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This month’s issue brings together diverse perspectives that remind us of the depth and breadth of landscape and architectural practice in our region and beyond. At the core of every story is the question of how we design for people, culture, and climate in ways that endure.
In this issue, Kerem Cengiz of LWK + PARTNERS, explaines how architecture can be a cultural language one that dissolves the boundary between inside and outside, technology and tradition, ambition and identity. His reflections set the tone for an issue that consistently returns to balance.
From Abu Dhabi’s new coastal villas, where indoor–outdoor living and communal green cores redefine luxury, to Dr. Hatem Diab’s efforts in Egypt to enhance the “visual and mental image” of cities for both residents and visitors, we see design shaping not just spaces but the very experience of urban life.
We also follow the journey of Dima Rachid, whose practice blends resilience with purpose, advocating for a profession that is as persuasive as it is creative. Her call for embedding ecological intelligence in every decision resonates strongly with Fadi Masoud’s research, which reclaims the edge of our coasts and deserts through climate-responsive design.
Innovation is another thread running through these pages. From Maks Udov’s DRILL 2 FILL method, offering new hope for mature urban trees, to Dr. Haroon Ur Rashid’s technical review on carbon credits and the role of landscape professionals, we are reminded that sustainability is as much about scientific rigor as it is about vision.
Closer to home, the Tilal Al Ghaf development showcases how native heritage the ghaf tree can anchor a community in both identity and environmental responsibility, while projects like Nivasa’s Prakriti Marg home demonstrate how intimate scales of design are equally powerful in shaping connection and character.
Together, these stories reflect a profession in motion: crossing borders, scaling from micro to macro, and always returning to the essential relationship between nature and community.
As ever, we invite you to read, reflect, and reimagine how landscapes can continue to inspire and transform the way we live.
Enjoy the issue
Managing Partner: Ziad Maarouf Amine
Copy Editor: John Hampton Phillip Higgins
Administrative Assistance: Sarry Gan
Art Director: Ramon Andaya
Contributors:
Justine Dowsing, Haroon Rashid, Kerem Cengiz, Josefine Becker, Hatem Diab, Dima Rachid, Maks Udov, Saba Kapoor and Rohit Kapoor
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Tilal Al Ghaf: A Landscape Rooted in Context and Community
By: Cracknell cracknell.com
The site that is now home to Tilal Al Ghaf was, a few years ago, defined by gently rolling desert dunes punctuated by the rugged silhouettes of mature ghaf trees. These resilient native trees, deeply rooted in Emirati heritage, became the conceptual anchor of a visionary masterplan that sought to transform this landscape into a thriving residential community defined by sustainability, connectivity and a high-quality lifestyle. Commissioned by Majid Al Futtaim, Tilal Al Ghaf is one of Dubai’s most recognisable residential destinations, even described by one resident in a Google review as “the best new community in Dubai.”
Bringing onboard their deep understanding of place-making and environmental context, Cracknell helped define both the landscape strategy and the broader masterplan to reflect a connected, modern lifestyle grounded in natural history. Split into 16 neighbourhoods, each with its own defining character, and featuring an extensive network of shaded trails and parks and a central lagoon and beach, the development is a layered and deliberate response to both place and purpose. With a long-standing relationship that includes projects such as Al Mouj in Muscat and Al Zahia in Sharjah, Cracknell’s ongoing collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim reflects a shared vision for meaningful, people-centred environments.
Spanning over 300 hectares, Tilal Al Ghaf is a mixeduse lifestyle destination that reimagines suburban living in Dubai. The name, meaning “Ghaf Hills,” pays tribute to the native tree that inspired the project’s identity and
principles. Often seen as a symbol of endurance and togetherness, the ghaf tree represents a place to pause, to gather, and to feel a sense of belonging. That spirit is embedded in the community’s open spaces, social landscapes, and understated visual language.
“Tilal Al Ghaf was shaped by Majid Al Futtaim’s clear and ambitious vision to create more than just a place to live,” says Cracknell’s Design Director for Tilal Al Ghaf, Daniel Thomson. “We set out to design a landscape rooted in wellness and healthy living - somewhere people could escape to. That intent comes through in the strength of the placemaking and the quality it brings to everyday life.”
From early design considerations through to construction, the majority of the site’s existing ghaf trees were either retained or relocated within the development. The ghaf leaf was also stylised into a simple, elegant motif that features across site furniture such as benches, bins, and lighting elements, subtly reinforcing the project’s identity. This vision is further expressed through the strategic placement of ghaf trees at key nodes and arrival areas, where they serve as natural wayfinding elements and visual anchors within the landscape.
Translating the project’s vision into the daily experience began with a clear focus on movement and connectivity. Micromobility was a key consideration from the outset. The masterplan includes a cohesive network of shared pedestrian and cycle paths designed to promote an active, community-oriented lifestyle. A dedicated inter-
neighbourhood trail, known as the ‘Tilal Al Ghaf Trail’, runs alongside the development’s major parks and shaded sikkas, and is wide enough to comfortably accommodate bikes, scooters, and pedestrians. Lined with ghaf trees and layered planting, these sikkas offer much- needed shade and respite, creating a noticeably cooler microclimate than adjacent exposed areas. The temperature difference is largely the result of dense canopy cover that reduces solar exposure and encourages airflow, making these sikkas lush, walkable corridors that seamlessly enhance pedestrian connectivity across the various communities of Tilal Al Ghaf.
At the heart of the community lies the Ghaf Lagoon. This crystal-clear body of water serves as the defining central feature and a recreational and social landmark of the development. It is bordered in some areas by naturalistic sandy beaches that offer a casual, resortlike feel for residents. These beaches provide space for sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and informal gathering. The lagoon also supports a range of waterbased activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding, and further activation and atmosphere will be provided by a floating cinema and play areas.
As one of the first built components on site, Cracknell also led the design and delivery of the Sales Experience Centre, which included the sales pavilion, a park, and the first set of show homes. This early phase provided potential residents and visitors with a fully immersive experience of the project’s vision, allowing them to engage with the community’s public realm and landscape character long before full development was complete. This experiential approach to pre-sales has since been adopted by several other developers in the region, reflecting its effectiveness in communicating design value.
