You are kindly invited to follow LAUD TALKS: Spring 2021-2022 organized by the Department of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, FADA, Bilkent University.
Speaker: Duncan Denley (BA(hons), DIPLA, CMLI) & Nichal Jacob Rajan (MLA, B arch)
Title: “CONTEXT DRIVEN LANDSCAPES: Materials, Technology and Sustainability”
Date & Place: February 8, 2022, Tuesday, 10.30-11.30 & FB309
***This is an online event. To obtain Zoom link and password, please contact to the department.
Abstract: Award winning Dubai-based landscape architects desert INK explore their use of local materials coupled with technological and material advancements to deliver truly sustainable landscapes. Featuring their groundbreaking designs for The Block Park and Dubai Expo 2020’s Sustainability Pavilion, desert INK’s Managing Director, Duncan Denley, will take you on a tour of their projects, discussing the studio’s design philosophies and innovative solutions with stunning results.
Biography:
Duncan Denley is a UK chartered landscape architect, founder, and Managing Director of landscape architecture practice desert INK. An impressive list of projects bears Duncan’s mark, including d3’s much-awarded park, The Block, Sustainability pavilion at Dubai EXPO, 2020, and Sharjah’s Al Faya Lodge. Many of the world’s largest and most complex landscape developments, such as Mall of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi Central Markets, and Doha’s Sheraton Park were also completed under Duncan’s creative, yet practical leadership. Duncan has taught as a visiting lecturer at universities in Europe and the MENA and boasts professional experience which spans the globe, having been based in the UK, U.S.A., and the UAE. A frequent conference speaker, Duncan has addressed delegates across the globe and is a frequent contributor to international design publications. Duncan possesses 19 years of Middle East experience and as such is one of the most experienced Landscape Architects in the region. He leads his team with equal doses of enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge. His projects and design philosophies are widely published globally, and desert INK has an ever-growing collection of design awards which is a testament to his passion for design. The past year has been an exciting one for desert INK. While overseeing the completion of several highly-complex landmark projects, including the Dubai EXPO Sustainability Pavilion and Fly Dubai Headquarters, he has also been leading the team to deliver 5 exciting and complex parks within the King Salman park at KSA.
Nichal Jacob Rajan is a senior Landscape architect at desert INK and has been responsible for delivering a wide range of creative projects in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. He has worked on a variety of projects ranging from waterfront developments, master planning projects to commercial and hospitality projects throughout the MENA region and India. Having previously worked with a leading real estate developer in India, Nichal possesses experience in designing and handing over award-winning luxury residential towers. Nichal’s focus lies in designing for the human experience in landscapes through creative and innovative concepts. His approach combines local plants, materials, and environmental design strategies with contemporary design solutions. He enjoys delivering creative, informed, and cost-effective solutions for clients and has a collaborative approach to teamwork. Nichal is a trained architect and landscape architect and graduated his master’s in landscape architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. He has been with desert INK since 2019 and since then delivered projects of various sizes, some of which include Crowne Plaza at Dubai, Gateway offices in Egypt, Streetscapes for high-end residential development in KSA, and various residential masterplans across Dubai.