Planters, the leading interior landscaping company in the Middle East, has recently completed the landscaping for the only Ikea mega store in the Middle East, which is located in an atrium building at Dubai Festival City. The project was one of the most ambitious interior landscaping projects undertaken in Dubai, as it included the installation of the tallest preserved palms in the Middle East.
Planters were awarded the contract by Higgs & Hill, who are the main contractor for Dubai Festival City. Jonathan Pardoe, General Manager of Planters stated “We were delighted to have been selected for this job and consider ourselves fortunate to be involved in such a unique project.”
The design brief included the installation of eight 14 metre tall preserved palms under the atrium leading to the entrance of the store. The preserved palms, which consist of natural palm ‘bark’ and preserved date palm fronds, were installed on a ‘slight curve’ throughout. This was necessary to accommodate both the shape and overall height of the atrium and to add form to the overall layout. At such a height, the palms are easily visible from all levels of the mall and enhance the overall natural theme. Viridian Middle East Ltd supplied the palms.
When asked about the challenges of the project, Jonathan replied, “The installation was a tricky problem to contend with. By the time the site was ready for the palm trees, the shopping mall was already open to the public. Therefore we had to carry out the installation after opening hours. Once the mall closed at 11pm, a team of expert scaffolders worked quickly to erect a 14 metre scaffold. Each tree was carried in by 20 men and was installed in the early hours of the morning, by our trained and experienced staff. Because of the size and complexity of the trees and the site, we
were only able to erect one tree per night. The whole project went well and was completed on time.”
Planters’ aim on this project, was to achieve an Arabian theme in an indoor setting, as it is very easy for such a large space to look empty and feel very clinical and unwelcoming. However, these preserved palm trees, enhance the area, adding a natural element and making it not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but also very comfortable and relaxing. This is a vital ingredient in making the modern day ‘shopping experience’ enjoyable.
About Planters
Established in the U.A.E. since 1978, Planters Horticulture specializes in the supply and maintenance of interior landscaping. Our installations range from a small number of individual plants through to comprehensive landscapes. Each installation is designed to suit a given location and budget with almost no restrictions as to the size or complexity. With close to 1,000 ongoing maintenance contracts within the UAE that include banks, offices, shopping malls, hotels, and royal palaces we are now recognized as the leading interior landscaper within the Middle East.
