The Al Rahba Greenhouse is a state of the art greenhouse situated in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As the landscape consultants on the project, we were responsible for the selection and propagation of a climate sensitive, research based and beautiful interior and exterior landscape palette. The project required climate, experience and comfort sensitive placement to address circulation of people will work, visit, enjoy and encounter the greenhouse precinct, the placement of trees, shrubs, their selection and the position of seating and rest areas. It also required a thorough understanding of existing to recommend and choose systems to create comfortable space for both the plants and the visitors.The overall scheme is based on symmetry, while utilizing the plants to create shaded alleyways for visitors to walk through.
The large external area must also incorporate restaurants, spill outs and venues for events and activities. These interventions require a conscientious plan for irrigation based on the hot, humid climate of the region, and mindfulness of the CO2 and humidity levels. We incorporated an integrated ecosystem of sensors and irrigation systems which would 'smart'ly detect the levels and adjust the environment by input or output to an optimum for user comfort and plant growth and continuity. This also includes an ETFE facade with openable louvers to maximize ventilation and climatic comfort. Bee farms were created on site, for eventual dissemination and creation of an ecosystem in which the plants can not only grow but flourish. We also contributed in designing a signage and wayfinding system for the complex.
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