipated that they would take a few seasons to adapt and become established, however they have been thriving and flourishing since being planted. “We expect that they will continue to mature through the coming years,” he said. The Arabian gardens utilize four part geometries as well as symmetry relating to the windows and doors associated with the villas. The desert contemporary is inspired by picturesque and sculptural plant materials placed adjacent to hardscape zones, expressing clean lines and bold geometries complimenting the villa.One of the most prominent features of the gardens is the varied array of vines, cacti, and perennials that illuminate the linear terraced lawns at the main entrance. “Great care was taken on this project to be as green and sustainable as possible. MESA’s extensive

landscape ultimately considers plant selection for minimal maintenance, low water use, and aesthetic beauty. While some material selections are purposely in contrast of the surrounding desert in order to evoke feelings of water and refreshment,” explained Jones. In addition to the sprawling villas and their lush surroundings, the complex also has an event park, which is themed around the flexibility of program and uses. “The irregular space is organized by a rectilinear pathway emanating from a central elliptical lawn in the middle of the future street. The paving pattern and materials is harmonious with materials and forms used throughout the villa gardens. “The larger elliptical space may be used for special events during the sales phase and community events once sales are complete. The current program anticipates a demonstration kitchen anchoring the western portion of the park, (which may also be suitable for servicing large events) as well as some herbs and edible plants. The perimeter walkway offers a series of smaller seating areas culminating in a waterwall or other water feature to offer soothing background, masking traffic noise. The landscape along this path is an opportunity for demonstration of plants that may be available in the garden design palette of materials. The children’s area is a collection of separate spaces encouraging creative play, while offering respite from the Arabian sun. The inviting spaces include a butterfly garden, hedge maze, tumbling hill, and a mist zone. Seating for adults or caregivers will be included throughout this wonderful environment,” said Jones.

Meanwhile, the Wadi Park is an extension of a wadi landscape adjacent to the Madinat Al Saadiyat. Guests will arrive at Jawaher Al Saadiyat via a gateway at the Wadi Park. Proceeding through the gate, guests will have a long vista view to the Gary Player designed golf course over a reflecting pool which is adjacent to an event lawn. The arrival court to Jawaher Al Saadiyat meets the cart path, welcoming guests to next phase of the marketing experience. The entry court will be accented with floral plants offering color and fragrance upon exiting the golf cart. A fountain in the center will provide soothing sound as well as the suggestion of refreshment and revival.

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The Chinese culture has a long history of creating gardens for pleasure and learning. The Garden of Intelligence for example was a zoological garden created by the Chinese emperor Wen Wang circa 1000 BC. It is recorded that scholars would sit in this garden and discuss questions such as whether or not fish had desires.Recently Woods Bagot and Gilles & Boissier have collaborated on the design of the new Dubai edition of the Michelin-starred Hakkasan restaurant at the Emirates Towers. The Restaurant included a large outdoor garden terrace which has evolved as a highlight of the Restaurant. The restaurant opened on 17th November this year and the Garden has already proven popular with the patrons.

The 860 square metre garden was seen as an extension of the exotic Chinese theming of the interiors made relevant to Arabic design sensibilities. The design team saw that both traditional Chinese and Arabic design share certain elements such as screens and latticework/mashrabiya. In the context of Dubai we interpreted this as more of a modern international interpretation of eastern Chinese design. G&B and Woods Bagot have acknowledged this in the delivery of the project.The basic principles of traditional Chinese Garden design were reflected in our design of the Hakkasan Terrace and this included:• Designing complete and rich landscapes using ‘borrowed’ scenery

Hakkasan Terrace DubaiA Garden of Intelligence – Hakkasan Terrace, DubaiSteven Velegrinis, Urban Design Practice Leader, Woods Bagot

Gardens of hotels & resortsIn this special edition of Landscape Middle East magazine we feature some of the nicest gardens designed for regional and international resorts and hotels. The designs are from the portfolios of the practices of Woods Bagot, MESA and Cracknell.

Resorts are places where most of us escape to experience an idyllic landscape. Often the draw is a beach, mountains, rivers or sublime landscapes like the desert. In our view that is why the landscape architecture is such an essential part of the design of a resort or hotel.Woods Bagot is a multi-disciplinary design practice with three core focuses of practice. One of those is Lifestyle projects which are substantially formed by our works on Hospitality projects. More often than not our hospitality projects are commissions for Architecture, Interiors and Landscape Architecture which has proven very successful for realising cohesive integrated environments.The growth of the travel and leisure industry reflects our need to renew and refresh ourselves from the stress of modern life. Designs must be created to appeal to the harried city traveller by building an escapist dream of a relaxed, casual, yet incredibly comfortable guest experience. Of course, every location is singular in its cultural expression; therefore each project involves a great deal of rigour in designing the landscape of lifestyle projects. Consideration of location, climate and culture manifests itself in the sculpting of the land, the selection for materials and the arrangement of spaces for a high level of service.We have developed a guiding principle for such projects where we aim to achieve “Barefoot Luxury”. This occurs when there is:•an intensity of time and space•specific cultural and geographic awareness•structured environments to attend to health and wellbeing•resort design specific to location and•preservation of the earth’s natural beautyIn our view, luxury is uncluttered space for privacy and contemplation. The following projects represent some of our projects designed to reflect these ideas.


• Gardens divided into numerous Small Gardens• Filtering and Unfolding of the Landscape• The Mirror and Mirroring with water• Entrance into a Separate Reality (ie Moon Gates)• Tao, Feng Shui & the Source of lifeIn broad terms one enters through a gateway that leads to a large reflecting pool where people cross over a mirror threshold of water with a Conocarpus hedge on one side and vertical green wall on the other. After arriving at the Restaurant Entrance visitors to the Terrace are led along a covered walkway to a central corridor terminated by a water wall framed by three mature Ficus nitida trees. Along the corridor four outdoor pavilions divide the garden into discrete smaller ‘outdoor rooms’ providing for intimate dining experiences.The realisation of these principles was particularly challenging given the climate and highly urbanised conditions of the site at the base of the Emirates Towers. This required creating a sense of a serene garden when enclosed between a multi-storey car park and an external wall of the Boulevarde Mall. Fortunately the site was largely north facing and as such was shaded by the development for most of the day.Fortunately for the design team the client was open to innovative and new ideas such as Green walls resulting in the introduction of a 30 metre long 3.6 metre high green wall. Procurement also involved working closely with the Contractor to obtain mature plant materials to be planted on site as early as possible. This included two 5 metre high Delonix Regia, seven 3.5m high Ficus nitida and numerous two metre high Conocarpus trees suitable for pruning into a hedge.

