Kerbala, Iraq (2014)
client: Iraqi Ministry of Transport and Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority
design team: ADPI (lead architect/ engineering) and D PAYSAGE (landscape architect)
D PAYSAGE : Diala Haddad, Lysann Schmidt, Jean-Baptiste Lacombe
surface area: 2 100 000 m²
budget: n.c. € HT
The site for the future Middle Euphrates International Airport is set between the towns of Karbala and Al-Hillah, and will cater for pilgrims and other visitors to the region. The site is located between the fertile plains and the edge of the desert. We have taken inspiration from the duality of these two contrasting landscapes in order to develop the theme of the landscaping around the airport, including palm groves and dune-scapes, planted with drought tolerant species. In addition, large dune-shaped mounds are formed with fill left over from the construction building excavations. These dunes frame the terminal building, drawing the eye towards it and screening of the service area.