This photo shows a model of the landscape design plan for the government complex on a hill overlooking Riyadh. This complex houses the three major institutions of the Saudi government. Working under Hans Luz, my duties ranged from interior plantscapes to the design of the wadi drainage system for the entire site. The site is a square kilometer. Outside of the government center, we have the ceremonial drive for His Majesty, the King, and the public gardens, seen to the bottom left of the model. Central to the building complex is the King’s office.

All formal plantings, both inside and outside, were done with a subterranean flood irrigation system. This incorporates a membrane underneath the planting surfaces, as commonly used in roofgarden technology, which holds the water in a basin, preserving the precious water rather than allowing it to drain away. This cutting-edge irrigation technology was used to cope with the 1000-ppm salt content of the existing available water, because it facilitates the flushing out of the salts from the planting medium.

Fresh water that is collected from flash floods, with a water collecting wadi system, is used to supplement the existing water supply. A “wadi” is a natural dry riverbed that collects floodwater when it rains, and I designed a constructed wadi that simulates nature. It collects water from flash floods, so it can be used for irrigation purposes rather than washing away. The overflow of the wadi system was primarily used for the on-site nursery. In addition to its water collecting and desert plant irrigation function, this wadi became the major artistic element within the desert garden.

This type of irrigation and water preserving system exemplifies my philosophy of working hand in hand with nature to create beauty.