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m i d d l e e a s t J u n e 2 0 1 3m i d d l e e a s t J u n e 2 0 1 3

� i www.landscape-me.com i June 2013

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

This MonthEDITOR’S NOTE

andscape Magazine will celebrate our 6th anniversary this month and would like to pay tribute to all of our readers, advertisers and partners for supporting us throughout the year and continuing to make us the number one title in the landscaping industry in the region!

As always our June issue is packed full of interesting features from around the region and beyond to Morocco, Singapore and South Africa provided by expert landscape architects from companies such as LAVA and OMA who have recapped every detailed of their projects in a bid to share their expertise in urban planning and sustainable building with their fellow industry professionals and especially for those landscape architects who are just starting out in the industry and are in need of practical guidance and examples. See pages �6 for Lava and OMA airport project on page �8.

Hope you enjoy our latest edition and continue to support us and send your reader feedback to [email protected]

L

John Hampton

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

m i d d l e e a s t J U n e 2 0 1 3

Landscape 6th Year.indd 3 6/2/13 5:01:38 PM

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MEMEdia Publishing FZ LLCiMPZ

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ContentsJune 2013- Issue 72

22

34

541616 The Laboratory for

Visionary Architecture merges nature and technology

22 Casablanca... young and dynamic city in Morocco

28 HIA Airport City... Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar

34 Ghuroob Sharooq community in Mirdif

40 Efficiency is the Product of better Movement, Organisation and Coordination

48 A vision of beiteddine village

54 Johannesburg, South Africa.

60 Interview, Ghantoot Landscaping

64 Gardens by the Bay

28


Moisture Sensing Central-Satellite Control Systems

Sprinklers

Fountains Aerators Circulators

Moisture Sensing Solar Controllers

VALVE & FILTERMicro-Irrigation & Light Powered Control Products

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News & Events

“There is still much to do in spreading the message of sustainable landscape design such as developing better horticultural practices, finding the best technologies for lighting and irrigation, diversifying commercially available native species, improving soil structure and composition without use of artificial chemicals and products, designing more flexible and stimulating recreation amenity to support healthy lifestyles and so on. The aim of the Smart Landscape Summit is exchanging and transferring the knowledge from all of the experts and has added a lot of ideas that aim to improve sustainability”, added Al Falasi.

Held under the patronage of Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (ADM) the Middle East Smart Landscape Summit brought together over 350 senior level landscape professionals and city leaders including the UAE Minister of Environment and Water His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad and the General Manager of ADM His Excellency Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei to discuss projects

Middle East’s first-ever Landscape Summit marks sustainable future for the industry

Manager at ALDAR Properties PJSC, Holley Chant, Executive Director of Corporate Sustainability at KEO International Consultants and London-based ecologist, environmentalist and masterplanner, Gary Grant.

“This event is a first of it’s find in the region and the participants have been very proactive in sharing ideas, innovations and solutions that could be adapted to the climate and conditions which are extremely challenging in the beautification of gardens and landscaping within Arab cities”, said Charlene Corrin, Conference Producer at Expotrade Global which organized the Summit.

Expotrade Global works closely with government organizations and industry bodies and has developed a series of ‘Smart’ events focusing on technology and sustainability within the landscape, infrastructure, lighting and energy, banking and finance sectors.

More information on the event can be found at www.landscapesummit.com

and sustainable solutions for the advancement of the Middle East’s landscape industry.

Members of the GCC Specialized Team of City Beautification also attended the event, who are working to enhance the cooperation between the regional countries within the field, along with 25 local and international exhibitors and over 20 industry thought-leaders presenting on a range of topics concerning smart practices across the 2-day event.

A keynote presentation from Kenneth Er, Chief Operating Officer at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore offered an insight into the types of projects and practices that could be adopted in the Middle East to develop a world-class public realm for both residents and visitors. Other speakers included Dr. Amar Jarar, Irrigation Expert at ADM, Ahmed Abdul Karim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department at Dubai Municipality, Geoff Turnbull, Senior Design

“There has not been enough knowledge sharing in the industry and this has limited how quickly the landscape industry has developed and improved regionally towards the goal of creating sustainable landscapes”, said Eng. Rashid Al Falasi, Director of Park and Recreational Facilities Division at Municipality of Abu Dhabi City who was speaking on the sidelines of the Middle East Smart Landscape Summit held on �7-�8 May to drive sustainable growth in the region.

Landscape experts and city leaders gather at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi to discuss industry hot topics.


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6 i www.landscape-me.com i June 2013

News & Events

GHESA HAS bEEn AwArdEd tHE wAtEr fEAturES in Porto CAiro MAll, EGyPt

GHESA is using the latest advances in lighting techniques and aquatic elements, to reward the public with a spectacular water feature. The Multimedia Fountain is currently under construction

process and is expected to be finalized this summer.

For more information, please contact the Marketing Department at [email protected]

About GHESAGHESA, a multinational Engineering company, was created in 1963. The Water Feature’s Department has almost 50 years of experience in the design, project and installation of all kind of water features and Multimedia Shows. Since 1975, GHESA has installed more than 3,000 fountains and is recognised globally as one of the premier organisations in this specialised sector.

Settled in Dubai since 2007 to attend its client’s demands in the Middle East region, GHESA developed many impressive projects such as the biggest floating multimedia fountain in the Middle East, located in Sharjah; and the 187 water features for the Princess Noura University for Women in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

GHESA is pleased to announce its participation in the Porto Cairo Mall project in Cairo, Egypt. The water feature designed by GHESA for the project is a Multimedia Fountain. It will be placed in an artificial lake so that the visitors to the mall can be delighted with the water feature and its multimedia shows.

novo, a compact two-wire converter from Underhill International, is designed to quickly

transform any standard multi-wire controller to two-wire operation by using a “plug and play” feature.

Controllers such as Hunter®, Rain Bird®, Irritrol®, Toro®, and other popular brands, can be converted to total two-wire or hybrid two-wire / multi-wire systems when connected to Novo.

The new Underhill converter is a practical solution for irrigation installers who plan to utilize two-wire technology in a new installation or a system expansion because they can still use their favorite controller. Novo installs alongside the host controller and handles up to 32 two-wire stations.

The host multi-wire controller continues to run all scheduling programs and “talks” to the new two-wire valves and decoders via the Novo converter. The device is especially useful in irrigation system expansions where it is more practical to add two-wire connections, rather than run

new multi-wire to additional valves on large commercial sites, parks or sports fields. Two-wire is also useful on projects with new external devices, such as soil moisture sensors and hydrometers.

Measuring just 6.3” high x 7.33” wide x 1.78” deep, Novo features a back-lit graphical display with easy step-by-step LightTouch™ buttons and built-in electrical diagnostics / fault finding. Novo plastic wall mount cabinets and external transformers are also available.

Novo has the capability of handling up to a 63-zone system if the host controller has the station capacity by using Underhill senders. Two-wire installations require less labor and materials because the 24 VAC power and address signals are sent over the same pair of wires. Novo uses standard underground irrigation wire and it is not necessary to ground field decoders. Underhill has more than 150,000 two-wire decoders at work in the ground worldwide and has pioneered the use of this technology in the U.S.

“noVo™” ConVErtS Any Multi-wirE ControllEr to two-wirE oPErAtion


News & Events

PolySoft rEVitAliSES ASiA’S fAVouritE

PlAyGroundPolySoft and CT-Art Creation are pleased to announce another successful installation in the Asia region, paving the way forward for its innovative soft surfacing technology specially designed for dry and aquatic applications in wet areas and playgrounds.

CT-Art’s latest major project in Singapore, the Port of Lost Wonder water park in Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island, showcases the multi-purpose qualities of PolySoft as the landscape architect’s surface of choice. The selection of

PolySoft for this pivotal installation ensured Sentosa’s continued status as Asia’s favourite playground and world-class getaway in the sun.

When it came to replacing the previous rubber flooring which did not meet expectations, Sentosa Development Corporation turned to PolySoft’s leading-edge independently tested polyolefin particle-based surfacing, which provided the solution for safe barefoot play in their Palawan Beach aquatic playground.

