Completed in 2012, the Square is a significant urban space of 26,000 m2 located on Al Maryah Island and provides a green retreat at the centre of a new commercial hub. It uses large mounds of greenery to shelter pedestrians from the shamal, a strong north-westerly wind and to provide intimate spaces amongst the towering buildings. Linking the mounds together, a decorative pattern, like that of a traditional rug, weaves through the square. Water features are incorporated into long stone benches that wrap the mounds and the surface texture is finished with ornate grooves creating a rippling effect. To reduce evaporation, the water is contained in narrow falaj-like channels as used in ancient Middle-Eastern irrigation systems.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture