Desert City
Ghadames
Ghadames
Desert City
Location: Ghadames (World Heritage Site), Nalut district, Libya
Client: Wahat, developers and architects
Collaborators: OMA, Rotterdam
Scope of work : Landscape masterplan and phasing plan for the abandoned, ancient desert town; landscape design for a new film festival and tourist spa on a former mili- tary site nearby; gardens for a planned hotel on the former airplane landing strip
Date: 2009 -2010
Size: 268 ha
Building a relationship between the environment and the tourists is the most effective way to foster a community. A sensitive approach will attract tourism, new residents to Ghadames and create an opportunity for historical restoration.
Tourists no longer seek ‘get-aways’, but aim to acquire a greater understanding of local customs and culture. New developments must use this paradigm shift to create meaningful connections with local people, aiming to generate a positive and engaging visitor experience. In order to connect to this new travel class the proposed development in Ghadames will provide authentic experiences, whether high-end or low.
The future of tourism is rooted in an intimate approach to design and management of outdoor space, creating richer connections between people and places. Therefore, the main design considerations will take into account the relationship between local wildlife and indigenous species, the Saharan experience and the Tuareg culture. Each natural element offers core ingredients to support outdoor activities: picnic areas, playgrounds, seating, shaded pavilions and walking trails.
Team Inside Outside: Petra Blaisse with Rosetta Elkin, Carmen Buitenhuis, Jacques Abelman, Jana Crepon
Images: © Inside Outside
