“A salient feature of landscaping in MDD is the use of native desert plants for greening urban areas and this will be evident when the first part of the project opens in September 2013”
By Bonnie James
Deputy News Editor
The Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), described as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, will have organic vegetable gardens playing an important role on the landscape of the QR20bn, 31 hectare mixed-use development.
“The gardens shall be woven into public open space, residential courtyards and roof terrace and allow residents to participate in the production of fresh vegetables,” said Kenneth Wallace, senior design manager, Turner International Middle East – Qatar.
Involved in the planning and design of MDD, the master planner and landscape architect was giving a presentation on ‘Urban Agriculture at Msheireb Downtown’ at an event on green infrastructure, organised by the Qatar Green Building Council.
“Agriculture in urban areas is not common in Qatar, but it is a growing trend throughout the world,” he said adding urban food production can be significant in meeting nutritional requirements, enhancing food security and reducing fertiliser and water use.
Wallace, who has a keen interest in sustainable urban development, said the plan is to have roughly 400sqm of organic gardens both on rooftops and public realms.
“Given previous experience from the region that up to 20kg of vegetables could be produced per year from one sqm of land, the organic gardens at MDD would have the potential for up to eight tonnes of produce per year,” he predicted.
There is also a proposal to develop within MDD’s Heritage Quarter a garden dedicated to plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, with a focus on edible species.
“A demo garden installed at MDD construction site office for over a year has tomatoes growing and hens laying eggs,” Wallace said.
The organic vegetable gardens in MDD can become gathering places that provide community building, intergenerational activity and social interaction.
Wallace said during cooler months most vegetables could be grown in Qatar. Organic waste materials will be used to fertilise the vegetable gardens, which are to be maintained by the Facility Management division of Msheireb Properties.
Potable water will be used to irrigate the organic gardens while treated sewage effluent will be utilised for landscaping.
“A salient feature of landscaping in MDD is the use of native desert plants for greening urban areas and this will be evident when the first part of the project opens in September 2013,” Wallace said.
The vision for MDD is to create a sophisticated district with vitality for the people of Doha. It is designed to regenerate and preserve the historical heart of Qatar’s capital city with a new architectural language that is modern, yet inspired by traditional Qatari heritage and architecture.
Walking, cycling and transit use will be high on the priority list within MDD which is to have a major metro station.
Renewable energy, district cooling, energy and water efficient buildings, using local and green materials, and promoting sustainable waste management are among the highlights of the project.
According to the MDD website, utilising the latest in sustainable technologies, Msheireb will adhere to the highest standards in green building.
The strategic objective of the project is to reverse the pattern of development in Doha, which has tended towards isolated land use, reliance on car transportation and energy hungry structures.
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