INSIGHT: Delivering the vision of sustainability in the Middle East

By Mark Cummins, Head of International Operations, chapmanbdsp.

One of our core values at chapmanbdsp is 'Deliver the Vision', and in the Middle East our work is guided by three 'visions', the Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Vision 2021 and Centennial 2071.

Each have clear goals for the design of sustainable developments and each present a unique opportunity to show leadership in the creation of world-leading sustainable masterplans for our communities.

However, given the rate of development in KSA and the UAE, as well as the need to build on previously un-developed land, they also present a significant challenge - creating masterplans that can work with the natural environment, while also providing beautiful places for our people to live, work and socialise.

In my experience, it is only through an integrated design approach that we can truly meet this challenge, and it is an approach I used on one of my most recent roles as Project Director for a new smart eco-city, which is currently being built in Cambodia as a satellite city to the capital Phnom Penh.

The design for this scheme responded to these challenges by making full use of the natural topography, through utilisation of the local river network and a focus on passive design and renewable energy.

The masterplan was also developed around the creation of green spaces, which formed part of a masterplan-scale water management strategy. The green space captured and recycled water and facilitated natural, shaded spaces, so that people could relax outside and feel comfortable walking.

The entire masterplan also made use of the latest smart technologies, which captured and used data to enhance the functionality and sustainability of the infrastructure systems.

In the Middle East, our challenge is to meet the vision of setting new standards in sustainability, while also respecting conservation, heritage, culture and tradition.

We understand that at chapmanbdsp, as that’s exactly what 'deliver the vision' means to us, and why it is one of our core values.

PHOTOS: Mark Cummins (top) The World Trade Centre Souk in Abu Dhabi (bottom left) and the UAE Pavilion - both delivered through an integrated design approach.