OLD BAGHDAD MILITARY CAMP TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO AN URBAN FOREST
With a recently unveiled vision for Iraq's capital, international planning and architecture firm Gensler hopes to transform Baghdad. Baghdad Sustainable Forest will cover more than 10 million square meters and turn once undeveloped territory into a bustling district in collaboration with the company Emkanat. The best part is that this mix of residential communities and mixed-use buildings is situated inside a large forest.
The design is especially intriguing since it offers a fresh perspective on the former Al-Rasheed military camp, which was previously home to almost 45 million tons of garbage. This abandoned area will now be transformed into the first project of its sort in Iraq. According to Ian Mulcahey, Global Director of Cities and Principal at Gensler, "building a new urban forest in the centre of Baghdad will be transformative, making a substantial contribution to the environmental rehabilitation and long-term enhancement of the city." "The location, on the banks of the Tigris River, will become an amazing new destination for leisure and cultural celebration of Iraq's capital."
A large National Pavilion surrounded by formal gardens, the reopening of a portion of the Tigris River for public access with the River Gateway, and an 853-foot commercial and hotel tower anchoring the Al Rasheed Gateway are some of the novelties in the area. Thanks to three distinct villages focused on science, technology, innovation, education, and creativity, there will also be a centre for learning, entrepreneurship, and partnerships. The Vitality Village and Family Resort will also offer recreational opportunities and wellness-focused amenities.
In an amazing effort to strengthen the nation's ecosystem, more than a million trees will be planted to establish a sustainable forest. An estimated 22,000 metric tons of CO2 will be captured by the trees each year, improving air quality and fostering a cosy microclimate. A large micro mobility network prioritises sustainable habits such as walking, cycling, and e-scooter use to complement the forest.
Fadi Shoughri, CEO of Emkanat, says, "This historic project conveys a message of optimism for all Iraqis, marking a new chapter in the capital's history by transforming neglected, waste-burdened land into a vibrant oasis and a true chance for growth and creativity." "Our objective is for Baghdad, the beating heart of Iraq, to serve as a model for the region and a gateway that symbolises a nation rediscovering its vigour and rising confidently into the future."
Iraq's 2023–2030 National Environmental Strategy, which aims to address current environmental issues, includes the Baghdad Sustainable Forest.