Adjacent to the lagoon is a large green space called Lagoon Park, designed for relaxation, community events, and active play. At its centre is a large lawn with amphitheatre-style seating, offering flexibility for everything from informal picnics to cultural performances. Nearby, an entertainment hub (currently under construction) will introduce a wide variety of wet and dry play areas, sports courts, and fitness zones. Where the park meets the lagoon, the landscape transitions into a resort-like beach that will feature cabanas, loungers and shaded spaces for unwinding. The overall experience reflects a careful layering of
Shaded sikkas that form part of the micromobility network in Tilal Al Ghaf
The heart of Tilal Al Ghaf - featuring the Sales Experience Centre, Lagoon Park, amphitheatre-style lawns, community beaches, and the central Ghaf Lagoon.
Each neighbourhood at Tilal
includes its own recreational spaces such as pocket parks, pools and play areas.
Al Ghaf
Outdoor play elements such as splash pads, table tennis and sports courts are thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, offering spaces for recreation across age groups. The play areas are step-free with accessible play equipment to ensure inclusivity. Sculptural totems inspired by native wildlife often mark these zones, adding a playful sense of identity and improving wayfinding.
programme, landscape, and social intent, offering residents everyday access to spaces that feel both energising and restorative.
Each of the neighbourhoods within Tilal Al Ghaf is served by its own network of community parks and recreational areas. These parks are designed to be inclusive and step-free, ensuring accessibility for all. Play areas include equipment suitable for wheelchair users and feature a mix of traditional and nature-based play. Much of the play equipment follows a timber aesthetic that complements the natural surroundings. Locally sourced natural rocks are informally arranged for seating, parent supervision, natural play and spatial enclosure. In the sports areas, acrylic surfacing has been used not only for its performance qualities but also for its strong visual impact. Bright colours and dynamic patterns are embedded into the surfaces to distinguish zones for table tennis, paddle tennis, basketball and running tracks. Inspirational words and playful graphics are woven into the design to promote activity, inclusivity and a sense of energy.
The planting strategy at Tilal Al Ghaf combines waterwise design with a structured, visually engaging palette. The Ghaf trees are supported by secondary layers of native and adaptive trees with flowering and colourful
species used as accents to bring vibrancy to key areas. The understorey focuses on character and form, with tall shrubs providing structure, ornamental grasses sweeping en masse and colourful foliage drawing the eye at key points. Buffer areas are planted with fringe desert species to maintain a natural transition with the context. Closer to the lagoon, the planting palette shifts to introduce a more tropical character, with tall palms such as Washingtonia robusta and Cocos nucifera enhancing the resort-like atmosphere. Species selection and placement are guided throughout by water-wise principles, supporting long-term sustainability while offering seasonal variety and richness.
Wayfinding was treated as an integral part of the design. An extensive palette of paving patterns was used to create clear differentiation across the different landscape zones and typologies. Planted at key nodes, the mature Ghaf trees act as informal navigational markers, guiding movement naturally through the site. These are complemented by feature paving treatments that help announce important thresholds, such as open space entrances, community gateways, and key intersections. Together, these elements contribute to a navigable and visually coherent public realm.
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Human-scale art installations provide further points of interest across the landscape. Totem sculptures representing native fauna such as the Arabian fox, falcon, and desert lizard are strategically positioned at key junctions. These were designed in collaboration with Cracknell and serve not only as local landmarks but also as storytelling devices that anchor the community in its ecological and cultural context.
Throughout the design and delivery process, sustainability principles guided design decisions. For example, near the primary arrival area, feature retention ponds act as an integrated piece of environmental infrastructure. Underpinned by research from detailed flooding studies, the ponds’ design serves not only as a visual statement but also as a stormwater management system that enhances the site’s resilience.
Large feature trees in the arrival area, planted in raised pots due to underground utility constraints, blend seamlessly with the surrounding in-ground trees. This layered landscape strategy ensures that design quality is never sacrificed in favour of technical necessity.
Tilal Al Ghaf has achieved BREEAM Excellent certification for its placemaking approach, making it one of the first large-scale communities in the region to receive this
distinction. Strategies to reduce environmental impact were embedded across disciplines. These include energy-efficient lighting, smart irrigation systems, lowimpact materials, and integrated stormwater solutions. The landscape design plays a central role in this sustainability framework, delivering both environmental performance and long-term social value.
As Dubai continues to grow, Tilal Al Ghaf offers an example of how residential development can prioritise liveability without losing sight of character or environmental responsibility. Its public realm, layered amenities, and landscape-led planning support a lifestyle that feels connected, intentional, and responsive to context.
Cracknell’s role across landscape design and master planning helped translate these ambitions into spatial reality. From the quiet presence of the Ghaf trees to the rhythm of shared spaces, Tilal Al Ghaf is a landscape that feels rooted - in place, in purpose, and in design.
Client: Majid Al Futtaim
Lead Landscape Architects: Cracknell
Photography: All project photography by Alessandro Merati © Cracknell
Architecture as a Cultural Language
An Interview with Kerem Cengiz Managing Director of LWK + PARTNERS
Kerem has always believed that architecture is more than the arrangement of form and function. It is a cultural language, one that tells us who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. As Managing Director of LWK + PARTNERS in the Middle East and a board member of C Cheng Technology, he has built a career that spans continents, contexts, and cultures. From London’s design traditions to the raw ambition of Dubai and Riyadh, his journey reflects both adaptability and vision.
For Kerem, design is never universal. It is always contextual, shaped by people, place, purpose, and commerce. His leadership is defined by an ability to bridge cultures and disciplines, building practices that are responsive to their environment while keeping the human experience at the center. Today, at the peak of his career, he reflects on a life shaped by international practice, personal challenges, and a deep commitment to the idea that architecture begins outside and flows inward, always in dialogue with landscape and nature.
A Journey Across Cultures
Kerem’s career was born in London, steeped in architectural rigor and the weight of history. But it was the turbulence of the 1990s post-Soviet states that first shaped his adaptability. “At the end of my undergraduate studies, the UK was in recession. I stepped out and went to work in Russia, just after the system collapsed. It was like the Wild West,” he recalls. That period opened his eyes not only to the global industry but to the realities of cultural negotiation.
