CLB Studio collaborated with BIG in a large landscape masterplan to create a resilient and thriving ecosystem in the desert through regreening initiatives that protect, enhance, and sustain the local environment.
Working together with such talented and creative individuals has been an inspiring and enriching experience.
Middle East
Confidential
60,000 Km2
2023-2024
Landscape Consultant
DMP Submitted
Eleni Mente (Element)
Camilo Garavito, Andrea Zamora, Santiago Unda, Paula Camacho, María José Sánchez and Sofía
(aRE Architects)
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CLB Studio collaborated with BIG as a Landscape Consultant to develop the concept and DMP deliverables for a large landscape masterplan in the Middle East. The proposal included low key interventions in the existing landscape with the aim to set the minimum provisions for the exploration and enjoyment of the natural local context and to implement the appropriate landscape techniques to regreen specific areas of the site.
The DMP deliverables included the design proposals (drawings, visualisations, planting schedules) and detailed landscape guidelines to set the parameters for the proposed interventions.
SITE & PRECEDENTS
Regreening the desert has been a consistent initiative in arid climates in order to contribute to climate change,
to accelerate the recovery of natural habitats and to transform people’s relationship with nature.
The planting in this context possesses several challenges due to the harsh arid environment and limited water
availability. However, with strategic planning and the use of sustainable practices, it is possible to undertake successful planting initiatives. The accomplishments achieved by regreening projects in the region are a strong reference for the proposal in particular with the water management techniques implemented, which have been a valuable source of knowledge.
Various water harvesting techniques are considered at the mountain and floodplain areas to manage rainwater. Examples include building check dams, contour trenches, and micro-catchments to slow down and retain rainwater. Employing traditional and innovative rainwater harvesting methods can enhance the efficiency of water collection, allowing more water to percolate into the soil and support plant life.
Landscape techniques
The proposal consists of three different habitats, all selected as being appropriate for the harsh, arid conditions on site; steppe, savannah and forest. All habitats are created by plant mixes of native or adaptive species and are located along the major wadis.
Landscape regreening evolution
Illustrative visualisation of regreened areas.
INTERACTIVE PLANTING COMMUNITIES
The regreening strategy involves implementing principles and techniques to restore degraded land and promote sustainable vegetation growth. The planting communities are interactive and the plant species are selected to thrive in the local conditions.
The key principles of the planting design are:
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A species-rich planting palette to create interactive plant communities of trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers;
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Efficient use of the water on site by locating the regreening areas next to the wadis
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Carefully selected plant species which are planted strategically, giving priority to the establishment of the grassland to improve the soil structure and water retention for the growth of the other plant mixes
LOW KEY INTERVENTIONS
Various prototypes for low key interventions are proposed in specific areas of the site for pedestrian and eco-friendly vehicular access.