The green wall is the first and largest outdoor green wall in Dubai and utilises a simple mix of planting to provide a uniform rich green wall.The design and construction periods were conducted over a total of five months. Given the extensive constraints with underground services and limited working areas and times, effective cooperation with the contractor was essential. In this regard we worked with Citiscape who were responsible for delivery of the soft landscape, water features, irrigation system and green wall. Looking at the final result the design and construction teams should be congratulated on the finished product. We anticipate that with a year’s growing time the effect should be even better.For now we encourage you to visit the restaurant, enjoy the excellent cuisine in the Garden and ponder philosophical questions in this Garden of Intelligence.

Project TeamWoods Bagot – Executive Architect & Landscape ArchitectureGilles & Boissier – Concept Architect & Interior DesignersFirefly – Lighting DesignStructures – HyderMEP – Red EngineeringFire & Safety - Design ConfidenceAcoustics - WSPProject Manager - ArcadisMain Contractor - DecovisionLandscape Contractor – Citiscape Barefoot Luxury – Woods Bagot’s Hotel and Resort ProjectsSteven Velegrinis, Urban Design Practice Leader, Woods Bagot


Gardens of hotels & resorts

As part of a competitive tender for the project Woods Bagot worked with developer Karma Resorts to design the architecture, landscape and interior design services for this new landmark 5 Star resort in the idyllic West Australian Resort island of Rottnest. The site enjoys beach front and was located on a polluted former industrial site.The masterplan for the Karma Resort proposes the construction of a series of villa-style hotel chalets with associated paths, infrastructure and communal facilities. These have been arranged over a series of platform levels that generally echo the site conditions creating a cascading series of building groups clustered around small courtyard-style spaces.The key elements of the Landscape Masterplan are:•Preliminary works phase involving the removal of bitumen and phytoremediation of the entire site with species to be determined during the Biodiversity Assessment (in consultation with local ecologists)•Use a strip cropping method to improve the organic content and chemistry of site soils•Put in place a succession strategy for planting that will restore biodiversity corridors throughout the site which will develop with native vegetation•Use native dune grasses and coastal vegetation for erosion control and dune stabilisation•Only use naturalised non-indigenous vegetation outside the biodiversity corridors•Institute managed access of fauna such as quokka’s to the site to encourage reestablishment of native ecosystems.

The landscape strategy was based firstly on environmental performance with solutions for the decontamination of soils through phytoremediation, recycling wastewater sustainably on site and regenerating a native coastal landscape. The majority of the main core buildings were also covered with a green roof that integrates the site with the land.While the developer was ultimately unsuccessful in securing the project the lessons we learnt on the project are now being applied to a series of other Karma Resort projects.

Rottnest Island Resort, Perth

•Design the landscape for minimal water consumption particularly through minimising the need for irrigation•Consider alternative water treatment systems for the swimming pool to reduce reliance on potable water supplies•Treat all wastewater on site with plant-based treatment systems and reuse the treated water for toilet flushing and irrigation.•Create a beautiful refined resort environment through minimal use of imported resources and extensive use of recycled, site grown and low-embodied-energy materials.


Kempinski The Wave Muscat

Woods Bagot have been commissioned to undertake architecture, landscape and interiordesign services for this new landmark 5 Star hotel in the heart of the Wave Muscat development. The site enjoys absolute waterfront on one side and connects to the marina and central commercial district on the other.The hotel incorporates 300 guest keys and 68 serviced apartments along with a destination Gym and Spa, two swimming pools, extensive food and beverage outlets along an urban streetscape, extensive landscaped gardens and an iconic ballroom that will cater for 1,000 guests.The key element of the landscape was a zoning of courtyard-like spaces that focus on the beach setting or on the resort landscape itself.Because of the extensive programme of restaurants and the ballroom many areas of the site include restaurant courtyards and outdoor eating streets.As a resort which caters to both business and lesuire travellers the landscape design aims to create moments of pause where there is the luxury of uncluttered space and time.

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Kalbooh Bay is a site of spectacular natural beauty with searing jagged rock faces falling dramatically to the sea. Woods Bagot were commissioned to provide Architecture, Landcape and Interior Design services for the Hotel.The entire premise of the project is that the Hotel and the landscape are totally integrated with one being indivisible from the other.The site is currently public space and is therefore a site of special significance to the people of Muscat. The development proposal will be sensitive to this and ensure that public access is maintained to a large degree without compromising the Hotel experience.The development of this prime waterfront site provides the opportunity to create a new tourism precinct along the coast providing a major new international end destination in Oman.The project consists of a 300 room 5 star hotel and spa, 100 Serviced Apartments and a 5,000 m² Souk with Rooftop Public Gardens. A private beach will be accessible via a suspended walkway around the edge of the rock face and will provide an open air day lounge and honeymoon suites. An amphitheatre will be incorporated into the development to showcase local culture.While the design has been completed the project has not yet proceeded.

Dubai Expo Hotels, Dubai

Dubai World Trade Centre is the developer for this large mixed use project comprising of;- InterContinental Hotel- Novotel Hotel- Crowne Plaza Hotel- Pullman Hotel- 2 office towers- 2 apartment towers- 20,000m2 retail and F&B- Integrated Transport HubGiven the extremely dense urban programme the project was primarily about creating an urban piazza where all of the Expo and Business related activities could occur in a relaxed lifestyle environment. The project design was established on these key design generators:• develop a distinct identity that builds from the core business activities associated with DEC;• integrate all of the site components with a strong public realm;• establish a stronger sense of landmark buildings;• establish a stronger sense of memorable public spaces – active, passive, event spaces through the design of the Expo Plaza; • a clear address for Dubai Exhibition World with such a strong identity that the image of DEW and the image of Expo Plaza become inseparable;• as a complete business environment, the aim is to create an exhibition ‘city’ not just an exhibition centre – a truly urban place

Kalbooh Marriott Hotel, Oman

While vastly different to the resort projects, this project addresses the challenges of creating a landscape setting that creates a luxury of space and privacy in a highly urbanised setting.The project was designed but remains on hold.