He later established studios in Kyiv, led practices in Melbourne, and eventually landed in Dubai. Each place carried lessons: London offered discipline, Melbourne offered openness, and the Middle East offered courage. “I don’t feel British, I don’t feel Turkish, I feel Kerem, in the place I’m at,” he reflects. “Wherever I lay my hat, it’s home.” This mindset has allowed him to lead companies across borders without imposing a singular design identity. Instead, he adapts. “I’ve never tried to be a ‘British architect,’” he explains. “I’ve just tried to be Kerem, running a company relevant to its context.”
Building LWK + PARTNERS in the Middle East
When Kerem joined LWK + PARTNERS in 2018 to establish its presence in the Middle East, the challenge was formidable. Few in the region were familiar with the LWK brand, competition was fierce, and the UAE market was slowing. “We had to hit the ground running,” he recalls. By assembling a senior team, investing heavily in marketing, and establishing trust with clients quickly, the firm gained traction. Projects such as Emaar’s Burj Crown became defining early milestones.
Then came COVID-19. While many firms struggled, Kerem kept LWK + PARTNERS nimble. “We redrew the business plan every six months,” he says. “Adaptability is what kept us alive.” The office survived the lean years by building strong partnerships and maintaining a lean structure. “We grew during that period, not by scale but by resilience,” he explains. “It was hand-to-mouth at times, but the team bought in. We came out stronger.” Today, LWK + PARTNERS is embedded in the region’s design landscape, contributing to projects across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond.
Leading with Strategy and Vision
Kerem is the first to admit that his role goes beyond design. “I sometimes say my role is less about being ‘the architect’ and more about being ‘the architect of opportunity,’” he explains. Strategy, systems, and financial discipline are as important as the sketch. “A practice is like a city, you need structure and governance if you want beauty and spontaneity to thrive.”
This philosophy was sharpened after a mini stroke two years ago forced him to rethink leadership. He stepped back from micromanagement and empowered younger leaders in the firm.
“It made me focus on what’s important,” he says. “Life is not about doing everything yourself. It’s about building others up.”
From the Outside In – A Seamless Continuum
For Kerem, architecture begins with the environment, not the building. “We live outside. Our historical condition as humans is to be in the wild. The door should not be the line where landscape stops it should be part of the flow.” He rejects the rigid “insideout” versus “outside-in” debate. Instead, he views architecture, landscape, and urban design as a single continuum. “One dictates the other. Our challenge is to dissolve those boundaries.”
This conviction is rooted in friendships with landscape architects and a personal fascination with ornamental gardens. He often refers to Satoyama, the Japanese idea of harmony between people and nature. “It’s about sustaining yourself in balance with the land. I want to retire in that way, living closer to nature.” For him, landscape is not an accessory but a vital part of wellbeing. “We don’t just need beautiful public spaces we need spaces that give people catharsis, that help them breathe in cities like Dubai.”
Technology – Useful but Invisible
Kerem is deeply engaged with construction technology through LWK + PARTNERS’ sister company C Cheng Technology. He has long advocated for BIM, IoT, and AI as essential tools for the future of urbanism. But he insists on balance. “Technology is great as long as it’s invisible,” he argues. “The best cities are the ones where you don’t feel the tech, but you feel the benefit: a cooler street, healthier air, a shorter commute.”
He warns against fetishizing technology. “It’s a means, not an end. Technology must amplify, not replace, the fundamentals of human and ecological values.”
Sustainability and Cultural Identity
Kerem is pragmatic about sustainability. For him, the answers aren’t only in new technology but in rediscovering older wisdom. “Before rushing to high-tech fixes, we should relearn from our traditions courtyards, shading, wind towers. Why are we freezing ourselves indoors at 16 degrees when we once lived without air conditioning altogether?”
He believes sustainability and cultural identity must be woven together. “This isn’t nostalgia, it’s continuity. Understanding how people lived 200 years ago gives us clues for today. Local traditions, adapted for modern contexts, help us create buildings that respond to both climate and culture.”
Beyond the Boardroom – About the Man
Behind the professional title lies a man shaped by ritual, reflection, and imagination. The stroke two years ago reshaped his outlook on balance and well-being. Each morning begins with carefully grinding Colombian beans, brewing coffee in a V60, and savoring the ritual. Cigars, too, are less about indulgence than ceremony. “Anything that’s ritualized, I really go for,” he says.
He is an avid cook, passionate about food and family meals. Films are another constant especially science fiction, Asian cinema, and even kung fu. “I’m one of those people who can watch the same movie over and over and still discover something new,” he laughs. Dyslexia made him a late reader, but it also sharpened his imagination. “Fantasy fiction and science fiction shaped how I saw the world.”
These passions reveal the same themes present in his work: ritual, imagination, and culture. They connect the architect to the man.
Looking Ahead
At what he calls “the zenith” of his career, Kerem describes himself as “the most capable I’ve ever felt.” His ambition for LWK + PARTNERS in the Middle East is not growth for its own sake but a meaningful contribution. “What excites me is that the region is no longer just importing ideas, it’s beginning to export them. Saudi’s Vision 2030, Dubai’s innovation drive, these are setting global benchmarks.”
His goal is clear: to ensure LWK + PARTNERS remains at the forefront of contextual, sustainable, human-centered design, shaping communities that balance technology with nature, ambition with identity. “At its best,” he says, “architecture is not about monuments. It’s about communities, memories, and futures.”
Nature and Community
As the conversation returns to the bigger picture, Kerem aligns closely with the theme of this year’s Landscape Middle East Awards: Nature and Community. He believes that architects, planners, and landscape designers have a shared responsibility to reimagine how cities connect people with the environment. “Put people in nature and they change. They adjust to its rhythms. That’s what design should do create spaces where people can breathe, recover, and reconnect,” he says.
It is a vision that blends the professional and the personal. From his love of gardens and films to his commitment to resilient, contextually designed spaces, Kerem’s story is ultimately about balance. Between cultures, between technology and nature, between ambition and identity. And in that balance, he believes, lies the future of architecture in the Middle East.
Where Nature Meets Luxury
A First Look at the Abu Dhabi Villas Masterplan
By: Sohne & Partners Architects
Set along a pristine stretch of Abu Dhabi’s coastline, a new residential masterplan reimagines luxury living through a lens of sustainability, serenity, and seamless indoor-outdoor design. The vision: up to 120 beachfront villas, each one a sculpted response to its natural surroundings, wrapped around a lush communal heart known as the Green Core.
