AECOM has designed the landscape for one of the world’s largest academic campuses in the challenging climatic conditions of the Middle East. More than four times the size of New York’s Central Park - and over 250 acres in area, the Education City development in Doha - features universities such as Texas A&M, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and Georgetown University School of Foreign Services, which are accommodated in landmark buildings by leading architects including Cesar Pelli, Rem Koolhaas, Arata Isozaki and Legoretta+Legoretta. Education City has been masterminded by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, to provide world class educational facilities for young Qataris and other students from around the globe.
A major feature is Oxygen Park, a 54 acres multifunctional green space. Incorporating the latest in environmental sustainability and responding to the intense heat and scarcity of water in the region, we are using native planting to recreate a year-round lush desert environment. Our team has worked closely with local botanists to identify appropriate species. The design team is also developing ways to harness solar energy and funnel the prevailing breeze for natural cooling. Client: Qatar Foundation.
