The landscape strategy at Al Mashtal ties together the iconic architecture and the pedestrian experience of the Souk with a cohesive fabric of structures, shapes, colors, and vegetation. These are adapted from an adjacent former botanical nursery, which provides a unique context for the project within the desert climate. Water, integrated into the design in a variety of methods, is conceived as a vital network that links program elements, cools and circulates fresh air, and dampens surrounding noise.

Lush groves and gardens filled with fruit, spice and shade trees, predominantly of local origin, will be planted throughout the site. Cinnamon, cardamom, sesame, olives, dates, citrus and similar plants will become part of a landscape palette that celebrates Arab heritage and provides a balanced visual, tactile and olfactory appeal year-round. The gardens become directly tied to the restaurant venues on the site by supplying them with spices and fruit, while playing a central role in creating spaces for public enjoyment.

Building on centuries-old Arab ingenuity in water technology, a network of contemporary irrigation and fountain systems will complement the plantings, create shaded micro-climates, and stimulate the senses in a multitude of ways, both functional and aesthetic. The vitality of the site is established by creating spaces where people and water meet, enhancing the user’s experience in both a direct, physical manner and a more passive, aesthetic role. To take advantage of this water network, groves and allées of shade trees will be used to create environments where the sights and sounds of water can be appreciated in comfortable outdoor areas, ranging from more intimate to very public, in cool environments that communicate quality and comfort.