At the centre of the masterplan is a deliberate emphasis on harmony, with nature, neighbours, and the sky above. Each fourto five-bedroom villa invites natural light deep into its core through open atriums and skylights, while double-height living areas enhance the sense of openness. Courtyard gardens, shaded terraces, and green walls blur the line between home and landscape, offering privacy without disconnection.
Beneath the surface, homes offer adaptability. Optional basements can be customised to fit evolving lifestyles, be it as a wellness retreat, private cinema, or secure parking.
I LUXURY VILLAS
Anchoring the community is the Green Core, a network of gardens, walkways, and water channels designed not only to cool the microclimate but to foster connection. Here, public amenities—beach club, cafés, and playgrounds merge effortlessly with nature. A circular playground brings families together, while a roundly designed
supermarket acts as both convenience and community hub.
With its gentle density, smart spatial planning, and nature-led architecture, this new neighbourhood presents a quiet evolution in local residential design, one where every detail, from the breeze in the courtyard to the curve of a playground, speaks of thoughtful living.
Shaping Egypt’s New Urban Identity
Inside Dr. Hatem Diab’s vision for landscapes that prioritize people, culture, and climate in equal measure.
Egypt is undergoing one of the most ambitious urban transformations in its modern history. From new capitals rising in the desert to the revitalisation of historic districts, the country is negotiating a delicate balance: protecting its deep heritage while creating cities that are livable, resilient, and future-ready.
At the heart of this evolution lies the concept of “visual and mental image” of cities, a notion that extends far beyond aesthetics. For Dr. Hatem Diab, Lecturer at the Faculty of Regional & Urban Planning, Cairo University, and Landscape Projects Manager and Board Member with the Archplan International Group, this idea connects public space, landscape, and urban design to people’s everyday experiences. His career spans academia, research in the United States, and on-the-ground work with governorates across Egypt, shaping projects in Hurghada, Luxor, and Giza.
“Landscape has the power to change people’s attitudes,” he explains. “It can achieve economic goals, encourage positive behaviour, and build happier communities.”
An interview with Dr. Hatem Diab
Designing for People First
Diab’s philosophy was shaped early by his research into low-income housing and community design. His master’s thesis explored incremental housing models that recognised residents’ real needs and behaviours. This led to a focus on designing spaces that support dignity and reduce conflict by anticipating vandalism, encouraging ownership, and ensuring inclusivity.
“Low-income communities don’t necessarily need parking spaces or elaborate lighting,” he notes. “What they need are playgrounds for children, multipurpose spaces for families, and durable elements that last. By designing for these realities, we can change behaviour and create a sense of belonging.”
This people-first approach became the foundation of his work, particularly in coastal and heritage cities where the tension between tourism and local life is most visible.
Hurghada, Luxor, Giza: Case Studies in Change
In Hurghada, long viewed primarily as a tourist destination, Diab and his colleagues sought to reframe the city for its residents. Underused spaces were transformed into gardens, shaded promenades, and playgrounds built with durable furniture designed to withstand heavy use. “The local people own the city,” he says. “If they are happy, then tourists will be happy.”
Similar strategies were applied in Luxor and Giza, where world-renowned monuments attract millions, but local communities have often felt marginalised. By introducing shaded walkways, improved signage, and better connectivity, the projects sought to reconcile global expectations with residents’ daily needs. For Diab, this dual focus ensures long-term sustainability. “We do not design for tourists only,” he stresses. “We design for Egyptians first. Tourism follows when communities are strong.”
Methodology: From Guidelines to Mock-Ups
What distinguishes these projects is not just design, but process. Diab emphasises a structured methodology:
I INTERVIEW
analysing local histories, conducting case studies, and engaging communities in discussions. “We often begin with a mock-up of a single street,” he explains. “New signage, pavements, and furniture are installed, and then residents are asked: What do you think? Should we continue?”
This iterative approach has led to the development of comprehensive design guidelines covering hardscape materials, street furniture, irrigation systems, and planting palettes tailored to each city’s conditions. Crucially, these guidelines are not just advisory; once approved by authorities, they must be considered by architects and developers across projects.
Egypt’s landscape strategy is therefore both topdown and bottom-up: rooted in government vision but validated through local experience. “It’s trial and error,” Diab admits. “But trial and error backed by science, expertise, and community input.”
Old and New Egypt
The rise of new cities, including the New Administrative Capital and Alamein, presents a very different challenge. “New cities are easier,” Diab says. “It’s a blank canvas. Old cities require sensitivity, gradual change, and strong engagement with people.”
In Cairo, this has meant relocating certain government buildings to the new capital while reimagining downtown as an “open museum.” Streets are being upgraded with culturally rooted materials and cohesive furniture families. Vacant lots are turned into small parks or plazas. The aim is not to erase the historic city but to enhance its perception and usability.
Each city demands a different emphasis: Luxor’s monumental heritage, Alexandria’s coastal identity, Hurghada’s tourism economy. Yet a unifying methodology consistent guidelines adapted to local context ensures coherence across Egypt’s urban landscape.
Governance, Delivery, and Oversight
Egypt’s progress has also been institutional. Instead of concentrating all responsibilities in one authority, projects are now divided among design consultants, review bodies, and supervision teams.
Local expertise is combined with international advisors from Europe and the United States, ensuring global standards are adapted to Egyptian conditions.
Equally important is the role of the private sector. Under new public-private models, authorities oversee frameworks and deliver pilot areas, while developers are responsible for completing and financing much of the work including landscaping.
“The difference today,” Diab observes, “is that projects are delivered in phases, and landscapes are completed alongside buildings. They are not an afterthought.”
Testing and Measuring Impact
Beyond aesthetics, Egypt is testing how landscape affects tourism, economy, and quality of life. In Hurghada, upgrades to streetscapes and public spaces helped raise the city’s ranking as a tourism destination. In Cairo, new road networks have reduced commuting times and reshaped daily routines. Green space per capita is increasing in new cities, with estimates suggesting more than 15 square metres per resident in the New
I INTERVIEW
Administrative Capital.
Academic research institutions play a crucial role in measuring these outcomes, collaborating with stakeholders to link design interventions with social and economic benefits. “We must connect research to practice,” Diab insists. “Without measurement and feedback, we cannot know if our strategies are working.”
Community, Family, and Cultural Shifts
Perhaps the most profound change lies in social dynamics. Traditionally, Egyptian families lived in multigenerational homes, with extended relatives clustered together. Today, new families are moving to satellite cities, driven by access to schools, jobs, and transport rather than family proximity.
