Developments in Sustainable and Innovative Landscaping Discussed at the Middle East Smart Landscape Summit 2017

MONDAY MAY 15, 2017

The fifth annual Middle East Smart Landscape Summit 2017, held under the patronage of Dubai Municipality began today.

Heath Gledhill, Commercial Director - Landscape Architecture, Aspect Studios Australia opened the summit. His session focused on developing meaningful collaborations between designers of both public realm and built form is critical when creating vibrant, attractive and successful places where people want to be. He was followed by Morne Fourie, Vice President – Design, Dubai Parks & Resorts who spoke on the art of public space & landscape design.

The topic on the influence of landscape architects in shaping our cities was presented by Robert Shakespeare, Group Design Director, Cracknell. During his session, he emphasized on the role of landscape architects in creating and adding value to the spaces between the buildings, public realm and urban environment. Industry experts, Boris Fabinski, Principal Landscape Architect, SSH Design; Jens Rethorn, Technical Director, Ithara Group; Phil Dunn, Design and Planning Manager, SEENEXUS and Rupak Chatterjee, Urban Planner, Associate, Insite participated in a panel discussion on Dubai’s push to be the world’s most liveable city. John Alexander Smith, Professor of Architecture, American University in Dubai ended the first day with a presentation on 21st Century landscapes in the UAE.

Mr. Brad Hariharan, Regional Director, Expotrade Middle East, organizers of the Middle East Smart Landscape Summit 2017 commented, “In the preparation and the lead up to EXPO 2020 and Dubai Plan 2021, major landscaping projects are being launched across the region that fall directly in line with the region’s ambitious beautification targets as local emirates and states stand to attract international tourists / visitors. Presently, we are witnessing significant investments being made and the projects are either in the design & construction, tendering or approved conception stages. The fifth edition of the Middle East Smart Landscape Summit 2017 agenda will tackle key topics that are central to sustainable and innovative landscaping technology & services for the Middle East region.”

Day 2 will include topics on landscape urbanism; safari parks; opportunities to create greener, healthier and happier Gulf cities; self-sufficient city design in the UAE, amongst many others.

The event has the support of more than 35 companies including, Polyclean, Profile Products, Rain Bird, Full House International Trading, NewTechWood, GreenBlue Urban, Bonar Natpet, Ithara Group, Cape Reed, Zeoplant, UPL and Zohal, to name a few.

More information on the 5th Annual Middle East Smart Landscape Summit is available now at http://www.landscapesummit.com. Follow the Summit on social media with the hashtag #MESLS2017.