Baris Ekmekci

The Sunshine State…searching for that perfect orange.

Note: Buildings are “certified”, people are “accredited” – a possible question on the test according to a USGBC study group I went to. I am taking the test in December.

I wanted so say thank you to Abdulkader for the recommendation of the the Illustrated Guide to the flower of Saudi Arabia. It is a great resource. I was hoping that someone might be able to share their experience with procuring plant material in Dubai. The Landscape Contractor that we are working with is procuring most of the plant material from…[Read more]

Hello, hope this will be a constructive forum.

I am posting this for the sake of sharing knowledge. This might me the most comprehensive encyclopedia of native plants in Saudi Arabia.

An Illustrated Guide to the Flowers of Saudi Arabia. By Sheila Colenette.
Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Flora Publication no. 1.
Scorpion Publishing Ltd.,…[Read more]

The accreditation system seems quite blurry for now this side, save bulletins for seminars by the Emirates Green Building Council (initiative by HH Sheik Makhtoum), but developers are taking notice. Much talk in meetings about projects meeting Green Building standards, but not much push or initiative from the companies yet on getting on board the…[Read more]

I’m currently involved in a number of projects (mainly Qatar) going for LEED accreditation, some of the platinum.

It is not a directive from our consultancy (consider impact on client cost) but a desire from the client.

The main drive is in Qatar is from by QF / QP (Qatar Foundation) with the direct hands on influence of the Emir’s w…[Read more]

Hello all.

Three questions for all. (1) How significant is the LEED initiatives of the UAE (or the GCC in general) to your current projects and practice? (2) Is LEED accreditation a must in your office? (3) Have your office/EGBC/local LEED contacts informed you of the process to get accreditation?

A mouthful but important. Thanks in advance for…[Read more]

Looking for all gulf experienced LA’s to provide a true insight into the discipline in the region.