PolySoft was the answer for a cost-effective, low-maintenance, long-lasting, waterproof, hygienic, thermal-reducing safety surface, able to withstand the harsh elements and impact of the high volume of visitors that the beach regularly receives. Along with fade, slip and chlorine resistant properties, PolySoft comes in a range of UV-stable pigments to prevent premature fading, ensuring a long-lasting bright look to revitalise the Palawan Beach development. The bold bands of warm and cool shades added colour and vibrancy to the water park’s tropical theme.

CT-Art Creation (see details on our website), PolySoft’s certified installation partner in Singapore, an award-winning recreation equipment specialist, partnered with Sentosa Development Corporation to complete the project. Led by Patrick Lee, the team at CT-Art Creation worked tirelessly to install PolySoft to create and apply the visually vibrant design, earning much praise for their work.

For more information about PolySoft, please call our friendly team on 1300 308 037 or +61 2 9620 7231. Please visit our website, www.polysoftsurfaces.com


,Peter HarradineHARRADINE GOLFRenowned designer of golfcourses throughout the World.

Mark ChapleskiTROON GOLFThe Worlds largestgolf course managementcompany

Colin BaxterHYDROTURFManaging Partner

Shaju LonappanHYDROTURFInstalled, commissioned andservices pumping sta ons on 27golf courses in the Gulf plus otherpump sta ons in parks, football

elds, municipali es etc.

Dr. Riaz Ahmed Sahi,Saudi Arabia’s rst commercialwater well drilling companyEstablished in 1958

Water Management Seminar forGolf, Landscaping & Municipalities15-May-2013 Raddisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh

The seminar was a huge success with a wide range of attendee representing Saudi sports �elds, golf courses and landscape turf maintenance.

Of particular interest was the irrigation water saving of 20-40% o�ered by the new TORO 800 series sprinklers.

On a typical golf course, using TORO sprinklers could mean a saving of approx. 15,000 gallons a day in irrigation water. Based on current TSE costs, this could save over SAR 5 million a year on a client’s water costs.

Hydroturf will now arrange for further one on one meetings to help develop the TORO and HYDROTURF golf irrigation presence in Saudi Arabia.

�0 i www.landscape-me.com i June 2013

News & Events

the competition invited architects, designers and students to submit their visions for how biophilia can influence the design of a new or existing

space, either within interior built environments or outside in cities. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into manmade environments in order to help people feel and perform better.

‘Rebolo Eco-Park’ was selected as the most unique, inspiring and purposeful way of reconnecting a space with nature. The winning entry was inspired by Rebolo, a low-income neighborhood located in Barranquilla, Colombia, a northern part of the country on the Caribbean Sea that serves as a major industrial, maritime port.

The aim of Pertuz’s submission was to improve the community where he grew up by creating a space for social interaction and integration, and as he states: “giving them back a sense of pride and dignity.” Pertuz is currently pursuing a master of architecture degree from the renowned l’École National Supérieur d’Architecture Paris Val de Seine in Paris.

“This idea was haunting me since a sleepless night at the end of summer and I just needed a way to take it out and share it with the world,” said Pertuz. “I believe that spaces have a strong and direct impact on people’s behaviour. When we empower somebody or a community through design, they are more likely to respond by developing a sense of ownership and responsibility towards each other along with their environment, community, neighbourhood, and the rest of the world.”

Rebolo Eco-Park incorporates flowers, aromatic and community gardens, along with fruit trees, a

new social ‘eco-housing’ and a meadow. Within the entry an image of the meadow depicts a section of the Rebolo Canal that collects storm water surrounded by flora, fauna and people walking, running, biking, resting and enjoying the vibrancy of the space. Together, these elements form a linear park along either side of the canal.

Pertuz said: “What is special about this particular canal is the fact that it is located in one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Barranquilla, despite the fact that most people live in poverty it is still one of the most culturally vibrant communities in the city.”

Throughout the competition designers had the opportunity to bring their biophilic visions to life and help advance biophilic design. More than 220 entries were submitted after entrants visited the ‘Reconnect Your Space’ page via www.interfacereconnect.com to upload an image (sketch, drawing, rendering) of their vision for reconnecting a favourite space with nature. The competition also called for a description of their entry in 500 words or less.

The winning entry was chosen by a renowned panel of judges from the global design community including Robert D. Fox, Principal at Cookfox Architects in New York City, Paul McGillick, Editorial Director at Indesign Publishing in Sydney, and Richard Weston, Professor of Architecture at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University in Wales.

“The range of entries was impressive and the Rebolo Eco-Park was a worthy winner,” said Weston. “The submission was chosen from a pool of six final entries which presented the best example

of a design that reflects the principles of biophilia. There were a few entrants that stood out by tackling the challenge of bringing nature indoors, not as literal plant material but as texture, colour, endless variation and metaphoric transformation.”

Pertuz’s prize includes travel and accommodation for four days and three nights to experience first-hand biophilia’s influence in design. He can choose a biophilia inspired experience from one of the three locations in Singapore, San Francisco in the United States of America or Cornwall in the United Kingdom.

Among the trip themes are discovering how Singapore is achieving its goal of becoming a ‘city in a garden’, exploring natural elements within San Francisco’s popular monuments and dynamic architectural and design scene and delving into the United Kingdom’s Eden Project that explores humanity’s dependency on nature.

Other finalists included:

• Biophilic Design | Healing Resort Pavilion & Villa by Amanda Cleveland in the United States of America

• [re]connect Toronto by Dyonne Fashina in Canada

• PATAK - Pilipinong Arkitektura Tradition at Kultura by Onginev Jimenez in the Philippines

• Green Curtain by Rade Kosanovic in Serbia

• Living in a small? Want to grow? by Gordana Radonić in Serbia

Visit http://www.interfacereconnect.com/competition/winners.php to review the finalist selections and additional entries.

intErfACE nAMES ECo-PArK for ColoMbiA GlobAl dESiGn winnEr of ‘rEConnECt your SPACE’ CoMPEtition

Rebolo Eco-Park’ designed by Jesús Pertuz of Paris has been selected as the winner of Interface, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:TILE) ‘Reconnect Your Space’ competition.

Parisian student’s winning entry chosen from hundreds of submissions

�� i www.landscape-me.com i June 2013 13I www.landscape-me.com I February 2013

AG Middle East

36

Tel. No. (+974) 4441 9099 Fax: (+974) 443 54571 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 3964, Doha - Qatar

Years 36

A Certified Class “A “Landscape And Irrigation Contractor In Qatar – Since 1976

Working Together For The Future Of Green Qatar

Landscape February'13.indd 13 1/26/13 1:17:16 PM

F u r n i t u r e c o l l e c t i o n

rattan House unveiled its Ablaq Collection, the brands latest addition to the outdoor furniture category

at this year’s INDEX Exhibition. With consistent growth over the last three decades, Rattan House is one of the pioneers in the outdoor furniture industry. Dedicated to innovative ideas, design solutions and functionality for homes in the region, the brand is a household name when it comes to complete outdoor solutions and is popular for its rich heritage, intricate weaved furniture designs and 100% recyclable quality.

Keeping up the legacy, Rattan House presents the Ablaq Collection. The Ablaq Collection is a modern arabesque inspired design which is exclusive to Rattan House and has been designed by the renowned German designer Oliver Kessler.

The arabesque pattern reflects the Arabian culture and traditions while retaining a modern design, suitable

Rattan House unveils the Arabian

inspired Ablaq Collection at index 2013

for people who wish to reinvent their home space with a taste of Arabia. The luxurious and poised furniture collection has been inspired by unique traits of the Arabian landscape which blends the tradition of varying cultures into timeless designs.

Shafiq Al Taher, Business Development Director from Rattan

House said, “At Rattan House, we have always catered to the needs of our customers. Our products are researched to fulfill the requirements of functionality, performance and adding an elegant touch to a space. The Ablaq Collection is inspired by the tones, shapes and molds of the Arabian Culture. The designs and spaciousness

The Ablaq Grande Sofa AED 11,300

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For more information, please visit us on – www.rattan-house.com or Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/rattanhousefurniture

About Rattan HouseRattan House has evolved into one of the region’s most respected manufacturers and retailers of synthetic Rattan. The brand has grown to become one of the leading names for outdoor furniture across the Middle East.