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MESA:MESA is an award winning Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Urban Design firm in Abu Dhabi, UAE and in Dallas, Texas. For over 30 years, we have enhanced public and private spaces and create opportunities for recreation, education, and community, both locally and internationally. Our portfolio ranges from intimate garden spaces to large-scale, comprehensive, master-planning projects. We create with the understanding that what we do must be worthy of future generations.MESA was founded in 1981 by a group of young designers with a new idea about landscape architecture. By bringing artistic sensibilities and local cultural knowledge to the established methods of landscape architecture, we would create a way of seeing, an awareness of incredible sites, and a strong, authentic sense of place. The idea was simple, and it worked. Our projects developed into genuine, living environments supported by a serious knowledge of local culture and detail. Our philosophy of solving complex design problems by assembling diverse creative minds at one table proved successful. Today, we still adhere to that philosophy of collaboration for it has become essential in a modern, global environment. MESA has grown significantly in 30 years with the opening of the Abu Dhabi office in 2010. Our team of new designers and partners are guided by the practical experiences of the founding principals.We seek to allow land to best serve the needs of people by integrating the primary functions of nature and settlement through:Preservation, Remembrance, and Expression which is articulated by:Creating through designCapturing the creation through activityTransferring creation through activity to the community


MESA designed an outdoor hotel courtyard and gardens for a new addition at Solana, a 1980’s master planned business park designed by an international team of architects and planners including Legoretta + Legoretta, Mitchell/Giurgola, Barton Myers, and Peter Walker. The original 160-acre complex located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas has expanded to almost 900 acres of multi-use development and the addition of a new hotel wing adds guest rooms, ballrooms, and adjunct space. The newly designed outdoor spaces between the building addition and existing swimming pool complement the architecture and landscape with boldly scaled spaces, geometric forms, and vibrant and richly hued colors that contrast with the bright blue Texas sky.

The courtyard extends the interior ballroom space at the ground floor and gives the guests attractive views from the upper floors. The new space increases revenue potential for the hotel with more appealing rentable space for weddings, parties, and meetings. Bold in scale and accommodating to large events, the courtyard is rich in detail, beautiful to be in. The central courtyard space has no permanent structures, allowing for tents and unrestricted movement between the ballroom and outdoors. The interior floor module continues with stone quarried from the same site as the original pool deck.

The North and South Gardens contrast with the hard surfaces of the courtyard but maintain a strict geometry using gravel,

mass planting, and water. To conserve water—an issue in North Texas—MESA used a system of hidden basins with waterspouts that limit spray. The North Garden features a large limestone block, a reflecting pool, and subtle changes to the gravel size in the paths. The South Garden is large, enclosed, and screened from unattractive views with a stone retaining wall. Grade changes, a fence, and native plants are also used as buffers and screens. During summer when the pool is heavily used, a row of Lagerstroemia indica, a deciduous flowering tree, lines the courtyard and screen views. In winter, views are revealed. MESA buffered the first floor hotel room walls and windows from a portion of the courtyard and pool deck spaces with a strip of groundcover and Specimen Vitex trees.

When Solana was designed in the 1980’s it was not subject to current health and safety codes required in the USA, in particular the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MESA analyzed the grounds and addressed upgrades for ramps, slopes, handicap access to pools, and other access issues.

Solana’s hotel addition, outdoor courtyard, and gardens play on the scale and geometry of the master plan’s original intent and add a layer of environmental awareness. MESA’s choice to use water conscious solutions in their pool and basin designs and native plant selections are in keeping with today’s concerns for depleting water resources and sustainability.

Solana Marriott Hotel


The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa presents itself as one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences within the Middle East. This new hotel features a 27-hole championship golf course over undulating terrain meandering through pockets of palms and ornamental trees, with seven spectacular saltwater lakes. The Abu Dhabi Golf Course is located fifteen minutes from the city centre and ten minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, this hotel is perfectly located to provide a luxurious retreat for domestic and international guests.

MESA in conjunction with GREC Architects and a complex team of consultants, designed the recreational and passive leisure area for The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa. The Westin’s exterior garden terrace incorporates a variety of multi-purpose spaces and activities for all ages to take part in. The outdoor leisure area allows guests the opportunity to indulge on their terms. Whether they want to recline on the sun loungers, dine on the terraces, take a refreshing swim, relax with friends and family in the cabanas, or stroll through the lush greenery. The resort showcases the ability of natural beauty to heighten and transform an individual’s perceptions. Guests are immersed in the luxurious landscape with palms, ornamental trees and shrubs that intensify the naturalistic landscape’s character and identity. The leisure area includes a 700 m2 lagoon-shaped main pool lined with a sunning shelf, and an adjoining children’s area that is shaded with a sloping beach entry. For the active guest, a 25 meter lap pool

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa

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is flanked with palm trees and features a unique wet deck area for chaise lounge seating. Beautifully crafted cabanas line the pool providing shade and relaxation opportunities. MESA’s extensive landscape ultimately considers plant selection for minimal maintenance, low water use, and aesthetic beauty.

For dining and entertainment, a flexible grand event lawn was designed to accommodate various gatherings and events organized by the hotel. Two pool-side dining areas are available in the leisure area. An exterior terrace is accentuated by a grand archway in a Moroccan themed restaurant providing fine cuisine. This terrace has large Moroccan designed screens, light fixtures, and seating niches that can conform to a fit a number of guests for any event. Another dining area is a relaxing pool-side bar/restaurant situated in a more casual garden setting. The lawn seating provides a tranquil respite from the abundant activities which are accommodated at the hotel. This area provides an opportunity to relax amid the shade of the overhead palms and breezes from the nearby gulf. Tasteful surroundings connect the guest to the overall unique experience of the hotel, wellness centre, golf clubhouse, and spa. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa is truly an oasis of tranquility carved out of the desert.



Cracknell were responsible for the landscape design from concept to detail design with on-site construction supervision of the Qamardeen Hotel and surrounding residential development, which were all part of Emaar’s flagship Burj Khalifah development.

The hotel design features a meandering path linking the pool

Qamardeen Hotel, Down Town Burj Khalifah by Cracknell

i www.landscape-me.com i November 2011 ��

Project Team Landscape Designers: Cracknell:Designer – Rowena West & Teena Skariah Landscape Site Supervisor: Ayad Al-rawi & Ben WhiteClient: EmaarCompletion Date: End of 2007

Head OfficeP.O.Box 11233 Dubai, UAEDeira, Sallah Al Din RoadTel: +971 4 2661940 / 2665347 • Fax : +971 4 2668953Barsha BranchBehind Mall of the EmiratesTel: +971 4 3409594 • Fax : +971 4 3409593Email: [email protected]

Covering you with perfection.

• Tension shades • Car shades• Awnings • Tents

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deck area with the hotel garden and all the ground floor terraces. Low planters that extend out from the hotel façade into the garden area create a sense of separation for the guest room terraces whilst keeping an open and communal feel to the space. The area has an air of informality and relaxation with an organic approach and a carefully selected planting pallet helps soften the design and create interest in with colours and forms. Overall a tranquil and relaxing landscape has been developed to enhance the guest experience whilst keeping in touch with the traditional Arabic feel of the down town development.