Diab sees this as a natural evolution, not a loss. “The new generation wants opportunity,” he says. “As long as the infrastructure supports good schools, jobs, and mobility, people are willing to move.” For him, this marks a shift in how community is defined: not just by family ties, but by shared public spaces that bring people together.
Pride in a New Era
For Diab, the transformation of Egypt is both professional and personal. He recalls commuting across Cairo in the past: “It used to take me an hour and a half just to cross the city. It was exhausting.” Today, improved road networks and new green spaces are changing everyday life. “It’s the beginning of a better life,” he reflects. “As an Egyptian, I am happy. I am proud.”
And with less time wasted in traffic, he jokes, there’s finally space for the things he loves most outside of planning cities, reading new ideas, watching football, or stepping onto the squash court.
A Balanced Vision
Egypt’s rapid development is not without challenges. Balancing authenticity with modernization, ensuring guidelines are implemented, and adapting to climate constraints all remain ongoing tasks. Yet for Diab, the direction is clear: cities must be designed for people, rooted in culture, and tested in practice.
“The visual image of a city is not decoration,” he concludes. “It is how people perceive their streets, their parks, their homes. It is about dignity, comfort, and belonging. When people are happy in their city, everything else, tourism, economy, resilience will follow.”
DESIGNING WITH PURPOSE: DIMA RACHID’S JOURNEY THROUGH LANDSCAPE AND LIFE
Interview with Dima Rachid
by Phillip Higgins
When you ask Dima Rachid why she became a landscape architect, her answer is grounded in instinct as much as intention. “I always wanted something that would leave an impact,” she says, “but also something connected to nature.” Raised in Lebanon, with a childhood shaped by the outdoors, Dima saw in landscape design a space where creativity could meet meaning. This combination would go on to define her professional identity.
Dima’s path has been anything but conventional. A graduate of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management, she quickly developed a nuanced understanding of the field. “Design was a tool for change,” she says. “It could build communities, influence
livelihoods, and offer solutions in conflict or post-war contexts. Landscape architecture was much more than an afterthought to the built environment; it was actively wanting to respond to our socio-political issues, especially in the MENA region, shifting from a discipline shadowed by architecture, and confused with gardening (landscaping), to a fundamental seat at the policy-making table.”
From Beirut, her path led to Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where the conversation had shifted.
“It was about rethinking landscape as infrastructure for resilience, regenerative planning, and systems thinking,” she explains. That sense of scale from human experience to planetary urgency, shifting the paradigm of how we think and plan the urban, long-term is central to her work today.
In 2023, Dima was awarded the Rising Star Award at the Middle East Landscape Awards. But recognition hasn’t slowed her drive to rethink how the profession operates.
“The design business model allowed me to co-build and lead studiolibani out of one of the most exciting and challenging cities (Dubai), something I am deeply proud of,” she admits. “But right now, I’m experimenting with alternative modes of practice that deliver the same impact through other channels.”
In this interview, we discuss Dima, the person, the practitioner, and the advocate.
Design as Method:
Dima describes her design process with three words: rigor, precedence, and communication.
“You need to be grounded in some facts, some science, and a strong sense of place,” she says. Design research is her
foundation. Whether it’s using data analysis or experimenting with local products, she insists on “a direct line between analysis and problem-solving.” Precedents matter too, not just for inspiration, but as proof of concept.
But it’s communication that transforms the abstract into reality. “You have to speak to your client equally based on what they need to hear, and what you envision.” For Dima, the most successful projects are those where she and her team shifted the client’s vision to something they hadn’t considered, but later deeply valued.
Nature and Community: No Longer Separate
Dima is passionate about reshaping the way cities integrate nature. “We can no longer think of nature and community as separate. The health of one determines the other.”
She refers to concepts like urban forests and sponge cities, but her argument is not academic. It’s practical. “Flood resilience, heat mitigation, social cohesion these all depend on how well we understand natural intelligence. We now know the health of our soils is fundamental to the health of our places of living.”
Working across diverse climates, from Riyadh to West Africa, her team tailors design interventions using scientific tools and cultural sensitivity. However, she stresses that many of the challenges are quite similar.
What If We Already Know the Answers?
When asked what excites her about the future of landscape architecture, Dima smiles. “We’re going back to nature, to strategies rooted in traditional ecological knowledge, we’re circling back to Ian McHarg,” she says, referencing the 1960s pioneer whose work emphasized data-informed planning and ‘design with nature’.
“What we need isn’t new knowledge,” she explains. “We already know what to do. What we need are well-built examples.”
Abu Dhabi is one city she praises for providing her students in Dubai an example of ‘good practice’. “The way they’re using public parks not just for play, but for resilience, for cooling the city, for enhancing biodiversity that’s what I respect. Every decision, every tree is planned with precision and purpose.”
Her international teaching experience, spanning from Beirut to Los Angeles to Dubai, has also sharpened her understanding of how pedagogy, or the methods and philosophy of teaching, influences practice. “Balancing academia and practice has always been important to me,” she reflects. “Each city had a different mode of practice and academic culture, and that diversity shaped how I think and design today.” Yet across continents, she observes, “the underlying challenges climate, equity, systems are largely the same. The conversation isn’t that different. Los Angeles and Dubai, for example, both face extreme heat waves, flash floods, and ecological challenges. The difference is in how we respond.”
Staying Relevant in a Changing World
Dima sees her role not just as a designer but as a consultant and educator. “Our job is to bring awareness to clients,” she says. “To embed climate-responsive thinking into their briefs, even when they haven’t asked for it.”
She’s now exploring the value of ecological interventions in financial terms. Investing in natural systems is an investment in a more resilient urban future.
These are the kinds of conversations that will keep the profession relevant, she argues. And they demand a new generation of designers who are as persuasive as they are creative.
For Dima, this also extends to materials and technologies. “There’s a new energy around sustainable materials in the UAE,” she says, referencing companies like Desert Board and initiatives like Datecrete, which creates concrete alternatives from date pits. “These are local, rooted, intelligent innovations designed for our climate, our context.” She believes the supply chain itself can become part of the design solution: “It’s not just about design outputs anymore; it’s about the entire ecosystem of making and co-creating.”