Rattan House operates across multiple retail outlets in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Indonesia. In the UAE, Rattan House is located on Sheikh Zayed Road before the 2nd interchange in Dubai.

The Ablaq Collection Sun LoungerAED 8,300

The Ablaq Cocktail CounterAED 5,300

The Ablaq Dining Side Chair AED 2,250

of these products represent an air of royalty within a client’s most comfortable space – their home.”

“It was my intention to create a statement of a modern, confident and luxurious design that captures attention and allures people to understand the cultural significance of the design across the region; while enjoying the comfort of the furniture with family and friends. Ablaq is the first Rattan House furniture that was made decidedly for the Arabian high profile customer,” said Oliver Kessler. He added, “The major

design lines are based on architectural elements like the pointed arch (Ablaq) or the arabesque inspired pattern.”

The Ablaq collection features the Ablaq Grande Living set which comes in multiple seating options and can accommodate additional guests. The Balcony set is comparatively a smaller version of the Grande Living set to fit into compact spaces while keeping the main elements of the design intact. For a more relaxed evening one can choose between the Ablaq Cocktail Counter

and a Classic Ablaq Dining Table. The collection comes with accessories to complete the Arabic inspired look for any home in the region, whether it is an Ablaq Sun lounger or an eco-friendly Ablaq Planter for your garden, Rattan House has abundant to offer its customers this season.

The Ablaq Trolley AED 4,300



barwa Real Estate Group, one of Qatar’s leading real estate management and investment companies, introduced one of

Qatar’s flagship projects Barwa City. The vision for Qatar encourages an architecture that is aesthetically lush and tactile. With an ever-expanding portfolio of projects, Barwa Real Estate has built a solid track record of taking on major and complex domestic projects and completing them to the highest standards.

The Barwa City complex will stretch 2.7 million square metres in Musameer, just outside the centre of Doha, and will comprise of 128 apartment buildings, 6,000 flats and 1024 studio units and will house 20,000 families. Barwa City features a considerable amount of public space and amenities including

health clubs, shopping centres, schools, parks, playgrounds, commercial banks and business oriented facilities.

urban design ProjectsBlue Stream Environmental Technology has worked along with Barwa Real Estate Group and its main contractor Shapoorji Pallonji Qatar WLL for the development of urban landscaping of Barwa City. Blue Stream is the leading designer and manufacturer of street furniture and urban décor receptacles in the Middle East and South Asia. According to Managing Director, Mr. Suvarna Jeetendra, contemporary street spaces can be linked together to define and enrich community living. Thus reflecting the regions personality of embracing modern architecture with traditional influences.

Most of our designs are project specific and we work meticulously with clients to conceptualize and develop a customized range of urban décor products for their projects. The final product material and structure is designed very much in conjunction to the layout of the street or area guaranteeing a perfect blend. The wide

range of products offers each customer the exact kind of product that would match the ethos of their projects.

landscape featuresThe scope of works included complete urban furniture design, fabrication, supply and installation for a variety of street furniture items. Blue Stream has collaborated with the client closely to aesthetically design many elements that match the general layout of the project, which focuses on ample public spaces with an ambient environment that is conducive for pedestrian traffic.

Some of the key products supplied include tree grates to host the ample lush greenery that has been the focus of this project. Custom designed benches were placed systematically in central parts of the layout to accommodate residents. The Monte Carlo bench is clearly able to integrate into the urban environment whilst simultaneously exerting its desire for permanence through its material.

Barwa CityQatar is making large investments in the construction of new projects and implementation of a well-developed transportation system for their fast growing population.


recycling as PriorityAlso the supply included distribution of recycling bins called BS Milano for various amenities around the project including the clubhouse, schools etc. These color coordinated recycling containers with bright bold labeling of colors enable segregation waste at source. This is in conjunction with Barwa City’s green focus and eco- initiatives. Barwa City is focused on adopting a holistic approach to sustainability deploying green practices within the community. To handle bulky and voluminous waste the Galvanized steel 1.1 cubic metre containers were distributed across the various residences, schools and amenities in the project.

focus on SustainabilitySpecially designed and customized bins for schools and parks within the community formed a major component of the project. These included both recycling and urban receptacles. Litter receptacles with ashtrays were allocated in parks in certain areas specifically designated for smoking.

Convenience and AccessibilityBlue Stream was also involved in the supply of bollards to control or direct road traffic in certain areas and for the supply of signage poles along with bicycle racks. The project was focused on being pedestrian friendly with several bicycle racks around the community. The visibility of the bike rack, adequate spacing from automobile parking and pedestrian traffic, and proximity to destinations were important factors considered during installation of the bicycle racks.

The lustrous black finish of each of these urban landscape elements such as bollards, bicycle racks, signage poles and tree grates was the chosen highlight of this coordinated range where each street element complemented each other making the project seem uniform as a whole in its entire landscape design.

ConclusionBlue Stream is committed to providing innovative solutions to satisfy its customer’s requirements. Blue Stream realizes that the key is in creating practical and captivating spaces that enrich lives.


B i o i n s p i r at i o n

A forest of sunflowers in an oasis of the future in the desert, a crater-shaped football stadium

and sports village, an eco home based on cells on a Beijing rooftop and a hotel resort designed as a topological structure of valleys and canyons merge ‘man, nature and technology’ together in LAVA’s work across the globe.

At the heart of our work is biomimicry - the examination of nature’s models, systems, processes, and elements in order to solve human problems. And of course the problem facing designers today is how do we create more with less, create more architecture and more amenities, with less material, less energy footprint, and where possible, less money.

Bioinspiration the Laboratory for Visionary Architecture merges nature and technology

landscapes become buildings and buildings

become landscape

lAVA overview

by lAVA Architects


The geometries in nature, such as bubbles, spider webs and corals, create both efficiency and beauty inspiring new building typologies and structures. And by utilizing the latest technology available these new forms harmonize and integrate with nature. Urban structure becomes landscape, landscape becomes buildings.

Computation allows us to simulate the principles of this natural behaviour, such as growth and adaptation of species. We have explored this natural phenomenology in our work

through the use of membranes, minimal surfaces, inflation/pneumatic structures, branching, adaptive structures, and cellular and evolutionary structures.

Masdar City, the carbon neutral, car free, solar powered city being built in Abu Dhabi is rethinking the city from scratch. LAVA won the international competition to design the centre of the 50,000-person city. We designed an ‘oasis of the 21st century’ where giant solar powered sunflower umbrellas create the

first mediated outdoor plaza in the Middle East, inhabitable throughout the year. These adaptive branch-like structures shade the space, moving with the sun, store heat and release it at night. Conceived as an open spatial experience the plaza, just like an oasis, is the city’s social epicenter with twenty-four hour access enabled through interactive, heat sensitive technology that activates low intensity lighting in response to pedestrian traffic and mobile phone usage.

lAVA perspective African

lAVA birdseye view


An earlier project Iconic Greenhouse, UAE, used the smooth flowing forms of a desert dune-scape to enclose a biosphere displaying exotic plant species. Cutting edge sustainability maintains unique Mediterranean and tropical interior landscape spaces to support recreational, educational and research uses. Insulation, recycled water, algae air filtration and optimised façade openings deliver a highly efficient operation. The construction optimises low embodied energy materials and the excavated ground is used in the external landscape. The large span structure is efficient, fast to construct and adaptable for alternative uses.

Our competition winning design for National Stadium and Sport Village in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, due to start construction next year, combines geological-inspired forms and local culture with new technology. With partners

JDAW and DESIGNSPORT, LAVA went back to the very origin of stadium design with a sunken arena surrounded by grandstands formed from excavated material. The man-made crater is a clever remodeling of the existing terrain and generates efficient spaces, optimizes environmental performance, minimizes construction costs and integrates facilities within the existing landscape.