Scope: 155,000 SF mixed-use resort and residential. Master Planning/Architecture/Interior design. Competition entry (first place) Location: Port of Caldera, Central AmericaRenderings by: In-house

International Design


By OPPENHEIM ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN LLP

San Silencio

San Silencio merges silently with its wondrous setting, dramatically exploiting and enhancing the natural beauty of Central America to establish luxury hotel accommodations and private residences- that are uniquely beautiful and luxurious. Reinterpreting the status quo of the tropical hospitality experience, San Silencio sets

forth a new benchmark for design, quality and sustainability in the natural environment. Earnest and timeless, the architecture of San Silencio is simultaneously powerful, yet comfortable; primitive, yet innovative; casual, yet elegant; raw, yet refined. The resulting experience is sensual and sensitive, intentionally reduced to what is essential- romantically establishing opulence through bold, elemental forms, sincere materiality/detailing, and the florid use of Costa Rica’s bountiful natural resources both physical (lava stone, teak, bamboo) and ethereal (sky, water, jungle, mist).


The architecture undulates harmoniously with the contours of the slopes and cliffs with nominal impact

and primal elegance-synchronizing with the topography and the rhythms of the environment. Seamless and integral, the boundaries between man-made and nature, interior and exterior are deliberately blurred establishing maximum impact with minimum effort. Dramatically situated; yet, the residences, the essence of jungle eco-luxury are nestled into the landscape amidst endless pools and verdant flora-- where architecture heightens rather than distorts ones awareness of the context. Beauty, power and humility are accomplished


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i www.landscape-me.com i November 2011 �5

from a profound understanding of flow, light and orientation with the topography-strengthening relationships to surrounding blue (water) and green (land) scapes. Simplicity and functionality are inherent to the entire design-- so that nothing distracts the eye from the ocean and jungle. Villas, cottages, condominium residences, and hotel accommodations with their soaring horizontal lines and cantilevered terraces/ pools are all about space, not status-about connection, not dislocation with the awe-inspiring planet we inhabit. Green roofs, deployed on all structures, provide perfect ideal thermal insulation, rain-

water retention, and habitats for flora, fauna as well as human inhabitants.

The design logic is generated from a reverence for the land and awesome presence of the site. Sustainability is imbued throughout the life cycle of San Silencio-where intelligent planning provides innovative opportunities for energy and resource conservation, up-cycling (as opposed to re-cycling), waste, and healthy building initiatives-


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- where ecology and sustainability set forth even greater guilt-free luxury, not self denial. The project will synergize with the environment-- harvesting the power of earth, wind, and sun in a discrete; yet highly efficient manner. Passive means of cross ventilation, large overhangs, and proper sitting allow the project to minimize energy consumption

and maximize comfort healthy living. Great care has been given to utilizing local materials as well as various water conservation measures for both human and site irrigation (beyond super efficient fixtures--dual flush toilets, low flow showers, etc.)-establishing a relatively closed system of harvesting rain water in subterranean cisterns and re-harvesting

grey/ black water though a living machine of botanical and biological nature. Means of nourishment (food for both human and land) will be obtained locally and supplemented by on-site gardens and systems. All systems and services will be completely integral to the design (inclusive of hydrogen powered vehicle paths and storage).

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Turkey 2011

Phone : +90.312 442 28 20 (Pbx)Fax : +90.312 442 26 96

EURASIAPLANT FAIR

15 - 18 December 2011Istanbul Fair Center

Yeşilköy – ISTANBUL / TURKEY

Fair Co.

The Largest Specialization Fair of Plants Sector with25.000m2 Exhibition Area and over 200 Exhibitors

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BLENDS NATURALLY WITH ANY

ENVIRONMENT AND LANDSCAPE

COMPOSITION SIMPLE AND ELEGANT

Modern flower pots with lights

اخلالب، محيطه مع بسكون سيلينسيو سان مشروع يندمج

الوسطى ألميركا الطبيعي باجلمال كبير حد إلى مستعينا

خاصة ومساكن مترفة فندقية وحدات لتشييد إياه ومعززا

اخلاصة ملسته املشروع وضع وفخامتها. بروعتها فريدة

جديدة معايير بذلك محققا االستوائية الضيافة سحر على

مت صم الطبيعية. البيئة في واالستدامة واجلودة للتصميم

آن في جتمع خالدة لتكون خالصة سيلينسيو هندسة سان

وبني واألناقة، والعفوية واالبتكار، والبدائية والراحة، القوة بني

عمدا تقتصر مرهفة حسية اخلبرة فأتت واملصقول. اخلام

الرومنسية بنفحة من املعزز الرفاه وهي أال األساسيات على

األصيلة، والتفاصيل واملواد العنصرية، اجلريئة األشكال عبر

الوافرة الطبيعية ريكا كوستا ملوارد الواسع واالستخدام

املادية منها وغير املادية.