Challenges, Gender, and Setting the Example
Building a business brought its own challenges. “You wear every hat: creative director, business manager, strategist. That’s a lot.”
While the industry remains male-dominated, Dima is optimistic about the future. “I’ve taught on and off for over a decade, and the female presence is strong. They’re ambitious, confident, and aware of what they’re up against. The best way I can support them is to lead by example.”
She adds that the real gender gap may not be in education, but in retention. “Many women leave the field, and it’s hard to say why. It could be the nature of the work, not just the gender dynamics. But in design consultancy and leadership, we’re seeing an overall stronger female presence.”
Life Beyond the Drawing Board
When she’s not immersed in urban resilience or redesigning the public realm, Dima remains a creator at heart. She’s currently working on a line of collectible design objects. Beyond design, Dima is digging into the science of wellness, longevity, and functional medicine.
“I’m curious,” she says. “It’s part personal, part research. But it keeps me balanced.”
In every sense, Dima Rachid designs with intent whether it’s a public park or a daily ritual. And as the profession moves into a more conscious, more connected era, her voice is one that calls for less noise and more meaning.
It’s not about reinventing the field. As she puts it, “It’s all in front of us. We just have to build it.”
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WHAT LIES BENEATH: RETHINKING URBAN TREE CARE WITH DEEP ROOT INNOVATION
By Maks Udov Arborist and Inventor of the DRILL 2 FILL Method
Trees have always fascinated me not just as living organisms, but as adaptive systems. In the wild, they survive extremes, sending roots deep or wide in search of water, anchoring themselves against wind and time. But in our cities, where soil is compacted, water is controlled, and concrete dominates, even the strongest trees begin to suffer.
Over the past 15 years, I have worked across Croatia and the region, focusing on restoring and protecting urban trees. In this time, I’ve come to understand a natural structure that many arborists and city planners often overlook yet it holds the key to the longevity and stability of mature trees. I call it the Reinforced Root Plate.
The Hidden Architecture Beneath Our Feet
Imagine a 50-year-old tree growing in a flat urban lawn. Its canopy is full. Its trunk, stable. And the ground around it? Completely undisturbed. But when the tree is removed and the soil excavated, what we find is astonishing: more than two cubic meters of dense root mass beneath a surface that hasn’t risen a single centimeter.
What has happened here is that the tree, over the course of decades, has compacted the surrounding soil as it
grew. It displaces air, reduces pore space, and forms a stable, compacted root zone what I refer to as the Reinforced Root Plate. This is not just a root mass it’s a selfmade underground foundation, anchoring the tree against storm winds and saturated soil.
Yet, ironically, this strength becomes a vulnerability over time.
As gas exchange diminishes, the root zone becomes anaerobic. Pathogenic fungi and bacteria thrive. Beneficial microorganisms disappear. Trees begin to weaken, showing signs of crown dieback, hollowing, and diminished vitality. I’ve seen it again and again: trees that seem healthy on the outside but are silently failing underground.
Why DRILL 2 FILL Was Born
Common decompaction techniques, such as high-pressure air or water, are widely used in tree care. But for mature trees, I’ve found these methods often do more harm than good. They disturb the very root plate that trees have built to survive.
That’s why I developed a different solution: DRILL 2 FILL.
This method involves carefully drilling narrow shafts 15 cm wide, up to 90 cm deep directly into the reinforced root plate. These shafts are then filled with HERBAFERTIL®, a patented, bioactive soil amendment we created to restore life deep within the soil profile, without disturbing the structural integrity of the tree’s foundation.
Why HERBAFERTIL® Works
HERBAFERTIL is more than just a fertilizer. It’s a complete soil health solution designed for mature trees under urban stress. When applied through DRILL 2 FILL, it brings life back to the root zone in several crucial ways:
• Reintroduces oxygen into anaerobic zones, restoring gas exchange.
• Promotes beneficial microbial life, including aerobic bacteria and mycorrhiza, while suppressing harmful pathogens.
• Stimulates new root growth right where it’s needed most within the reinforced plate.
• Improves water management, helping soils drain better in wet conditions while retaining necessary moisture.
• Contains zeolite and biochar, which bind nutrients and prevent them from leaching into deeper soil layers protecting both the plant and the groundwater.
• Strengthens plant defenses by supporting robust cell development, increasing resistance to disease and pests.
• Encourages flowering and fruiting, especially in ornamental and fruit-bearing species, by increasing vitality at the root level.
One of the most valued benefits of the HERBAFERTIL® and DRILL 2 FILL system especially in arid regions is the significant water savings it enables.
When water is delivered directly into the deep aeration and nutrient chambers reaching as far as 90 cm into the soil it reaches the root zone immediately. At this depth, evaporation due to solar heat is virtually eliminated, making irrigation 100% efficient. All the moisture is available to the roots, with no waste at the surface. This method allows for up to 80% less water usage while maintaining the same level of water absorption by the tree.
These chambers can also serve as a sustainable alternative to plastic tree watering bags. They provide the same precision delivery of water where it’s needed most but with the added benefit of soil regeneration, microbial enrichment, and longterm support for the tree’s overall vitality.
In addition, HERBAFERTIL® includes water-retentive components that hold moisture in the root zone until the tree needs it. Natural elements in the mix expand by approximately 15% when hydrated, eliminating air pockets and ensuring immediate contact between roots and substrate. This ensures that both nutrients and water are immediately accessible, boosting efficiency and promoting continuous root development.
Each drilled shaft becomes what I call a deep aeration and nutrient chamber a vertical lifeline into the core of the tree’s survival system.
A New Chapter for Urban Trees
Trees are incredibly intelligent. Given the right conditions, they will heal and adapt. The DRILL 2 FILL method now used in cities throughout Europe offers a way to extend the life of trees that were once considered past saving. It allows us to act precisely, sustainably, and respectfully, restoring rather than replacing.
Urban greening is no longer just about planting more trees. It’s about preserving the mature ones we already have; those that have stood for decades and shaped the identity of our cities.
Because in the end, the strength of every tree lies not in its branches, but in what lies beneath.