Tectonic structures and movement are the underlying concept for the masterplan. The breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Entoto Hills is the backdrop to a design that responds to the volcanic geology of the region. Gently undulating urban parkland follows the lines of the crater and is conceived as a continuous spatial experience strategically activated to balance people movement, climate, experience and efficiency. A central plaza forms the heart of the project and a ridge connects all zones.

Giant solar powered umbrellas provide shade and shelter whilst pedestrian activated light and water features appear as fissures in the ground surface, providing way finding and creating animated art works. The roof of the stadium, an intelligent membrane, appears like a cloud on the horizon of the vast Ethiopian sky, a lightweight tensile structure floating over the formed-earth landscape.

Evolutionary structures, such as cells, act as a metaphor for an architecture where the individual components interact in symbiosis to create an environment. In urban terms, the smallest homes, the spaces they create, the energy they use, the heat and moisture they absorb, multiply into a bigger organizational system, whose sustainability depends on their intelligence. Home of the Future, on the rooftop of a new furniture mall in Beijing, is a showcase for future living, with



nature, technology and man all working together in a new harmony. Its fluid design and organizational strategy based on cells is easily modified to suit specific requirements. An ETFE geodesic sky dome provides a year-round microclimate that opens up the home to a garden filled with sun, light and fresh air, away from the pollution and noise of the city. Visitors will experience fifteen different living spaces, from internal/external bathroom zones to kitchens flowing to veggie patches and barbecues to sunken bedrooms with dream inducing lighting.

It integrates the latest improvements in comfort and instantaneous information technology.

Smart floors and walls with lighting and heating sensors, intelligent surfaces, fully integrated media displays combine with air and water purification, fully sustainable food generation, water recycling, passive systems, self-sufficient power generation and recycled waste.

A new hotel on Jeju, a mountainous volcanic island, is designed as a topological structure, of valleys and canyons. Located off South Korea the island is home to the world heritage Hallasan volcano and lava tubes, a national icon and major tourist destination. The hotel is designed as another landform. The ‘valleys and canyons’ generate 2000 rooms around a terracing façade. Interconnected open atrium

spaces connect to form a continuous green landscape throughout the interior of the hotel creating a natural atmosphere. This landscape continues to the canyon between the two sinuous residential zones, accentuating the connection with the beachfront forest over which they look, creating an uninterrupted landscape, within and out.

Nature’s forms – cells, trees, plants, dunes, membranes and craters - connect structure with landscape for people in the 21st century. By merging future technologies with the patterns of organisation found in nature a smarter, friendlier, more socially and environmentally responsible future lies ahead.


Marina Seaside walk



SHADED WATERFRONT PROMENADE WITH OCEAN VIEWS


Casablanca is a young and dynamic city in Morocco with a population estimated at approximately

4 million habitants. It is the largest city in the Maghreb and the fourth largest in Africa. Being an important economic centre, its architecture is a combination of different styles, which gives it a unique architectural beauty.

The site is strategically located at a manageable distance from the Medina along Boulevard Tahar El Alaoui and the Hassan II Mosque. The proposed sustainable Market Square was situated off Driss El Jay Avenue across the road from a school.

The program was to design a new sustainable open market square in Casablanca. A new contemporary

Casablancayoung and dynamic city in Morocco

Casablanca Market driss El Jay Plan

Casablanca Market driss El Jay View 3

e c o n o m i c c e n t r e


Desert River LLC, Tel +971 4 323 3636, Fax +971 4 323 3686More funky products and planters available on DesertRiver.com

Bloom! is simple but classy design: a flowerpot doubling as light. Use at homes, offices, hotels, beaches or large public spaces – both indoors and outdoors. Conforms to strict European

specifications. Includes energy saving light bulbs, can be coloured.

Quality Lit Flowerpots

HeigHt Dia top WeigHt LigHt BuLBs Drain40 cm 44 cm 4 kg Yes 2 x 10 watt no60 cm 66 cm 10 kg Yes 2 x 11 watt Yes90 cm 99 cm 24 kg Yes 2 x 18 watt Yes

100cm 110 cm 28 kg Yes 2 x 23 watt Yes

Desert River Final Half.indd 1 3/14/13 5:56:26 PM

social space where locals can meet, shop and generate ideas about the functionality of community and street commerce.

The design concept was generated from the intricate flooring and tile patterns studied at the Hassan II Mosque. Grids evolved from the patterns were laid on the site from which the program and design evolution proceeded.

Taking the project as an opportunity for architectural experimentation, the public square was designed as a vertical garden with “Rain Water Harvesting Trees” around which the open market slabs were organized. The design also took into consideration future subway plans for city and created an underground section to the market. The project works open for that same amateur.

Casablanca Market driss El Jay Plan 2


An open air market for spices, fish and meat were organized on the ground level along with a congregation space. While the fruits, vegetables and flower markets were organized underground with the subway station. The upper level was designed as an open garden and café accessible by ramp and a lift

core. A vertical green wall ties the three levels together.

The “Rain Water Harvesting Trees” were designed as experimental urban furniture which can collect rain water at the collection bowls at the top, purify it through its stem and provide drinking water to

the public at the ground level. The collected water would also have been used for landscaping the garden and market area. The tree structures themselves allowed for vertical vegetative growth and the base of the structure served as skylights for the underground level.


e c o n o m i c c e n t r e


Project Title: Driss El Jay MarketLocation: Casablanca, MoroccoYear Proposed: 2012Program Area: 1,884 sq.mProject Team: Arjun Rathi(PrincipalShantaram Labde, Pinal Desai, Sakshi Gandhi


Casablanca Market driss El Jay Section 2


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Tanseeq LLC, P.O. Box: 28665, Dubai, UAE , Tel: +971 4 3415005, Fax: +971 4 3414909E-mail: [email protected], www.tanseeqllc.com

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i n t e r n at i o n a l a i r p o r t


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HiA Airport City is a new 10km2 development where 200,000 people will live and work, linking the new Hamad international Airport with the city of doha, Qatar. oMA’s masterplan is a series of four circular districts along a spine parallel to the HiA runways, intended to create a strong visual identity and districts with unique identities.



Phase one of the 30-year master plan, which links airside and landside developments for business, logistics, retail, hotels, and residences, will be mostly complete in time for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Each district of Airport City will be unique within the master plan’s overall identity. The Business District will centre on a major new transport hub linking with greater Doha; the Aviation Campus will

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HIA Airport City/OMAProject: HIA Airport CityStatus: Masterplanning and Component Design StagesClient: NDIALocation: Doha, QatarSite: HIA Airport, DohaProgramme: Masterplan, Utilities & Infrastructure Implementation and Building Design


accommodate office headquarters and educational facilities for aviation authorities; the logistics district will provide cargo and warehousing facilities; and the residential district, adjacent to the new Doha bay marina, will accommodate future employees. A Green Spine connects the districts, echoing their individual identities as it runs north-south.

The landscaping scheme is a new public space for Doha that will be used by residents and tourists. A network of public spaces, gardens and plazas will stretch across the site, surrounded by a “Desert Park.”


r e s i d e n t i a l c o m m u n i t y


Ghuroob Sharooq community in MirdifSharooq & Gharoob are located in the heart of Mirdif and is one of the uAE’S top ranked neighbourhood. dubai Properties Group’s Vision has made this prime development a reality. A bustling residential community, Sharooq & Gharoob features elegantly designed and spacious villas, studios, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. the properties lies in close proximity to Emirates road and rashidiya Metro Station and ensures that commuting is never a hassle. it also offers a host of shopping, recreational and entertainment venues as it is situated in the vicinity of Mirdif Centre and uptown Mirdif Malls.

Project details: Sharooq Villas in Mirdiff are prime properties consisting of 668 villas and fifty multistory buildings with 2 BHK and 3 BHK apartments, which include state of the art community facilities.

Akar offers high quality expertise in the field of Civil, Electromechanical,

Landscaping, Irrigation, Swimming Pool, Water Features, Theming and Artificial Rockwork. Akar is backed by its parent Company, M/S Al Ansari Trading Enterprises LLC Muscat, an excellent grade contracting company which was established in the year 1975.

