Abu Dhabi Archives

Bojan Ilijin

Bojan has over 7 years’ experience in landscape & urban design in the MENA region. A Senior Landscape Architect at Cracknell, he has been involved in some iconic projects. These include the Cultural District in Abu Dhabi to the new leisure & entertainment hub, Aljada in Sharjah, as well as a stunning desert resort in Liwa. Bojan believes that creative landscapes, incorporating architectural shapes & programmatic functions, must stimulate users by inviting them to interact directly with the space. He aims to design cities that make people feel alive & connected to the world & people around them.

New York University

High quality walkable campus at the primary university in Abu Dhabi. Working with Rafael Vinoly Architects, the landscape vision was to use shade and water to create a ‘curated landscape’ that could be used throughout the year, providing collaborative outdoor learning, permanent and temporary exhibition and meeting spaces for students. An activation programme ensures that the functionality and value of the space is maximised.

Upper floors of residences are linked by linear ‘highline’ landscapes and footbridges from which the lower central spine, sculptures, exhibition spaces and grand Palm Court can be viewed.

Robert Conchie

Robert is a Senior Associate – Project Manager, based in Abu Dhabi, with 28 years’ experience within the landscape construction industry in the UAE and Middle East. Robert is Project Manager on the Post Contract team ensuring that the professionally created designs and details, from Cracknell’s design teams, are implemented on site to the required quality and aesthetics and within program and budget, maximising the long-term sustainability and enjoyment of the project whilst protecting the Client’s investment.

Robert’s extensive experience both as a General Manager of contracting companies as well as Project Manager for Cracknell enables him to understand the challenges of project implementation with a fair and rational approach.

Project quality is Robert’s passion, and he strives to achieve excellence in the projects he manages, and to ensure the project team working with him have the same objectives through collaboration, teamwork and mentoring.

Sheikha Fatima Park

With a focus on healthy living, sports and getting outdoors with the family, we worked with Benoy to give the local community an invigorating space to get together and have fun.

A network of running trails lined with flowering shrubs and shady trees, mountain bike tracks, pump tracks, sports courts, a skate park, splash pads and industrial style cafés have quickly made this park the place to be.

Photography by Alessandro Merati © Cracknell

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Bainuna Park

Vast tree canopies shading the long vistas down the avenues of patterned brick pathways characterise this popular community park next to the landmark Adnoc HQ.

With picnic areas, benches and gazebos there are myriad spots from which to watch the abundant bird population and be immersed in nature. A central water fountain, rest room and play areas add to the family-focused amenities.

Photography by Alessandro Merati © Cracknell

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Harista Wardanu

Harista has 17 years’ experience as a design professional in the Middle East and Asia. As an Associate Landscape Architect, he brings a dynamic design flair and wealth of creative expertise and leadership to the team.

He has been involved in the design, project management, and delivery of multiple major private and public realm landscape designs including residential, luxury hospitality, and mixed-use & commercial developments.

Marivic Gallardo

Marivic is a registered Landscape Architect in the Philippines and a LEED AP with more than 25 years’ experience in a diverse scale of landscape developments. Her professional project experience encompasses hotel and resort planning, mixed-use, residential estates, public realm and waterfront design in the Philippines, India, China, and the Middle East.

Marivic’s approach to landscape design focuses on site-specific processes and key project drivers, integrating culture, history, ecological processes, and economics within a project context to create bespoke landscape design that respects sense of place.

Eastern Mangroves

Adhering to the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency’s values, our nature-immersive design for the Eastern Mangroves has a light touch approach, sensitively increasing ecotourism and allowing people to be immersed in but not damage the environment.

Provision for kayaking and a boardwalk through the mangroves allows visitors to engage with this special habitat, and a visitor centre provides educational opportunities and information on why the mangroves are so unique and crucial to protect.

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Hudayriyat Mar Vista Sports Village

Hudayriyat Island was once home to Arabian pearl divers. Now, it’s a remarkable new community and lifestyle destination.

By combining a sports village, beach-front glamping site, lively restaurant zone and sensitive heritage walk, Hudayriyat brings many aspects of landscape interpretation and education to a new generation in an accessible, engaging, immersive and innovative way.

The high-end sports facilities promote a healthy and active lifestyle. An aqua park, skate park, rope obstacle course, climbing wall, indoor and outdoor MUGAs and jogging and cycling trails cater to all abilities. Visitors can also indulge in non-motorised water sports such as kayaking and paddle-boating.

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Hudayriyat Mar Vista – Bab Al Nojoum

Hudayriyat Island was once home to Arabian pearl divers. Now, it’s a remarkable new community and lifestyle destination.

By combining a beach-front glamping site (Bab Al Nojoum), sports complex, lively restaurant zone and sensitive heritage walk, Hudariyat brings many aspects of landscape interpretation and education to a new generation in an accessible, engaging, immersive and innovative way.

The festival lawn, play areas, beach cinema and community bonfire space reflect a relaxed rural vernacular. ‘Glamping’ tents, camper vans and tent pitches provide for both groups of friends and families to share in the ocean views, lush greenery, open skies and social atmosphere.