املنحدرات والهضاب بأقل مالمح مع بتناغم الهندسة تتموج

وإيقاعات التضاريس بدائية مع بأناقة وتتناسق عليها وقع

الطبيعة وليد هو وما اإلنسان صنع من هو البيئة. فيتخالط ما

يتمازجان عمدا واخلارج الداخل أن حيث ويتكامالن بسالسة

السكنية الوحدات تقوم مجهود. بأدنى تأثير أقصى إلحداث

في تكمن إذ الطبيعية الفخامة روح وتعكس ملفت موقع في

الرحبة الكثيرة املياه أحواض وسط الطبيعي املنظر قلب

املرء تخاطب الهندسة على تعزيز الوارفة حيث تعمل والنباتات

اخلضراء السطوح أما تشويهه. على وليس البيئي احمليط مع

وقدرة مثاليا حراريا عازال فتشكل األبنية على مختلف املوزعة

عن فضال واحليوانات للنباتات وموئال املياه احتباس على

لإلنسان. مالذ خير توفير

األرض احترام على قائم التصميم عليه املبني فاملنطق

مختلف على راسخة االستدامة للموقع. املهيب واحلضور

يتيح حيث سيلينسيو سان مشروع حياة دورة مستويات

واملوارد، وتدوير الطاقة لتوفير مبتكرة فرصا الرشيد التخطيط

ƒ«°ùæ«∏«°S¿É°Sº«ª°üàdGhá°Sóæ¡∏dËÉ¡æHhCGOGóYEG

تدويرها إعادة عن (عوضا قيمة أعلى موادا لتصبح املخلفات

السليمة. مبادرات البناء ولتحقيق ببساطة)، وإلدارة النفايات،

وضمان البيئة على احلفاظ بني املشروع يجمع وعليه،

الفخامة من بعد أكبر بصورة الضيف الستفادة االستدامة

املشروع يتضافر التقشف. وبعيدا عن بالذنب الشعور بدون

أن بدون والشمس والهواء األرض طاقة فيسخر بيئته مع

الطرائق تتيح وبالتالي، فعالة. بصورة بل ذلك طاغيا يكون

والتموضع الضخمة، والشرفات املتقاطعة، للتهوئة السالبة

الراحة الطاقة، وتعزيز استهالك من احلد للمشروع الصحيح

املواد الستخدام خاصة عناية أولينا وقد السليم. والعيش

املياه توفير إجراءات من عدد كبير اعتماد عن فضال احمللية

املوقع في الري لنظم أو البشري االستعمال صعيد على إما

في األمطار مياه لتجميع نسبيا مغلقة شبكة أنشأنا حيث

عبر والسوداء الرمادية املياه ولتنقية األرض حتت خزانات

النظم أن إلى ونشير والكائنات احليوية. النبات من حي نظام

من التصميم. يتجزء جزء ال هي كافة واخلدمات

San Silencio AR.indd 1 11/26/11 5:02:37 PM


BLENDS NATURALLY WITH ANY

ENVIRONMENT AND LANDSCAPE

COMPOSITION SIMPLE AND ELEGANT

Modern flower pots with lights

اخلالب، محيطه مع بسكون سيلينسيو سان مشروع يندمج

الوسطى ألميركا الطبيعي باجلمال كبير حد إلى مستعينا

خاصة ومساكن مترفة فندقية وحدات لتشييد إياه ومعززا

اخلاصة ملسته املشروع وضع وفخامتها. بروعتها فريدة

جديدة معايير بذلك محققا االستوائية الضيافة سحر على

مت صم الطبيعية. البيئة في واالستدامة واجلودة للتصميم

آن في جتمع خالدة لتكون خالصة سيلينسيو هندسة سان

وبني واألناقة، والعفوية واالبتكار، والبدائية والراحة، القوة بني

عمدا تقتصر مرهفة حسية اخلبرة فأتت واملصقول. اخلام

الرومنسية بنفحة من املعزز الرفاه وهي أال األساسيات على

األصيلة، والتفاصيل واملواد العنصرية، اجلريئة األشكال عبر

الوافرة الطبيعية ريكا كوستا ملوارد الواسع واالستخدام

املادية منها وغير املادية.

املنحدرات والهضاب بأقل مالمح مع بتناغم الهندسة تتموج

وإيقاعات التضاريس بدائية مع بأناقة وتتناسق عليها وقع

الطبيعة وليد هو وما اإلنسان صنع من هو البيئة. فيتخالط ما

يتمازجان عمدا واخلارج الداخل أن حيث ويتكامالن بسالسة

السكنية الوحدات تقوم مجهود. بأدنى تأثير أقصى إلحداث

في تكمن إذ الطبيعية الفخامة روح وتعكس ملفت موقع في

الرحبة الكثيرة املياه أحواض وسط الطبيعي املنظر قلب

املرء تخاطب الهندسة على تعزيز الوارفة حيث تعمل والنباتات

اخلضراء السطوح أما تشويهه. على وليس البيئي احمليط مع

وقدرة مثاليا حراريا عازال فتشكل األبنية على مختلف املوزعة

عن فضال واحليوانات للنباتات وموئال املياه احتباس على

لإلنسان. مالذ خير توفير

األرض احترام على قائم التصميم عليه املبني فاملنطق

مختلف على راسخة االستدامة للموقع. املهيب واحلضور

يتيح حيث سيلينسيو سان مشروع حياة دورة مستويات

واملوارد، وتدوير الطاقة لتوفير مبتكرة فرصا الرشيد التخطيط

ƒ«°ùæ«∏«°S¿É°Sº«ª°üàdGhá°Sóæ¡∏dËÉ¡æHhCGOGóYEG

تدويرها إعادة عن (عوضا قيمة أعلى موادا لتصبح املخلفات

السليمة. مبادرات البناء ولتحقيق ببساطة)، وإلدارة النفايات،

وضمان البيئة على احلفاظ بني املشروع يجمع وعليه،

الفخامة من بعد أكبر بصورة الضيف الستفادة االستدامة

املشروع يتضافر التقشف. وبعيدا عن بالذنب الشعور بدون

أن بدون والشمس والهواء األرض طاقة فيسخر بيئته مع

الطرائق تتيح وبالتالي، فعالة. بصورة بل ذلك طاغيا يكون

والتموضع الضخمة، والشرفات املتقاطعة، للتهوئة السالبة

الراحة الطاقة، وتعزيز استهالك من احلد للمشروع الصحيح

املواد الستخدام خاصة عناية أولينا وقد السليم. والعيش

املياه توفير إجراءات من عدد كبير اعتماد عن فضال احمللية

املوقع في الري لنظم أو البشري االستعمال صعيد على إما

في األمطار مياه لتجميع نسبيا مغلقة شبكة أنشأنا حيث

عبر والسوداء الرمادية املياه ولتنقية األرض حتت خزانات

النظم أن إلى ونشير والكائنات احليوية. النبات من حي نظام

من التصميم. يتجزء جزء ال هي كافة واخلدمات

San Silencio AR.indd 1 11/26/11 5:02:37 PM

�0 i www.landscape-me.com i december 2011ABU DHABI - +971 2 449 9196 BAHRAIN - +9731 729 3981 DUBAI - +971 4 339 1331

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Event FlooringWhether you're putting on a basketball, volleyball, or futsal event, or just need a temporary multi-use floor, we have you covered.

Our modular portable sports floors are FIBA approved and ASTM and DIN tested for safe, high-performance sports play.

We have several styles to choose from to meet any need.

We rent portable event flooring too! - Whether you need a temporary floor system for a hospitality tent or an entire stadium, we can accomodate you.

We offer the industry’s fastest deploying portable floor covering system. No tools or special skills are needed for installation.

Inquire today for further details!

Floor Rental Program Options

1. Floors can be shipped, ready to install, on pallets. Instructions are provided.

2. We can send in a supervisor to oversee your crew during the installation.

3. We can provide turn-key installation and teardown for your event.

Our team has over 20 years of experience installing sports flooring.


Women in landscape

Tell us about your family and educational background?I was born in Croatia, Zagreb in 1980 and grew up in a picturesque small town of Krapina, where my family still lives. After finishing high school, I left home and moved to the capital city of Croatia to study landscape architecture at the University of Zagreb. In 2005, I got my Master’s degree in landscape architecture studies. I participated in exhibitions and international workshops and traveled a lot, mostly around Europe, to learn and study historical and modern landscape architecture.

What inspired you to get involved in the landscaping industry?I have been ‘obsessed’ with nature and gardening since childhood. Landscape as such is a medium, which permeates our lives, and landscape architecture to me was the most inspiring and the most creative work that I came across. Nature, art and functionality are merged together into interactive compositions. Once you start, you cannot stop!

Environmental responsibility, sustainability, carbon footprints and water conservation are the big issues affecting the landscaping industry at the moment. How do you ensure

these key factors are incorporated into your work without sacrificing on the overall design and layout of a project?All these issues are crucial elements of today’s design process not only in the Middle East region but also in other parts of the globe. As a foreigner I can say that environmental responsibility and sustainability are special concerns in the UAE. To my mind, the most important thing in designing environmentally friendly surroundings is the use of local plant material, which is accustomed to arid conditions. The next - almost as important thing is to conserve water and reduce its consumption by using water from renewable sources (gray water, air conditioning condensate, etc.). People’s awareness of these things must ensure that landscape architecture meets the requirements of present generations without endangering the opportunities for next generations to do the same.

Do you think that the scarcity of water in the UAE has put pressure on landscape architects to create more hardscape with arid desert plants and trees that can withstand the heat? I think that the scarcity of water is just one of the important guidelines that can provide design

Monika Kamenecki

HOTEL KEMPINSKI ADRIATIC, Croatia-Roof garden


which is adjusted and more ecological for this region. As such, it cannot be considered as pressure on the landscape architects of any kind. In the long term, this arid area requires such a design and selection of plants that can show local biodiversity and the species, which are endemic to this part of the region. There is a need to educate young people and to spread the awareness, perhaps by creating botanical gardens with educational content as a part of public areas or as part of wildlife reserves. It is inspiring to see the effort and

struggle of people here in the UAE to try and create a ‘green’ country and to see through the implementation of so many interesting projects.

If so, do you agree that the need for water conservation and less irrigation will have a negative impact on your creative abilities when it comes to designing ‘green’ landscape?I believe that the need for water conservation and less irrigation will only make a more

HOTEL KEMPINSKI ADRIATIC, Croatia-Roof garden


interesting quest for new solutions and an even more creative and more challenging landscape design. Since early on in my professional carrier, I have been deeply involved in the topic of water conservation and irrigation solutions. After all, it is also a high priority issue in landscape design in my home country Croatia, which has a Mediterranean climate. Here, in the UAE, this is an especially sensitive issue due to a delicate nature balance. The need for water in this region is just an additional motive for landscape architects who have to keep in mind all of the natural factors as well as landscape characteristic and ecological quality before deciding how to leave their own distinguishing creative mark.

Which project have you been most proud of throughout your career and why?Roof gardens and vertical gardens is a category that I consider unique, creative in design, demanding in choosing the best plant material for the extreme conditions. These are also ecologically necessary and technically the most interesting projects. As my favorite projects, I would like to stress Hotel Kempinski Adriatic and Hotel Radisson Blu Resort and Spa, both in Croatia, especially their extensive and eye-catching roof gardens. I was very proud and even more inspired as a landscape architect when the Cliff roof garden, which I designed with my the Dionaea Gardens team, won the second prize in the international competition ‘Torsanlorenzo International Prize 2011’ a few months ago. Every project has had a special meaning for me, some of them with a more professional note and others a more personal one.

I’m not the only female landscape architect in my company. However, working as a landscape architect in the UAE felt a little bit different in the beginning but you get used to the culture, people and climate with time. If you work and act as a professional, then there are absolutely no obstacles to having a thriving career as a landscape architect. I believe that different views and aspects in creating any new design can only add interest to a project if you work with creative people. Having a great team spirit and pleasant working atmosphere makes the difference in gender less important.

How do you see your field developing in the Middle East? The landscaping field has great opportunities in the Middle East through the development of best practice and environmental friendly design and water conservation awareness, which should ensure sustainability for generations to come. New materials, new technologies and new ideas to which this region is open to will continue to attract and encourage landscape professionals. I see it as a great challenge!

What advice would you give other women wanting to enter this profession, both here and overseas?If you have the passion for nature, design and art, then you are an ideal candidate for landscape architect. The best part is when you see your project completed, and when you are able to enjoy your own design, which will mature and show its full beauty in the years to come. What could be more rewarding for a landscape architect?

If you could create your dream project, what would it entail?It would entail an environmentally friendly living system that can fulfill the needs of its users even through minimum usage of space. It would also offer the possibility to transform itself through mobility, for example with the usage of panels on the walls to transform the garden to the liking of the client. It is important for it to be ‘green’ and to be of exquisite design, corresponding to the existing architecture and blending in with it.

As a woman in a male dominated profession, what has been your experience working in this field in the Middle East?Until now, as a woman in landscape profession I have always had only positive experiences.

Women in landscape



Water Feature

The project realized in Xian, China by Topotek I represents the tangible materialization of the unconscious dream of traversing the entire planet from Berlin to re-emerge on the opposite side. The idyllic images are an invitation to learn more about the work of the architecture design studio established in 1996 by the two landscape designers Martin Rein-Cano and Lorenz Dexler.

A comprehensive overview of their works is seen in the monograph published in 2008 by Libria books of Melfi, which volume offers

various essays by contributors including Matthias Schneider, Elke Stamm, Pietro Valle. They have all analyzed their work in depth: a long series of realized projects, of which the major ones are the University Campus at Halle (2002), the Post-Industrial Park at Eberswalde (2002), the Ortus Artis in the Certosa of San Lorenzo at Padula (2003) to the Castle Park of Wolfsburg (2004).

The Big DigXian, China

By mario Pisani




In brief, the architectural firm is able to mix the characteristics of the visual aesthetic of the contemporary city with typical and traditional aspects of landscape architecture. These projects are characterised by the presence of elements inspired by graphic art, from the poetic pop that is interpretive of a watermark, to the dissonant harmonies that lead one to reflect beyond the natural landscapes to metropolitan contexts distinguished by the frenetic rhythms and constant noise generated. Very often in their projects one can discover an occult symbolism and nuances that are conducive to the creation of a sense of surprise and turbulence when experienced by the visitors to the parks. In this case, the triumph of the concept of passing through the earth to re-emerge on the opposite side is evident. A concept diffused throughout the world and represented in the realm of literature and cinema. With the garden designed in Xian, China the designers could not resist a desire to develop as a child would and they were able to convey the idea of having excavated all the way to emerge in China. The garden thus appears as a consequence of the excavation and it is natural to wonder what lies on the other side. The story of the gardens as interpreted by Tototek 1 is a demonstration of the convergence of various ideas. In this case, the desire to understand and experience foreign cultures triumphs, but also plants and landscapes from other continents. Faced with the opportunity of creating a garden in China they could not resist the temptation of effectively creating an

imaginary place that is a representation of the fantastical images of childhood. The work is this presented as a deep hole in the ground, similar in form to the speaker or an ear, enclosed by a parapet wall of glass that prevents people form approaching the edge and eliminating the danger of falling over. Artificial turf extends over all the surfaces: the hole in the lawn and the bench creates a unified aspect. It is an image that plays off the real with the fantastical accompanied by a voyage of sound. From the hole emerge the sounds of the Berlin Central Station similar to those of all stations in the world.

POBox 37099 Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: 02-6351828 – Fax: 02-6351829

email: [email protected]

POBox 16848 Al Ain, UAE Tel: 03-7215080 – Fax: 03-7215090

email: [email protected]

50 i www.landscape-me.com i december 2011


بالصني شيان في أجنزته الذي ميثل املشروع

حلم وهو املادي، الوجود حيز إلى الالوعي من حلم إنبثاق

املقابلة اجلهة للخروج في من برلني انطالقا عبر األرض املرور

إلى أكثر دعوة للتعرف هي مبثابة احلاملة فالصور العالم. من

العام في أسسه الذي والتصميم الهندسة مكتب أعمال

ديكسلر. ولورينز رين-كانو مارتن مهندسا املناظر

الرسم. فنون من املستوحاة بعناصرها مشاريعهما تتميز

ونلمس الشعرية. الشعبية الفنون مائية عالمة في فنلمس

من املناظر أبعد هو ما في التأمل إلى يقودنا تناغما متنافرا

احملمومة باإليقاعات تزخر التي املدنية األطر إلى الطبيعية

املتواصلة. والضوضاء

دقيقة ومعان غامضة رمزية مشاريعهما تكشف ما وغالبا

زوار تطالع عندما واضطراب مفاجأة عامل توليد إلى تؤدي

املرور مفهوم انتصار املرء يشهد احلالة، هذه املنتزهات. وفي

مفهوم منتشر في املقابلة. وهو اجلهة في للخروج األرض عبر

فلم والسينما. األدب عوالم في وحاضر العالم أنحاء مختلف

في رغبتهما شيان بالصني في في حديقتهما املصممان يكبح

احلفر مسافات فكرة إيصال استطاعا وقد كاألطفال التطوير

نتيجة احلديقة وعليه، ظهرت الصني. في أخيرا طويلة للخروج

احلفرة. لهذه

عن مكتب تعبر يفسرها حسبما قصة احلدائق

انتصارات واختبار في فهم الرغبة جند هنا متنوعة. أفكار التقاء

أخرى. قارات واملناظر من النباتات وأيضا األخرى الثقافات

عن عجزا الصني في حديقة إجناز فرصة طالعتهما فعندما

التي اخلرافية مكان خيالي ميثل الصور إغراء ابتكار مقاومة

طفولتنا. واكبت

إلى أقرب األرض، في عميقة بحفرة أشبه مشروعا فقدما

من مينع الناس الزجاج من سور يطوقها أذن، أو صوت مكبر

العشب السقوط. ميتد خطر ويحميهم من احلافة من االقتراب

واملقعد املرج في فاحلفرة األسطح، على مختلف االصطناعي

وما واقعي هو ما تقابل بني صورة هيئة واحدة. وهي يشكالن

تتصاعد احلفرة فمن قلب سمعية. مصحوبة برحلة خيالي، هو

جميع ألصوات املماثلة املركزية برلني قطار محطة أصوات

العالم. في القطار محطات

The Big Dig.indd 1 11/26/11 5:03:08 PM

5� i www.landscape-me.com i december 2011

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Park Feature


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Huatulco is a tourist development situated on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca, whose industry is centered on its nine natural bays known as “Bahias

de Huatulco”. In the past, the Zapotecs and Mixtecs, two of the most significant pre-Hispanic groups of Mexico, mostly inhabited the central valleys of Oaxaca. Within the 21,000 hectares covered by Huatulco, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has identified more than seventy archeological sites. One of them being “Zona Arqueológica Bocana del Río Copalita.”After the Spanish Conquest Huatulco has thrived as a port and it wasn’t until the 1980s that the area was subjected to development by the government of Mexico. In recognition of the high potential of the stunning bays and beaches that make Huatulco, FONATUR (Fondo Nacional de Turismo) decided to acquire the land to develop a large tourism area. In 1984, this government agency put together a group of architects and planners who created the village, outlined roadways, main infrastructure and the local airport and in addition, saved a portion of eighty-seven hectares of land for ecological and preservation purposes. GDU – Grupo de Diseño Urbano – who at that time had been part of this team, was called on again by FONATUR in 2004 to design the Parque Eco-Arqueológico “Copalita” within this saved piece of land.Because of its privileged geographical situation, the area represents the most diverse and rich ecosystems in Mexico. Some of the most important coral communities of the Mexican Pacific live in these marine areas and thousands of plant species as well as hundreds of animals, especially birds, live in the lowland jungle. The region was declared a protected area by the national government and in 1998 became a National Park.When Mario Schjetnan started to work on the layout of the park, the main pathway was already delineated and concrete bases were built. He decided to use this system of paths and finished them with local stone to reflect the image of the pre-existing constructions and archaeological remains. Among

Traces from the past hidden in the greenBy Jimena Martignoni

Copalita is a preserved archaeological site located 10 kilometers west of Huatulco, Mexico, which has been developed and recently opened as an educational-oriented park.


Park Feature

Size: 87 HectaresDate of Completion: 2011Landscape Architect: GDU, Grupo de Diseño Urbano, Mario SchjetnanClient: Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo, FONATUR.Project Coordinator: José Luis Pérez, Manuel Peniche Museum and Archaeology Research: INAH

the vestiges of the pre-Hispanic settlements the site presents pyramidal platforms more than three meters high, ball-game areas, engraved stones and residential clusters. Complementing these architectural pieces, the site displays the amazing existing trees native to the region, some of them exhibiting uncommon proportions. The paths go around and along both architectural and vegetal elements configuring a thematic and informative circuit that functions as an open-air museum. “Some of the most spectacular tree species of the jungle are standing here” – says architect Mario Schjetnan – “And we want people to get close to them and learn about them, by experiencing the site and by reading about it.” In order to respond to this last statement, the circuit offers a sign system with specific information about every one of the tree species and, at certain points, about birds and other examples of native fauna. The plants inventory was carried out by a team of two botanists, a biologist and an ecologist who visited the site on a regular basis over a six-month period, whilst Schjetnan defined the project. In response to the same concept that characterizes the project, of adapting the walking circuit to the existing manmade and natural elements, at certain spots the main path opens up to provide clearer views and resting areas. At those parts where the Copalita River flows into the jungle and shapes small wetlands, the path expands to create view-points where visitors can stop and read the signs. In this manner, the visitor gets to experience and learn about the four primary habitats of the site: the lowland jungle, the riparian vegetation, the wetland and the coastal cliffs.The last one is developed on the southern border of the site, as an abrupt rocky cliff from whose top one can appreciate amazing views over the Pacific Ocean and, to the left, the mouth of the Copalita River flowing into the sea. The ascending trail is entirely built from rock, with segments of stairs and others that adapt to the natural grading with resting areas and decks, always framed by the green presence of the tropical jungle. When it reaches its highest point the trail outlines a semi-circular terrace edged by a short stone wall and becomes a main view-point. The last phase of the project proposes another descending trail that closes the circuit and ends at the accessing plaza near the visitors’ center and the parking lot, both of which were also designed by GDU.The accessing plaza is a place that seems to announce the mystic green experience of the park itself, with picturesque small-scale compositions and open views to the existing large trees that stand right by the entrance. Behind the visitors ‘center and edging the two main buildings, which house the administrative offices and the site´s museum, a rocky structure appears as a river bed and serves