Over the last decade Akar has made rapid strides and has established itself as a leading player in the fields of Electro mechanical, Landscape, Irrigation and installation of high quality Swimming Pool and Water Features. The core activities of the company are directed towards improvement of the environment



surrounding us by providing not only aesthetically pleasing but also cost effective solutions for our valuable clients.

The landscape design has been enhanced by eco-friendly landscaping work recently completed by M/S Akar Technical Services Co LLC under the supervision of world renowned consultants – “Kling Consult”. The environment friendly development also treats the Irrigation water with effluent and uses solar powered energy to fuel

the automatic operation of the irrigation system. The landscape consists of total built up area of 2,94,000 Sq.mt involving total lawn & ground covers over 300,000 Sq.mt, Shrubs 58,000 Nos & Trees 1,000 Nos with spacious walkways, street furniture’s, play equipment, basketball court, small golf practice area for children, central

courtyard garden for each block, water features at roundabouts & variety of colorful plants. The majority of plants are lower water consumption types and are sustainable in local climatic conditions. The plantation has a mixed variety of flowering plants for all the seasons. It was indeed challenging to landscape this huge area especially



when you have to carry out the works in a limited time frame when the luxury residential community is occupied with residents. However, the project was completed in record time meeting the client’s aspirations of highest quality standards as per Akar’s Executive Director Mr. Sanjeev Nangia. Akar has a reputation

of a high quality expertise in the field of Civil, Electromechanical, Landscaping, Irrigation, Swimming Pool, Water Features, Theming and Artificial Rockwork. Akar is backed by its Multinational parent Group, M/S Al Ansari Trading Enterprises LLC Muscat, an excellent grade company established in the year

1975. Executive Director Mr. Sanjeev Nangia states “excellence in Quality, Safety and Environment compliance are vital to our success and growth. We as an organization continuously strive to improve our performance in these areas. Akar committed to safeguarding our employees and the environment”.


t o ta l e F F i c i e n c y

these aspects do not essentially require a workforce to expend more energy (work harder) or to multiply their numbers to

increase production. In fact with the correct implementation it may allow staff reductions and ‘reduced effort’ (in essence to achieve extra with less). These methods should work in tandem and be implemented on projects as a routine. If a workforce is expending ‘less’ energy for each individual task then this will allow them to maintain higher production levels for longer before fatigue becomes a factor. Energy should be treated similarly to materials; if it is not used properly it is ‘wasted’.

Standard procedureWhen creating a landscape it is standard procedure to construct in ‘layers’. Firstly all sub-terrain works should be implemented which may include placement of drainage, irrigation pipes and lighting cables. When these

Efficiency is the Product of better Movement, Organisation and CoordinationThese three procedures ‘must’ be taken seriously when constructing landscapes to ‘maximise’ production with ‘minimum effort (the maximin effect) which will ultimately filter through to substantial cost savings. The following is an explanation of universally accepted ‘good work practices’ which has been explained with a holistic approach to encourage a view to attaining ‘total efficiency’ in the workplace.

by daniel Mcnamara


works are complete excavations should be backfilled and compacted properly taking care ‘not’ to damage any of the underground services. The next stage is to provide sufficient excavation to allow the placement of an approved compactable material under all hardscape areas of suitable dept to support heavy loads (trafficked areas). Ensure that the material is extended at least 20 cm further than required to allow for ‘solid’ compaction in the peripheral areas (excess material can be excavated later). Following the completion of this ‘foundation’ phase it is then time to begin the ‘construction’ phase.


Construction phase (1). Construction should be actioned by setting out all shapes and borders between the various surfaces (Hardscape/softscape). The materials used for this purpose are usually concrete kerbs (road/heel kerbs). These kerbs should be placed in the correct positions and at the precise levels required. These particular works should be executed by a reduced workforce (less pressure on production) of competent ground masons with a surveyor present for setting out and checking the works as they progress to ensure accuracy. It is advisable to work with reduced numbers of ‘high quality’ manpower during this setting out phase as it is these works which will ultimately (more than any other) set the tone for the overall quality of landscape and should be done more with ‘quality’

in mind rather than ‘quantity. This approach will allow the expediting of following works.

Construction phase (2)The second construction phase is where all the hardscape areas between the kerbs are ‘filled in’. This is where the vast majority of materials are used. At this stage the workforce can be greatly increased as all the difficult setting out (brain work) has already been accomplished. It is vitally important at this point that all the required materials are accurately calculated and distributed where and when they are required. If this stage is managed properly it can greatly decrease the time required for construction along with facilitating substantial labour cost savings.

OrganisationOrganisation and allocation of materials

‘precisely’ when and where they are required is ‘vitally’ important to the success of any project. Currently in the market not enough time is given or importance attached to this issue. I have seen many instances where contractors lose so much productivity because of neglect of this simple procedure. This is never more critical than in construction phase 2. The sheer volume of materials required means with good management a project can be completed in a matter of days as opposed to weeks. Currently in many instances schedules are set but in the vast majority of cases these are not adhered to. Where a project keeps to schedule I find that the schedule was not ambitious enough.

Efficiency of workforce Inefficient movement of the individual ‘always’ compromises performance. It is for this reason that I believe



we are losing substantial production in the market in general because of an inadequately trained workforce. Do not confuse movement with progress, a rocking horse may be continually moving but it is ‘not’ making any progress. In a well-run project every movement should be productive and every action should have a constructive benefit. Efficiency of movement is a topic where the individual should be trained to a level where he carries out ‘efficient’ actions automatically ‘beneath his conscious awareness’ (auto pilot). To elaborate, an individual when performing a task repetitively should think and be trained carefully about what he is actually doing and be ‘intensely aware’ of his movements. His movement should be analysed and he should be informed where improvements are to be made. (It is surprising how quickly some people can alter their actions and work with greater purpose, fluency and increased production after only a few lessons). Progress should be monitored until the new techniques become a ‘habit’. Where improvements are required the individual should use correct, more direct and less wasteful movements. Working slowly at first while correcting the flaws and then increasing the pace of the activity. Over time the efficient actions which the individual forces himself to perform will become routine (second nature) and he will ultimately perform tasks

without thinking in much the same way as an employee on an assembly line in a factory. Incidentally I believe there is no reason why a landscape construction site cannot be run as effectively and efficiently as a factory.

Assess individual performanceWhen assessing a workforce’s abilities and enthusiasm it is important not to

solely assess collective teamwork. It is also critical to analyse individual performance. When monitoring a particular individual it is essential to be aware what the person in question actually produces on a daily basis (don’t look at what he’s doing, look at what he’s done) It must be determined if he is a productive member of your team who is fully committed or one



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who is more content to plod along producing the minimum. If the latter, the employee should be taken aside and informed that his contribution to the workplace is not acceptable. If he agrees to improve his attitude towards work then he should be given the opportunity to prove himself. If however after time he slips back into his old ways then he should be removed from the workforce without delay. Such individuals can have an ‘extremely’ unsettling influence on the larger unit. Other employees may begin to think ‘if he can get away with it so can I’. It is important to ‘penalize’ wrongdoing and slacking but it is of equal importance to ‘reward’ individuals who perform well. This penalty/reward system will have the benefit of motivating a workforce in a positive way. Once employees understand where the line is drawn it is surprising how easily it can become to manage a workforce. However the signals from management must be ‘consistent’.

Higher management’s roleHigher management should take an active part in implementing the above suggestions and make changes to the existing system where required. I have seen many instances where individuals in

management visit site and immediately question the use or neglect of materials (the obvious). However they seem completely oblivious to all the wasteful and inefficient construction practices going on around them (non-obvious), which are ultimately costing their company much more than a few metres of mis-used materials. This indicates to me that these individuals have no comprehension that ‘something is wrong’ and therefore require training

themselves. Inefficiency in the workplace is a constant and considerable ‘drag’ on profits. Although practically impossible to eradicate wasteful movement completely, from what I have observed ‘massive’ improvements could be made to the current system. I am convinced in many instances production could be greatly increased with existing resources if a workforce is trained in the art, ‘efficiency of movement’.