Carbon Credits and the Role of Landscape Professionals in a Sustainable Future
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, positioning carbon markets as a key instrument in this transformation. Carbon credits, each representing the sequestration or avoidance of one metric ton of CO. equivalent, provide economic incentives for sustainable practices. This technical review examines the role of landscape professionals in generating carbon credits through sustainable practices in arid environments, highlighting UAE-specific initiatives and achievements. Quantitative data is presented for landscape elements such as date palms, trees, shrubs, ground covers, turfgrass, compost, and mulching, alongside operational efficiencies in irrigation systems, renewable energy integration, and green waste recycling. The review underscores the UAE government’s pioneering support for sustainability, promoting measurable climate impact and economic opportunities while elevating the role of landscape professionals.
Keywords: Carbon Credits, Landscape Management, UAE Sustainability, Carbon sequestration, Green Infrastructure, Renewable Irrigation.
Introduction
The UAE is recognized as a regional and global leader in climate action, demonstrating remarkable commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Its strategic vision is implemented through renewable energy initiatives, nature based solutions, and innovative urban planning.
By: Dr. Haroon Ur Rashid Landscape Management Professional, Dubai, UAE Email: haroonkhanaup@yahoo.com
The UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, Energy Strategy 2050, and National Climate Change Plan exemplify its proactive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Landscape professionals have a key role to play, leveraging urban and desert landscapes to enhance carbon sequestration while supporting sustainable urban growth. Vegetation management, energy efficient irrigation, and resource recycling can all contribute measurably to carbon credit generation, aligning with UAE government strategies and international frameworks such as Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard.
Methodology
This review synthesizes UAE specific case studies, peerreviewed literature, and carbon credit frameworks. The methodology includes:
• Data Collection: Review of publications, government reports, and carbon credit manuals (VCS, Gold Standard).
• Metric Selection: Carbon sequestration potential of landscape elements (date palms, native trees, shrubs, turfgrass, soil-enhancing practices).
• Framework Alignment: Practices evaluated for compatibility with VCS, Gold Standard, and UAE sustainability programs.
• Assumptions: UAE-specific data prioritized; where unavailable, conservative global or regional estimates applied with references.
Carbon Sequestration Potential of Landscape Elements
Landscape Element
Carbon Sequestration/Metric References
Date Palms ~15.8 t COe/ha/year Tahir et al., 2020; The National, 2023
Mangroves (Blue Carbon) 3.7–12.5 t C/ha/year Guo & Gifford, 2002; FAO, 2020
Ground Covers/Turf grass 0.91 t CO/ha/year
Soil Carbon
Compost / Mulch
Often exceeds above-ground biomass Improves soil organic carbon; enhances long-term sequestration
Guo & Gifford, 2002; SpringerLink, 2023
FAO, 2020; SpringerLink, 2023 FAO, 2020; MEED, 2023
Key Observations:
• Date palms, native trees, and shrubs provide both cultural value and high carbon sequestration potential.
• Soils and ground covers contribute significantly to long-term carbon storage.
• Composting and mulching enhance soil fertility and water retention while supporting carbon sequestration.
Energy, Irrigation, and Resource Efficiency
Practice
CO2 Reduction/Benefits References
PV-powered irrigation pumps 2.1 t CO/year vs diesel 29.3 t CO/year (17 kW pump) SpringerLink, 2023; MEED, 2023
High-efficiency irrigation systems Up to 80% energy savings MEED, 2023
Passive cooling in greenhouses Reduces ambient temperature 2–6°C; irrigation demand 19–46% Research Gate, 2023
Renewable desalination (Taweelah) ~2.5 Mt CO/year avoided DEWA, 2022; MEED, 2023
Key Observations:
• The UAE’s renewable energy initiatives and advanced irrigation infrastructure reduce operational emissions and support sustainable landscape practices.
• Passive cooling and PV-powered irrigation contribute directly to lower carbon footprints and improve resource efficiency.
I SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Circular Economy, Composting, and Mulching
• Green Waste Recycling: UAE’s National Waste Management Strategy 2031 encourages compost and mulch production from urban and landscape green waste.
• Soil Enhancement: Compost and mulch improve soil organic carbon, water retention, and microbial activity.
• Integration: Landscape professionals can utilize green waste locally to support carbon credit projects and resource efficiency.
Mechanization & Agronomic Considerations
• Transitioning from diesel-based mechanization to electric or PV-powered machinery significantly reduces emissions.
• Micro-grid and renewable energy adoption in landscape and agricultural operations enhance carbon credit eligibility.
• Optimized agronomic practices (e.g., mulching, efficient irrigation, native species selection) maximize carbon sequestration and minimize operational emissions.
Strategic Framework for Carbon Credit Generation
• Vegetation Based Sequestration: Plantation and maintenance of date palms, mangroves, native trees, and shrubs.
• Soil & Groundcover Management: Apply composting, mulching, and groundcovers adapted to arid conditions.
• Energy Efficiency: Deploy PV-powered irrigation, passive cooling, and high-efficiency pumps.
• Resource Integration: Utilize green waste, integrate renewable energy, and implement water saving strategies.
• Monitoring & Certification: Use GIS, soil sampling, and carbon accounting tools to align projects with VCS and Gold Standard.
Conclusion
The UAE provides a favourable environment for landscape based carbon credit projects. Its government led initiatives, renewable energy adoption, urban afforestation programs, and circular economy strategies enable measurable climate benefits. Landscape professionals, through sustainable vegetation management, soil enhancement, energy-efficient irrigation, and resource recycling, are well-positioned to contribute significantly to carbon sequestration and the emerging voluntary carbon market.
Recommendation for Future Research
• Long-term monitoring of carbon sequestration in UAE-specific date palms, shrubs, and turfgrass.
• Quantitative analysis of soil carbon under varying irrigation and compost regimes.
• Development of UAE-specific carbon accounting tools for MRV.
• Life-cycle assessment of mechanization, compost, and mulch integration.
• Economic feasibility studies for landscape-based carbon credit projects.
• Pilot projects under VCS or Gold Standard certification in urban and desert landscapes.
