SWA group designed the 27 acres around the base of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The San Francisco Chronicle has a quick interview with John Wong of SWA about the project and its design.
Read the interview at the [SOURCE: San Francisco Chronicle – Sausalito group creates oasis at Burj Khalifa]
Related Article – Dubai City Guide – 11 Hectare Green Oasis Envelops the foot of Burj Dubai
As part of Burj Dubai’s ‘green’ initiative, the landscaping is irrigated using a unique condensate collection system. Water condensate from the tower’s cooling equipment is recovered, providing an estimated 15 million gallons of water a year, enough to fill 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
[SOURCE: Dubai City Guide – 11 Hectare Green Oasis Envelops the foot of Burj Dubai]
This is a textbook example of what NOT to do in this climate/region! These are industry leaders and icons and they really botched this one.
A 27 acre green park that makes a connection to the surrounding brown, hot, dry desert. Nope, I don't think so. This is an embarassment to our profession.