Management detachmentIn many of the projects I have been involved with in an inspectorate role, contracting companies higher-level management were ‘detached’ from the goings on at site. They seemed interested only in any financial benefits they could accrue. The quality of work at site seemed only to be a minor issue and not worthy of their involvement. This led to unsuitable and unmotivated individuals managing projects without scrutiny. The end result was delays, abortive works and dis-jointedness in the general performance. This is ‘not’ the way to conduct a successful business. The work at site should take precedence over ‘all’ other considerations and management should strive to achieve quality with efficiency. If this part of the business is monitored diligently then all the other aspects of the business will look after themselves.

Use the correct machineryOne machine widely in use at the moment for landscape construction (‘the Bobcat’) is not fit for purpose and totally unsuitable for the tasks which it is asked to perform. Realistically speaking it can only be classed as little more than a mechanical wheelbarrow. It may have a minor role to play but too much reliance is placed on this

machine to carry out all sorts of activities even though it is not designed for and is totally inept in its performance. The perfect replacement for these machines is the ‘small excavator’. These excavators are amazingly versatile, efficient and can ‘massively’ boost production of landscape works. They come in all sizes and are excellent when refinement is required in; excavations, soil shifting or ground grading. They can move huge amounts of material when used in unison with a Dumper. The other machines available such as JCBs, Mechanical Shovels and ground graders are all well designed and are of great benefit when used in the correct environment. However when refinement is required the small excavator has no equal.

SummaryThe suggestions, which I have made here are not actions which I ‘think’ may succeed; they are actions I ‘know’ will work if implemented correctly. Individual companies should employ the services of an ‘efficiency expert’ to analyse their current activities and suggest where improvements can be made. They can also (over time) have one or more of their own employees educated to carry out this role. To achieve an ‘efficient system of work’ will allow a company to be more competitive in comparison to their peers and make the impossible possible, the hard easy, and the easy elegant. This will facilitate expansion and force the competition to raise their standards if they wish to compete. This will in turn lead to a general improvement in the standards of landscape construction. Ultimately these improvements will be of benefit to both construction professionals and end users alike.



A VISION OF BEITEDDINE VILLAGEWhile the cement and asphalt consume the Lebanese ground, the lack of urban planning is creating an eraser effect whilst devouring the image we had of it in our collective memory. The risk is slowly but surely attaining the point of no return. The significant potential of Beiteddine village, being cultural, or natural, has triggered the decision of my choice to develop the town. Beiteddine

in itself prompts a desire and an urge to design, and presents a huge opportunity of development, economically, socially, and ecologically, hence creating a prospective for sustainable growth. The village is an amalgam of historical status, a relatively preserved environment, and lately a renowned eminence internationally, because of the cultural activities created by the Beiteddine International Festival. But, despite all this potential, it is still nevertheless

relatively ephemeral and still not durable economically and culturally.

A CULTURAL AND SOCIAL CONNECTION WITH AN ECONOMICAL AND SUSTAINABLE FORESIGHTThe main objective of this project is first to take advantage of the village’s available potential by creating a design, which enhances Beiteddine globally, and more particularly with the development of a park that contributes

design project by Ghada Torbey presented for a masters degree in landscape architecture at inStitut d’urbAniSME dE l’AlbA université de balamand, lebanon, award of excellence, february 2013.

s u s ta i n a B l e F o r e s i g h t

Background and Conceptual Approach

beiteddine village 285 ha., beiteddine Park limits in red, 28.2 ha.


Beiteddine Park

beiteddine Palace classified historical monument in 1934, and where the beiteddine international festivals take place

inspirational view and impressive scale of cypress trees in the private garden of the beiteddine Palace

Particular architectural form of existing water feature in Mir Amin Palace



to the sustainable aims to be achieved.Two main objectives: - A strategic landscape plan of Beiteddine village, which will be a response to one of the recommendations of the urban plan zoning of Beiteddine, and gives an additional dimension to the scheme, with a landscape approach. - The Beiteddine International Festival, which is an opportunity and a challenge, and is now the main attraction of Beiteddine village.The outcome of the project is the development of Beiteddine village (285 hectares) located in the renowned picturesque Shouf area, and the creation of a 28.2 hectares public park that extends beyond the private gardens of the Beiteddine palace, which conserves and reflects the cultural and historical heritage of the place and sustains the identity of the Lebanese landscape. The park will be a continuous celebration and not anymore ephemeral, a cultural festival, enclosed in a bigger scale.

NATURAL AND CULTURAL IDENTITY AND LANDMARKSIt is indisputable that the region we are investigating is a remarkable area, not only is it what we personally see and feel when on site presently, but even through history it has been appreciated. The French poet Alphonse de Lamartine described the Lebanese landscape at the time of Mir Bashir’s reign, in his work ‘Voyage en Orient’ in

Beiteddine Park Master Plan

new amphitheatre, where the stage becomes a reflective pool off festival period, and the orchestra area a projection screen

4 seasons garden: spring, summer, autumn and winter

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n at u r a l l a n d s c a p e

1833 “Jamais cette vallée ne s’effacera de mon imagination. Cette terre a du être la première, la terre de la poésie terrible et des lamentations humaines”. The site has lost nothing of its natural fascinations; it still provides very strong feelings to anyone who visits it.

GENERAL CONCEPTThe outcome of the design should be a public park that links and encompasses the five historical monuments (5 existing historical palaces), and the creation of an amphitheater, a central artifact which by its design and over the time, would be of the same importance as the historical sites, it will be furthermore a supplementary attraction to the visitors by it’s modernity. This amphitheater will be the central contemporary essential piece of the plan that will be visited not only during festival period, where it would serve as an amphitheater, but all year round.

Beiteddine Park Master PlanAmphitheatreA NEW MODERN ARTIFACT

The new amphitheatre is the core or nucleus of the park, designed as an artifact, a modern central equipment. It is a contemporary design in its materials and functions, but inspired by the ancient roman theatre as described by Vitruvius. It has multi functions and an interest all year round and not only during the festival period where it has a capacity to welcome over 4000 spectators.

4 Seasons GardenSHIFTING SEASONS AND PANORAMASThe 4 Seasons Garden is situated in a way to be admired first from the amphitheatre, which when seated on the tiers, visitors can experience a different colour palette at whichever season they come, second from all around it, by creating a colourful frame and an abstract painting. Even in winter the garden shall still show radiant colours, while the choice of plants and the varieties used are native, and the water requirements of each plant and their association together, responds to a well-premeditated sustainable design.

FunicularPERFECT CONNECTION SOLUTIONThe Beiteddine funicular links the 3 palaces at the lower level of the village to the other 2 situated in the upper area. The perfect slope was made use off with the perfect topography. It is an inclined plane composed of one cantilevered cabin, which can contain up to 33 passengers. The horizontal length of the track is 107m. it will take around 2 seconds at a speed of 3 m/sec to link the whole. Hence creating an all-pedestrian link between the 5 palaces and the new amphitheatre.

Akhwat Shanaii GardenBRING IN THE WATERAkhwat Shanaii was the Prince’s fool, which had the genius idea of how to channel water from Nabeh el Safa to the palace. This story was the basic inspiration of this design, the movement of the water created from the fountains, recreates an impression of flow and waves cascading into the palace’s interior. In order to add even more symbolic meanings to the


Panoramic view from cantilevered funicular cabin

View of the spring surrounded by the

impressive cypress trees scale while

enjoying the 4 seasons garden

bicycle track circulating through vineyard canopy


design, and enhance the senses of the visitor, mist is another mood recreating the hammams activities, while at night, the colourful LED lighting remind us of the stained glass ornaments.

Darb El Mir Water FeatureA MEDITATIVE JOURNEYAnother important landmark, which symbolizes the promenade that links

Beiteddine Palace to the natural spring at the bottom of the hill, the recreation of the track called Darb el Mir, a track that Mir Bashir used to take.

Vineyard | Bicycle Track | Tree Houses | Picnic AreaPLEASURE AND TASTEThe vineyard is planned in order to create economical activities. Since the

design is meant to be multifunctional, and visitors are destined to experience nonstop events, the vineyard is also the track to perform bicycle activities. Tree houses are implemented in that particular space, an area that overlooks the valley, and which enables close contact with nature, and offer planned areas for picnic and relaxation all year round.

fountain movement and mist experience in Akhwat Sanaii’s garden


ARTICLE 7

i n t e r n at i o n a l d e s i g n s

Craig de necker - the friendly Plant (Pty) ltd

JohannesburgSouth Africa


ARTICLE 7

this project is located in an upmarket suburb in western Johannesburg, South Africa. The property is situated next

to a small hill that provides a natural element to the area.

