The use of geosynthetics for a “Green Desert” in Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar

¹ Maccaferri Inc., Hagerstown, MD 21740, USA
² Maccaferri Middle East LLC., Dubai, UAE

^* Corresponding author: l.mottadelli@maccaferri.com

Abstract

Expo 2023 is an International Horticultural Expo to be hosted by Doha, Qatar, for a period of 6 months between 2023 and 2024. Spanning across 1.7 million square meters, the event takes place in the scenic ‘Al Bidda’ park in Doha. The ‘Expo House’ building is planned as a key attraction within the ‘Al Bidda’ park as part of this exposition. The theme of EXPO 2023 is “Green Desert, Better Environment”, with an aim to encourage, inspire, and educate people about cutting-edge methods to lessen desertification, and this aim is clearly reflected in the design of the ‘Expo House’ building. The Expo House is designed in the shape of a semicircle, with a vast open space in front and a fountain as a centerpiece. The benches along the sides of the pavilion form a natural amphitheater, offering stunning views and a perfect spot for the expo’s events and gatherings. One of the challenges was to adopt the right solution that performs the functions of soil retention, stabilization, plantation, and smart irrigation needs of the project. Maccaferri Middle East was chosen as the technology provider for the GREEN COVER SYSTEM; thanks to the wide range of geosynthetic products in our portfolio that can achieve the varying slope requirements of the artificial green mount in the project.