The South Waterfront area, located at the most southernly point of the port and its Marina neighborhood, covers seven hectares of surface area. Linearly traversing one point two kilometers by sixty meters of width, the area provides remarkable views of the Persian Gulf, lending itself to the creation of a park whose dimensions would meet the scale of Lusail's larger landscape configuration. Bordered by a mineral quay of clearly-defined lines, a spacious pedestrian expanse of natural stones is punctuated and given shape by the trunks and vivid shadows of date palm trees. Arranged in groups of varying density, the trees loosely echo the vocabulary utilized in the surrounding neighborhood's plantings.
The flat surface is interrupted by a luxuriant oasis. The topography becomes uneven and shifting, with the ground rising and bending from west to east freeing up views of the canal, and creating pockets of moisture and freshness in the successive dips. Four different assortments of lush plant varieties, inspired by desert and coastal ecosystems, distinguish and organize these gardens created in the dips – the aromatic, the exotic and ornamental, the spontaneous, and the fruit. Just as in traditional oases, the vegetation here is layered, with bushes growing in the shadows of larger shrubs aligned beneath even larger palm trees.
There are also many shaded and mineral alcove-like areas providing shelter for various everyday recreational activities such as picnics and games. These areas are also adaptable for use during the special events linked to the life of the marina, such as festivals, concerts, regattas.
Qatar Diar and LREDC
MDP Michel Desvigne Paysagiste
Architecture Studio, (lead consultant)
Artelia Engineering,
RFR Structural Engineering,
AIK Landscape Lighting,
BWS Cost Consulting
6 ha (14,8 acres)