Our client wanted to make better use of the space, which was simply a paved patio at the time that they approached us. They wanted to incorporate a small plunge pool in the area as well as a fire pit as the client entertains regularly and wanted a showpiece that would serve the needs of their family as well as provide a venue for gathering people together.

Much of the entertaining takes place in the evening or at least lasts until late in the evening and therefore lighting would play an important role in the design of this garden.

The area to be designed was not very big and we had to create a number of features within this space. Our design would join onto the existing house and should therefore not look like an ‘add-on’. We had to design the space to fit in with the existing architectural style of the house, which included using sandstone cladding tiles and some steelwork.

We used lighting to accentuate our design and to create ambient light in the area to surround the space, making it a relaxing and comfortable environment.

We made use of light lamps on pillars at the two entrance points to the patio from the garden. These provide soft light and can be used together with the other lights or separately.


The focal point of the garden is a plunge pool that we created in the middle of the space. The pool is part sunken into the ground and part above ground. The pool is accessible via a number of small steps that rise from the patio up to the water’s edge.

We used tiles with bullnoses to accentuate the steps as a design feature. The bullnose edge of the tiles provided us the perfect space to make use of LED ribbon lights. These illuminate underneath the top step and provide a glow around the pool. The pool light is also LED and provides a vivid blue light that works particularly well with the blue glass mosaic used in the pool.

A column stretches up towards the sky on either side of the pool. They are clad with sandstone tiles and we



placed uplights at the base of each column on both the house side and the garden side. These lights create a dramatic effect, showing the texture of the sandstone tiles, which are hand-chipped to shape.

We designed and constructed a fire pit next to the pool at the edge of the existing patio. The fire pit uses bio-fuel to create a smokeless, odorless flame that has a rich orange colour. We used a custom-fabricated sheet of smoked glass in the fire pit which has a cut-out that the fire pit drops into.

The fire pit also has LED ribbon light hidden around the inside, under the glass. This emits a glow of light around the fire pit and lights up decorative pebbles covering the pit below. The lighting in this garden creates a comfortable surrounding glow, illuminating the focal points of the area and providing a comfortable atmosphere in which to relax or entertain.

Contributor from:Craig de Necker - The Friendly Plant (Pty) Ltd


i n t e r v i e w

Can you please give us a brief description about you & your educational background?I was born in Egypt but lived in Saudi Arabia for more than 13 years. I returned to Egypt to study in the University of Mansura and graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Sciences and Specialization in Management of Agriculture Projects.

Can you please highlight your past experience in the GCC region?I have 10 years of worthy work experience in the GCC in the construction industry. I have been involved in infrastructure works and the Landscaping Industry with different companies and undertaking different kind of projects such as Housing and Communities, Parks and Streets and Hotel projects.

When did your company first set up business in the region? Ghantoot Landscaping is a premier provider of landscape construction and maintenance services for more than 12 Years. The company regenerated themselves in 2001 and has delivered exceptional services through emphasis on quality works, materials, attention to detail and timely completion of projects. Ghantoot Landscaping offers a performance -driven approach; we respond to and serve our clients with creative landscape solutions that exceed expectations.

What are your company’s main activities and services?Ghantoot Landscaping carry out all the external outdoor landscaping activities for both Public and Private Sectors including:

Engr. Mohammad Sadat Khattaboperation Manager

i www.landscape-me.com i June 201360

Ghantoot landscaping

Conceptual Drawings and Animation, Architectural Design, Soft and Hard Landscape, Irrigation, Swimming Pools, Water Features – Artificial Lakes, Lighting, Shade Structure, Pergolas and Gazebos.

How has your business expanded since its inception?Since its inception in 2001, and as a part of social impact mandate, our company has contributed to many public and government projects in the development of making the UAE a greener space. We offer a performance – driven approach and we are giving our customers a huge bang for their buck, who continually acquire our services in part because of our social mandate and our sense of professionalism.

What are the main challenges of doing business in the current Middle East market?Personally I can see many challenges but the most significant one is to add more green in cities and residential projects in a way that allows unique design alongside water efficiency. Both the public and private sector have plans to enhance the green areas in cities and in residential communities but the main point of this is how are we going to achieve it in a way that the margin cost will be low, as well as the cost of the materials and of course with the minimum amount of water consumption. Both sectors are interested in more green space but there are several issues such as the climate difficulties and the recent financial situation that require actions from both sides and solutions that have yet to be put on the table.

In your opinion, what changes need to be adopted in the GCC landscaping industry to become on a par with the rest of the world?It is important the public and private sectors realize the importance of water saving and

arrange a budget for that as a long term Investment. Personally I consider that as a worldwide issue and not just a priority here in the Middle East where water is precious. Let me also mention that there is a need to upgrade the level of design and the materials used during construction as well as a need for improved workmanship and better training for landscape workers on site so they have better knowledge of how to use equipment to prevent water loss. How important is it for the regional landscaping industry to adhere to International standards when completing projects?The international standards must be adjusted to the regional/local conditions and constraints. The quality standards must be strictly adhered to by all companies. How do you your company fulfill its commitments to water conservation?Ghantoot is one of the first landscaping companies to have launched and used water retention materials. The newest and most recent project that where we used these materials and designed according to high design standards for water conservation was in Jumeirah Village II in Dubai. To fulfill our commitments to water conservation, we pursued the conceptual design committed to protecting water quality and reducing consumption by using energy star-rated appliances, fixtures, lighting and equipment, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.

What are some of the major projects that you have been involved with in the past years?Some of the most important projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been Al Falah Community, Jumeirah Village II South Triangle, Jumeirah Islands, Green

Communities and International City. In the Public Sector example: One part of Al Marfa Corniche Abu Dhabi. In the Private Sector HH Sheikh Hamdan’s Palace, Hotels such as Rocco Forte Hotel and the Ritz Carlton.

Please outline your company’s plans for the future including new products and developments?As a fast growing company every day we face a new challenge in front of us and personally I cannot consider anything more inspirational than to outline the future plans and projects for our company. If we talk about the mission for the upcoming years I have to tell you that I can clearly say that includes an expansion of our landscape works in the fast growing market of Qatar, in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Iraq. Our Vision is to bring the company to a level that we would fulfill even the most demanding and outstanding customers’ expectations. As the Head of Ghantoot Landscape Division we have clearly set out that no one of our team is going to be satisfied if we do not increase our business by a significant percentage for the regional market. Furthermore we are introducing the ‘Green Cities’ and ‘Green Buildings Idea’ to our potential customers as we find it really innovative and according to this, one of our plans is to utilize as much as we can our Green Manicure Services.

What special memories would you like to share with landscape magazine readers?For sure I have plenty of memories during my 10 years in the industry, but I will share with you the strongest memory that always comes to my mind when we finalize and deliver a project. To see an abandoned area, sometimes full of dessert or surrounded by huge buildings and turn it into a small ‘’paradise’’ is always a strong memory that makes you forget all the difficulties

i www.landscape-me.com i June 2013 6�

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6� i www.landscape-me.com i June 2013

Eirini Karameri Xenakis, the Marketing Manager of Ghantoot landscape shares her thoughts on the industry with landscape magazine.

that you have faced during construction and execution. Creating life is an enormous feeling and green is life especially when I can see people enjoying it even something like a small garden or a park. It is not only the well designed home or commercial landscape that is aesthetically pleasing and functional that offers pleasure to families and enhances the neighborhoods, but for me the best reward is the smile of the people when they see that our vision is reality.