References
1. DEWA. (2022). Taweelah solar-powered desalination plant: Carbon reduction impact report. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
2. FAO. (2020). Soil organic carbon: The hidden potential. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org
3. FAO. (2022). Irrigation and agricultural emissions report. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org
4. Guo, L. B., & Gifford, R. M. (2002). Soil carbon stocks and land use change: A meta-analysis. Global Change Biology, 8(4), 345–360. https://doi. org/10.1046/j.1354-1013.2002.00486.x
5. MEED. (2023). High-efficiency irrigation systems in the UAE. Middle East Economic Digest.
6. ResearchGate. (2023). Passive cooling efficiency in arid greenhouses. https://www. researchgate.net
7. SpringerLink. (2023). Soil carbon sequestration through mulching. https://www.springerlink.com
8. Tahir, M. U., Shahzad, K., & Al-Nory, M. T. (2020). Utilization of UAE date palm leaf biochar in carbon dioxide capture and sequestration. Science of the Total Environment, 742, 140682. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140682
Harmony with Nature: Prakriti Farms
Residence
A Serene Retreat of Rustic Luxury
Designed by: Saba and Rohit Kapoor Founders, Nivasa
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to maximize natural light and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The home boasts an expansive open-plan layout seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces without demarcation. Neutral greys grace the walls complemented by rich wooden accents and an array of natural textures. Plush linens and boucle-upholstered furnishings, paired with sleek cemented centre tables adorn the living room, which features a minimalist rendition of the sprawling Tonic on Waves bar. Every aspect of this abode celebrates the beauty of nature and organic textures, offering a sanctuary of understated luxury and tranquillity. The house is designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, letting the natural beauty take centre stage.
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Each room is meticulously planned to have ample natural light, with at least two sources in every space. A skylight above the staircase further enhances the interior’s brightness and connection to the outdoors. The open-plan layout effortlessly blends indoor and outdoor areas, creating a sense of fluidity and harmony. Neutral greys and poured cement flooring provide a serene backdrop, complemented by rich wooden accents and a variety of natural textures. Plush linens and boucleupholstered furnishings add comfort and warmth to the living room, which features a minimalist interpretation of the iconic Tonic on Waves bar. The pristine white couches complemented beautifully with rustic wooden centre tables create the perfect ambiance for the farmhouse even as the artistic and sculptural elements around the house exude an understated elegance.
In the dining area, a suspended table paired with weathered leather chairs creates a rustic yet refined ambiance, echoing the home’s celebration of nature and organic textures. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to offer a sanctuary of understated luxury and tranquillity with the house seamlessly blending into its surroundings and allowing the natural beauty to take CenterStage.
This home boasts a couple of standout pieces that perfectly complement its tranquil and zen atmosphere. The pie-de-resistance is the floating dining table. A truly unique concept where the table is suspended from the ceiling, eliminating the need for leg support and maximizing legroom. The table itself features a stunning deep brown metal finish with subtle rusting effects, giving it a natural look that softens the typical hardness associated with metal. Accompanying the table are eight dining chairs in a beautiful patina leather. The back of these chairs are moveable and can align to your optimal seating position making them highly ergonomical. Each of these eight seats offers a breathtaking view making each one the prime spot at the table. Whether you’re gazing outside at the natural surroundings or admiring the lush indoor plants, it feels like you’re enjoying the outdoors while comfortably seated indoors
One of the bedrooms veer away from traditional luxury, embracing a nuanced rustic approach. Its understated and simplistic style features a low, straight-line wooden bed with integrated bedside tables, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood. A console with a large stone facade complements the bed, celebrating the stone’s natural patterns. Each piece of furniture in the room is devoid of unnecessary embellishments, focusing solely on the materiality. This creates an understated living experience, allowing one to relax, unwind, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. In this room, the centrepiece is a striking bed back crafted from a broken slab of marble, its rugged edges smoothed just enough
for comfort, yet retaining its raw rustic allure. This majestic marble sprawls gracefully across the room, cradling two exquisite bedside tables within its embrace. As you sink into the low bed enveloped in sumptuous boucle upholstery, every touch is a sensory delight, inviting you to linger and explore. Directly ahead, a minimalist yet captivating media console beckons your attention. Stripped of extravagant embellishments, its textured surfaces speak volumes drawing you in with their understated elegance. With each glance, you’re reminded of the inherent beauty found in the simplicity of natural materials. Here, in this sanctuary of serenity, every element harmonizes to create an immersive experience. It’s not just a bedroom; it’s a journey into the heart of nature’s unrefined magnificence.
The second bedroom features a low wooden bed, nestled in a light grey-walled room reminiscent of a stone house. Charmingly rustic, this room with open wooden shelves, a floor mat and artworks adorning the wall. An alluring cocoon, this room looks out into the greens. The third bedroom is a symphony of timeless elegance. A white bed and a sumptuous white couch are ensconced in a room with minimal furniture and décor elements.
This residence, nestled within the embrace of Prakriti Farms, celebrates the natural world and its rustic charm. Its’ allure lies in its elegance and emphasis on elemental materials. Each corner of the home opens up to the lush landscape fostering a deep connection with nature.
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the Course of LandsCape arChiteCture
PRODUCTS
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PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS / HARD LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS
. Christophe Girot sets out to chronicle this history, drawing on all aspects of mankind’s creativity and ingenuity. In twelve chapters, he brings together the key stories that have shaped our man-made landscapes. Each chapter consists of a thematic essay that ties together the central developments, as well as a case study illustrated with specially commissioned photographs and meticulously detailed 3D re–creations showing the featured site in its original context.
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As the world is undergoing rapid urbanization and demands for good housing in cities soar, we are looking for residential environment where we can take refuge from our intense and hectic lifestyle. This enticing book is a window to a diverse range of community landscape design creating exceptional living environment across the globe addressing this need of high-quality housing. This stimulating book is divided into three sections high-rise residential tower landscape, mid-rise residential block landscape and low-rise villa landscape as each category has its unique landscape character. Included projects demonstrate how landscape architects integrate the key parameters; culture, context, sustainability and budget making it a useful reference to both landscape design professionals and enthusias
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LandsCape arChiteCture doCumentation standards: prinCipLes, guideLines and Best praCtiCes
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Construction Documentation Standards and Best Practices for Landscape Architectural Design offers guidelines, methods, and techniques for creating more robust project documents. Developed and authored by one of the world′s leading landscape architectural firms, this material has been field tested by Design Workshop′s ten offices and 150 designers to ensure completeness, practicality, and effectiveness. The book provides an overview of the entire design and construction process in the context of actual documentation, with best practice standards for design document content, format, and graphics. Readers learn how to apply these practices to serve the specific needs of different projects, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how complete documentation better serves the project as a whole. This book presents a set of standards that serve as a roadmap of the design process, helping designers provide the complete documentation that the most highly executed projects require.
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Nature & Community
