World Landscape Architecture is happy to announce that Urbanforms has recently joined as a partner member. It is through the support of design firms like Urbanforms that we are able to continue to publish projects and our mission of sharing knowledge and championing the value of landscape architecture. Thank you to Urbanforms for joining WLA. You can find out more about this MENA design firm below.
The Soul of the Space: The Story of Urbanforms
Design is rarely just about the physical arrangement of elements; it is an exploration of identity, memory, and the constant dialogue between the built form and the natural world. Urbanforms, a boutique landscape and urban design studio, operates at the intersection of these disciplines. Founded by Arige Jabeili, the studio’s DNA is a direct reflection of a multicultural upbringing that spans the lush, vibrant landscapes of West Africa to the rugged, historic soul of the Levant.
Roots and Evolution
The story of Urbanforms began in Ivory Coast, where Arige grew up immersed in a world of tropical density and artisanal richness. This formative experience instilled a deep appreciation for the raw beauty of the environment and the hands-on nature of creation. Today, while the studio has expanded its horizons and is headquartered in Dubai, it remains anchored in the heritage of these roots.By merging with sister company IAIA (Idea Art Interior Architecture), Urbanforms has become a vital part of a multidisciplinary creative ecosystem. This union allows for a truly holistic design approach where the transition from an interior sanctuary to the outdoor landscape is indistinguishable. We don’t just “add greenery”; we extend the architectural narrative into the open air, ensuring every project is a cohesive expression of a specific lifestyle.
Our Expertise: From Masterplans to Craft
At its core, Urbanforms specializes in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. We approach every site as a living canvas, working on projects that range from intimate private gardens to complex masterplans across the UAE, Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Lebanon.Our commitment to materiality and form recently expanded into product design. In 2024, we launched a curated collection of oversized outdoor clay pots in Abidjan. These pieces represent our dedication to local craftsmanship; each pot is a testament to the tactile beauty of earth and fire, designed to act as sculptural anchors within our landscape compositions.
A Contextual Design Language
Operating across such diverse geographies-from the arid sophistication of the UAE to the equatorial vibrancy of West Africa-demands a high degree of contextual sensitivity. We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” aesthetic. Instead, we search for ways to bring nature and culture back into spaces, making them feel grounded in their specific location.Our design language honors the climate and respects regional traditions while maintaining contemporary, clean-lined clarity. Whether it is the use of natural stone, warm timber, or the careful layering of botanical textures, every element is chosen for its ability to age gracefully within its environment.
The Search for Depth
If there is a ligne directrice-a guiding thread-that defines every Urbanforms project, it is the search for depth. We look beyond the surface level of a plan to find the soul of the site. Depth is found in the shadows cast by a pergola, the reflection in a still water feature, and the way a garden invites someone to slow down. We craft outdoor environments that are both elegant and enduring-spaces that feel as though they have always belonged to the land.
Find out more at Urbanforms
Images Credit: Arige Jabeili/Urbanforms studio
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