Postponed for a year because of Covid, this is the first Expo hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region. Strategically sited in the desert near a new international airport and the busy port of Jebel Ali, its theme is "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", with sub-themes including sustainability, mobility, and opportunity. The landscaping project spans 16 kilometres along roads linking to Dubai. Its circular shapes are inspired by the Expo 2020 logo; wavy lines and curves represent mobility. The softscape-to-hardscape ratio is 50:50 or 60:40. The design morphed the required rainwater channel into a swale where rainwater is directed by imitations of natural desert forms. Plantings - over 20,000 trees, 240,000 shrubs, plus cactuses and ground cover - are of drought-tolerant, low-maintenance species. The hardscaping comprises gravel and lighting. The new green spaces moderate climate, reduce noise, improve air quality, harbour wildlife, and conserve energy, carbon dioxide and water.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
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