What future opportunities related to the landscape and irrigation business do you foresee in the coming years?I strongly believe that we are in the era of big opportunities in the construction industry in the UAE compared to the previous difficult economical period. I believe that new doors are open in both the construction and landscape Industry. We also have the fast moving Qatar construction industry that is now started and for the next 10 years it will be progressing and of course other opportunities can be found in other GCC countries. As I said before the UAE is recovering and I am sure that something new and better is coming. Landscape is now more necessary in our daily lives than ever before, we welcome new ideas, inspirational designs, modern designs and better-trained architects. I am expecting to see the development of green cities and the green buildings as I mentioned before not only because it is a world trend but because the people are warned about the significant importance of the climate change and dangers if we don’t act now.

Can you please give us a brief description about you and your educational background?I was born and brought up in Athens, Greece and I hold a Bachelor Degree in Marketing Communication and Mass Media, however my specialization is in Customer’s Psychology.

What are the main challenges of doing business in the current Middle East market?

The UAE construction industry is witnessing fast growth with a number of ongoing projects, investment into green open spaces and strong government support. According to what Eng. Sadat expressed, every new project for us is a new challenge, is a new way to express the imagination and the creativity of every customer’s needs. For us it is important to keep the UAE segmentation modern, and innovative has to be compatible with the heritage of this country.

In your opinion, what changes need to be adopted in the GCC landscaping industry to become on a par with the rest of the world?We cannot close our eyes to the ‘’new and to the ‘’innovative or ‘’modern trends’’ People nowadays are warned about anything innovative and new as they have access to social media and internet. By exploring the projects throughout the world you create new images and new opinions about landscape design that you would like to explore further in your own projects. For me personally, I believe it is necessary to always be searching for new designs and new materials that are high quality but more cost efficient for the customer. My own belief is that a place like the UAE with such a rich heritage should be an inspiration to us all in order to offer the modern with the traditional to all of our customers who want it.

How important is it for the regional landscaping industry to adhere to International standards when completing projects?It is a must, especially over the past few years as we’ve felt the influence of globalization. Furthermore a multinational environment as the one that we face in the UAE expects us to be compatible the rest of the world’s landscaping industry. Landscaping has trends and new ideas and of course new technologies so we must keep up to date with these but also be a leader in developing them.

Please outline your company’s plans for the future including new products and developments?We are getting bigger and stronger. In a market that has recently recovered from the crisis it is necessary to show a strong come back. We realized that this come back would be successful only if we are successful as a team. So we strengthened our team by employing professional architects who specialize in landscape design and we focused on young, talented and high qualifiedly engineers and we built a very competitive team as a result.


gardens By the Bay

City in a Garden


City in a Garden

G ardens by the Bay is one of the largest garden projects of its kind in the world. 101

hectares comprises three distinct gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central - located on reclaimed land in Singapore’s new downtown at Marina Bay. The project is an integral part of Singapore’s “City in a Garden” vision, designed to raise the profile of the city globally whilst showcasing the best of horticulture and garden artistry.


gardens By the Bay

Acclaimed worldwide for its remarkable blend of nature, technology, environmental management and imagination highlights of Bay South include 18 Supertrees (25-50 metre vertical gardens that light up at night); two giant Cooled Conservatories housing Mediterranean and tropical climate plants; and a rich variety of horticultural gardens, designed around the themes ‘Plants and People’ and ‘Plants and Planet’.

www.grant-associates.uk.com


The Irrigation Innovators

M E S C

TECNIDRO


middleeasttenders.com +971 2 634 8495New & Ongoing ProjectsProject name description Client Country Consultant Contractor Budget

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Hotel Residences tower Project - dubai maritime

City development

Construction of a new luxury tower consisting of serviced hotel residences at dubai maritime City development.

damac Properties (dubai) uae n/a n/a n/a new Project

district One development Project - mohammed Bin

Rashid City

development of district One scheme comprising (1,500) villas and a 350,000 square metre water park.

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Frontier town development Project - Phase 2

development of Frontier town, covering 29 hectares and comprising (446) homes, a shopping mall, a wholesale

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Oman tourism development Company

s.a.O.C (Omran)Oman n/a n/a n/a new Project

abu dhabi traditional souq Project

Build-operate-transfer (BOt) contract to build traditional souq in abu dhabi.

department of municipal affairs - abu

dhabi municipalityuae n/a n/a n/a new Project

muharraq theme Park Project

Construction of a theme Park featuring an ice arena, aquarium, karting track and amusement rides, including

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muharraq municipality (Bahrain)

Bahrain n/a n/a 47000000 new Project

Riyadh medical City Project

development of Riyadh medical City comprising specialist hospitals for mental health, treatment of addiction and a 580-bed gynecology and obstetrics hospital, information

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ministry of interior (saudi arabia) saudi arabia n/a aBV Rock Group (saudi

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nmC specialty Hospital Project - Khalifa City

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new medical Centre Group - nmC (abu

dhabi)uae

society technology

House Consultant (abu dhabi)

larsen & toubro ltd. (abu dhabi) 200000000 Current Project

sohar sugar Refinery Project

Construction of a 1-million-tonne capacity sugar refinery at sohar.

sohar industrial Port Company - siPC

(Oman)Oman n/a Bosch Projects (south africa) 200000000 Current Project

led lighting systems Factory Project

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Qatar intermediate industries Holding

Company ltd. (Qatar)Qatar n/a n/a 36000000 new Project

High-Voltage Power & Fibre Optic Plant Project

engineering, procurement and construction (ePC) contract to build high voltage power and fibre-optic plant.

aslaa General trading &

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design, Procurement, Construction, Operation and maintenance of a crude oil export pipeline with capacity

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state Company for Oil Projects - sCOP

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muscat - sohar Pipeline Project

Construction of a new 280-kilometre-long pipeline to connect sohar and muscat refineries.

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Oman n/aCompania logistica de Hidrocarburos ClH s.a

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Warehouse development Project - Bahrain investment Wharf

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distribution centre.

majaal Warehouse Company (Bahrain) Bahrain

mohammed salahuddin Consulting

engineering Bureau - msCeB

(Bahrain)

abdulaal Construction services (aCs) - Bahrain 45000000 Current Project

medina metro ProjectConstruction of an urban metro system in medina

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madinah development authority (saudi

arabia)saudi arabia n/a n/a 1000000000 new Project

Railway terminal Project - Jebel ali Port Construction of a railway terminal within a port. dP World (dubai) uae n/a n/a n/a new Project

sultan Qaboos medical City Project

Construction of sultan Qaboos medical City comprising more than (2,000) beds and five specialist tertiary hospitals.

ministry of Health (Oman) Oman n/a n/a 1000000000 new Project

Fujairah 3 iWPP ProjectConstruction of a independent water and power project

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abu dhabi Water & electricity authority

(adWea)uae n/a n/a n/a new Project

Photovoltaic Farm Construction Project

- Beirut River solar snake - Phase 1

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lebanese Centre for energy Conservation

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subsea Facilities Construction - West delta deep marine Gas

Concession

engineering, Procurement, installation, Pre-commissioning and Commissioning support for subsea

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Burullus Gas Company (egypt) egypt n/a saipem s.p.a (egypt) n/a Current Project

Bahrain Water transmission development

Project

Carrying out upgrading and expansion of water supply system through construction and equipping of water

stations, pumping stations, transmission and distribution pipelines and ancillaries.

ministry of electricity & Water (Bahrain) Bahrain n/a n/a 650000000 new Project

millennium estates development Project

development of millennium estates residential scheme comprising luxury villas. meydan l.l.C (dubai) uae n/a n/a 326000000 new Project

doubletree by Hilton Hotel Project - al Khobar

Construction of doubletree by Hilton Hotel comprising (158) rooms featuring a variety of business and leisure amenities, including extensive meeting facilities of two

boardrooms, a conference hall and two meeting rooms as well as a health club and swimming pool, two appealing

restaurants and a lounge.

Hamad abdul aziz al mousa trading (saudi

arabia)

saudi arabia n/a

Hamad bin abdulaziz al mousa Group (saudi

arabia)n/a

Current Project

Riyadh Glass Plant expansion Project expansion of a glass plant in Riyadh.

national Company for Glass industries

- ZOuJaJ (saudi arabia)

saudi arabia n/a

amana Contracting & steel Buildings Company (saudi

arabia)12000000 Current Project


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