Mario Schjetnan reaffirms, “The presence of shady spaces is vital in this region in response to the high temperatures year round.” The main facade of the building that houses the offices presents a series of horizontal pieces, made of wood, which act as sunshades and reinforce the natural image of the architecture. Sliding glass panels provide natural ventilation for the offices and allow the mechanical systems to be used only during the hottest summer days.The museum is laid out as a plain linear space with one blind façade and an opposite large glass panel; this transparent piece seems to let the jungle come inside the exhibiting area and guarantees natural light during the day. This space displays the archeological pieces that the INAH´s specialists continue to find, which form part of the local collection. The roof that covers the main façade of this building is borne by a number of V-shaped pairs of circular columns, which evoke the large surrounding trunks. Conceived as a single composition, the cluster of buildings that welcome the visitor mark the entrance to the eco-archeological park with a general vernacular image and yet with modern lines and innovative constructive details. The entire site is revealed as a strong experience for the senses. Something that is noticeable not only when walking around the site, but inside the buildings too, where images, sounds and fragrances become part of the indoor scenery.The third phase of the project will include an ethno-botanical garden, a bird lagoon, a crocodile station, an observation tower and a camping area with special facilities. As for the archeological and research aspects of the project, the restoration processes which took place during the first and second phases will also continue in the last phase. Currently, visitors are mainly tourists who are visiting the paradisiacal Huatulco bays and seek to complete their dreamy vacations with a touch of culture, history and mystic green areas. The managers of the park, on the other hand, are initiating educational tours for local schools and including these plans in larger cultural programs held by government organizations.

as a natural discharge channel when the water level of the Copalita River is too high. Surrounding this water feature, groups of diverse tropical plants and clusters of sculptural bromeliads and cacti offer the perfect setting from which to start the circuit. When the sun sets, the place is bathed with an orange-yellowish light.The two main buildings are equally shaped as rectangular boxes that meet at one corner and configure an almost continuous L-shaped surface, which frames the water feature. Both of them are covered with large roofs, which extend outwards to create semi-roofed terraces and loggias; as

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i www.landscape-me.com i November 2011 55

في املكسيك غرب هواتولكو كم مسافة على أثري يقوم محمية وموقع كوباليتا

تثقيفيا. منتزها ليكون مؤخرا وافتتاحه تطويره مت

محافظة في الهادئ ساحل احمليط على سياحي عن مشروع فعبارة هواتولكو أما

التي الطبيعية التسعة خلجانها على فيها االقتصادي النشاط يرتكز التي واهاكا

تضم املميز، موقعها اجلغرافي دي هواتولكو". ونظرا إلى "باياس باسم تعرف

التجمعات أهم فبعض املكسيك. في وثراء تنوعا األكثر اإليكولوجية املنطقة النظم

في تزدهر الهادئ احمليط على املطل املكسيكي الساحل مياه في املرجانية

احليوانات، عن مئات النبات فضال أصناف آالف تعيش كما هذه البحرية املنطقة

من محمية أعلنت املنطقة وقد املنخفضة. أدغال أراضيها في الطيور، السيما

وطنيا. منتزها إلى العام في وحتولت الوطنية احلكومة قبل

مرسوما الرئيسي املمر كان املنتزه، تصميم على العمل شييتنان ماريو بدأ عندما

وأجنزها هذه املمرات استخدام شبكة فقرر اإلسمنتية قائمة. أصال والقواعد

وبني مخلفات األثرية. واملعالم القدمية البناءات صورة يعكس محلي بوضع حجر

إلى تعلو منصات هرمية املوقع في جند اإلسبانية احلقبة ما قبل مستوطنات

سكنية. وتكمل وجتمعات منقوشة، وأحجار كرة، ومالعب أمتار، ثالثة أكثر من

بحجمها بعضها تتميز احمللية األشجار من خالبة غابة الهندسية القطع هذه

مبحاذاتها وجتري والنباتية الهندسية العناصر حول املمرات وتدور االستثنائي.

الهواء الطلق. في مبتحف أشبه وتثقيفيا دربا مواضيعيا راسمة

وأصوات الزاهية، النباتات ألوان مع للحواس شيقة رحلة بأسره املوقع يشكل

املنقطع غير وإمنا البعيد البحر وعطر والطريفة، الغامضة والطيور احليوانات

ال والروائح واألصوات وهذه الصور دوما. احلاضر باحمليط الزائر يذكر الذي

أيضا حيث تصبح املباني إلى داخل بل متتد في اخلارج التجول على تقتصر

املنظر الداخلي. من يتجزأ ال جزءا

شعبية، نباتات حديقة على ستنطوي املشروع من الثالثة املرحلة أن ونشير إلى

خاصة. مرافق مع تخييم وموقع مراقبة، وبرج متاسيح، وبحيرة طيور، ومحطة

التي الترميم عمليات فإن املشروع في واألبحاث األثريات علم ناحية من أما

منه أيضا. األخيرة املرحلة في تستمر سوف والثانية األولى املرحلتني في متت

يزورون الذين السياح من هم املشروع زوار من األكبر القسم فإن وحاليا،

الثقافة من بنفحة املدهشة عطلتهم اختتام في ويرغبون البديعة هواتولكو خلجان

اجلوالت تشجيع املنتزه على مديرو يعمل وعليه، الغامضة. واخلضرة والتاريخ

األوسع الثقافية البرامج املخططات في هذه وإدخال احمللية للمدارس التثقيفية

احلكومية. املؤسسات ترعاها التي نطاقا

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Êƒ«æ«JQÉeÉæ«ª«LâÑàc

Copalita Arabic.indd 1 11/26/11 5:01:48 PM

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RiYadH: King Khalid airport Road: tel. No.: 00966 (1) 4655555

JeddaH: al andalus tel. No.: 00966 (2) 6686666

KHOBaR: Coast Road tel. No.: 00966 (3) 8590066

dUBai sheikh Zayed Road tel. No. 00971 (4) 3296630

• email: [email protected] • PO Box 4756 Riyadh 11412, Ksa• email: [email protected] • PO Box 181581 dubai, Uae

• website: www.zaidg.com

• landscaping development the hard and soft scape• irrigation• Horticultural supplies, lawns and specimen plants

Documents

Landscape_ME_December_2011.pdf