Arabian Landscape Has Equine Focus

 

Master planning by landscape architects comes in all shapes and sizes?EUR??,,????'??+this one in the United Arab Emirates is a $1.8 billion, 200-acre equestrian-themed residential development that should be finished by 2010.

Hyder ACLA has been named to master plan ?EUR??,,????'??Escape?EUR??,,????'???EUR??,,????'??+a new 200-acre equestrian-themed residential development (?EUR??,,????'??villas?EUR??,,????'?? and low-rise apartments) that will include a hotel on a knoll (the ?EUR??,,????'??world?EUR??,,????'???s first equine-themed hotel,?EUR??,,????'?? it is said), a spa, a full range of equestrian facilities, several multi-purpose sports arenas, 64 bunk-style youth-hostel rooms, plus paths and trials for not only horses but where people can walk, jog or bike.

The project is in Ajman, located on the Persian Gulf and one of the seven United Arab Emirates. ?EUR??,,????'??Escape?EUR??,,????'?? is about 30 minutes by car from downtown Dubai.

?EUR??,,????'??This new public realm is offering the intertwined built environment between the equine and the serene outdoor landscape for living,?EUR??,,????'????EUR??,,????'??? says Mona Rizk, senior master planner and landscape architect of Hyder ACLA.

Hyder Consulting will handle the infrastructure side of the 8.2 million square foot project. The firm has offices and projects all over the globe, with 800 employees in the Middle East alone, and design offices in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

The sports-minded will have indoor facilities like basketball, squash and volleyball courts and a riding arena; outside will be a polo field, tennis courts and a multipurpose sports arena. And don?EUR??,,????'???t forget the 33-stall ?EUR??,,????'??equine spa and therapy center.?EUR??,,????'??