The spectacular exteriors and architectural marvels of the Museum of the Future may be the main talking points ahead of its February 22 inauguration in Dubai, but the gardens are expected to be a draw in and of themselves.
The gardens, which will hold about 100 different tree and plant species, will reflect the UAE’s natural richness and ecological legacy.
The gardens, which are positioned on the wide green plinth on which the building stands, are an important feature of the building’s design.
The space is home to native ghaf, sidr, palm, and acacia trees, all of which are well adapted to the local environment. The gardens include an automatic irrigation system and provide habitat for bees and birds.
According to an official statement about the gardens, “the plant species and irrigation systems utilised had to account the characteristics of the steep plateau and the UAE’s arid weather.” “Traditional landscaping techniques were difficult to implement due to the building’s unique location. It was necessary to come up with a new manner of planting and soiling the plants.
“With summer temperatures in Dubai reaching close to 50°C and an annual rainfall of 130mm, irrigation was a major problem for the plateau. A smart irrigation system use a sub-surface mat to provide water to the root system in a targeted and effective manner.