Oman's urban design blends heritage with modern vision

Observer

3 days ago

Sandhya Rao Mehta
The writer is an Associate Professor, Sultan Qaboos University
Recently, the outdoor spaces of Sultan Haitham City won the Best Landscape Architectural Design award at the Arabian Property Awards. Not only is this a recognition of the vision projected into this venture, but it is also a reminder of the way in which structures like buildings, and even open spaces, reflect national aspirations and identity.
Gardens may just be gardens to many – a place to enjoy time with families and friends. In fact, we often do not think about the process of conceptualising outdoor spaces, their meaning and purpose.
According to researchers of urban spaces, physical and cultural spaces perform important roles in identifying, creating and consolidating national identities. Examples from Europe include the way in which gardens are depicted as tamed versions of the wild or as representing community aspirations in the 20th century.
In a similar way, landscaping in Oman can be seen in new, innovative ways that reflect the changing perspectives and priorities of the nation. Already recognised for its traditional heritage tag, as reflected in its low-rise urban landscape, Oman is also seeing subtle shifts in external modelling that take into account harmony with the community.
A mixed-use physical structure is the need of the hour, as it solves the challenges of long commutes and access to everyday comforts. This is particularly true in a hot climate like that of Oman, where the need would be to provide easily accessible comforts and luxury.
In many ways, this reflects the direction that design and landscaping in Muscat — and other cities across Oman — are taking. By prioritising heritage buildings, material and design, urban spaces are being defined as modern but also culturally confident and proud. That is the essential message of Oman Vision 2040 as well.
That this is best reflected in the physical structures, but also in the surrounding gardens and parks, shows an increasing recognition of the importance of the outdoors in facilitating a love for nature and a harmony with the outdoors which leads to a holistic lifestyle.
Landscaping is an integral way in which modern amenities and historical awareness can be acknowledged and shared. The presence of traditional shrubs and trees native to a place helps in preservation but also teaches visitors about local vegetation.
Establishing a sense of continuity with the past but with an eye to the future through buildings allows for inhabitants and visitors to participate in a shared national vision. It helps to create awareness, instil pride, and promote the nation.
When we think of asserting identity through physical spaces, we often think of historical buildings like forts and castles. It is even more interesting to see how landscaping can lead to similar assertions of national consciousness and pride. Tied with other innovative concepts like the newly built botanical gardens in Muscat, such green awareness will contribute to a common purpose which is sustainable and respectful.
While there are a number of obvious ways of showcasing heritage and tradition, landscapes add another visual element to historical storytelling while enhancing pride in the nation.