An increase in marine species highlights success of waterside development
A 2007 marine ecological survey has revealed a huge increase in the number and variety of species inhabiting two areas of the Al Khiran Pearl City waterside development, compared to 2006.
Testament to its true multi-disciplinary nature, Buro Happold’s design for the unique and attractive waterside city development took into account environmental and economic issues prior to the creation of a masterplan. This included consideration of the existing topography, prevailing winds and tides, water quality and land and marine ecology.
The success of a waterside development, especially an inland development, is determined by water quality. Water exchange via tidal flushing defines this quality, and is identified by hydrodynamic modelling using factors such as tidal movement and wind. Other factors influencing water quality include sediment movement and pollutant flushing. Coastal and hydraulic studies focused on these areas in the design process. In ensuring good water quality, an excellent marine environment is naturally created.
Buro Happold’s Bath office developed the engineering design for the project. The team was led by Alan Harbinson, director of infrastructure. Their challenge was to work with the requirement set out by the hydraulic studies to provide an efficient urban development. The integration of early engineering from the transportation and infrastructure teams for provisions of main services, utility infrastructure, road corridors and waterway crossing enabled the design to take full effect of opportunities to improve and rationalise the land-based developments without detrimental effect on the waterways. The resulting final design provided a fully integrated land based development with engineered waterways in full confidence of achieving an enhanced marine amenity.
The waterside development is adjacent to the Arabian Gulf coastline on existing khors (tidal waterway) and sabkha (salt marsh) areas 85km south of Kuwait city, and will eventually house a population of around 100,000.
In a study conducted in 2006, the maximum number of fish caught in just 10 minutes fishing with a seine net was 136, with eight different species represented. By comparison, this year’s seine nets caught up to 146 fish, with 16 species represented.
This year’s study also reveals a typical Kuwait salt marsh biota of plant and animal species on the islands. Unlike 2006, top shore salt marsh species, including two endemic crabs, are now colonising specially constructed micro channels. Additionally, over 300 species new to the waterways have been observed.
As part of the original Environmental Impact Assessment, the reintroduction of mangrove (Avicennia marina) to southern Kuwait was suggested. This was achieved in practice by the importation and culture of seedlings subsequently transplanted onto specially created islands. Additionally, in order to ensure the true sustainability of these islands, many thousands of other salt tolerant seeds were imported from Australia. These included specially developed varieties of Paspalum sp., Sesuvium portulacastrum, Conocarpus erectus, Alocasuarina sp., Eucalyptus sp., Acacia sp. and a variety of other adapted ornamental trees, shrubs and ground cover. The aim was to create unique, totally sustainable islands where irrigation utilises salt water only.
Buro Happold site project manager, Mark Dunglison, said: “This is an excellent result, and a real reminder of the rewards of being in a truly multi-disciplinary team. Our designs have covered every aspect of the waterway system including detailed hydrodynamic performance modelling, design of structures such as groynes and breakwaters to improve coastal protection, down to specifying the gradation of channel beds and beach sands.”
La’ala Al Kuwait Real Estate project director, Ian Williams, said: “For any successful waterside development, good water quality and a thriving marine environment are essential. This project is quite remarkable and has received much credit for its positive impact on the coastal environment. At a time when many Gulf waterside developments are being criticised we are proud of our achievements and look forward to maintaining and improving these in future phases of the project.”
The project is to be highlighted as a demonstration of positive ecological development by Marine Pollution Bulletin in their forthcoming review on the ecological status of the Arabian Gulf.
Independent Ecology Advisor David Jones, who is also involved in the project, said: “Not only does the new marine productivity created compensate for the loss of existing habitat elsewhere in Kuwait, but it also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and fish and shell fish stocks in Kuwait by providing a unique breeding and nursery ground for many species of marine life.”
Ends
Project team:
Client: La’ala Al Kuwait Real Estate Company
Services provided by Buro Happold: Masterplanning/Coastal modelling/Earthworks and coastal engineering design/Transportation planning/ Highway engineering/Infrastructure design (water, irrigation, electricity, drainage and water treatment)/Bridge engineering/Structural engineering/Quantity surveying/Construction management/Site supervision
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Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976. We now employ over 1,700 staff in 21 offices worldwide and our aim is to produce high quality engineering design in concept, in detail and in execution, on time, to programme and delivering excellent value for money. Our distinctive culture and ethos is still based on the same principles of care, value and elegance that were established when the practice was founded.
We offer structural, building services, civil, infrastructure and façade engineering, as well as a broad range of specialist consultancy services including cost management, sustainability, ground and environmental engineering, fire and security design, health and safety management, inclusive and urban design, project management, and specialist CAD and computer simulation provision.
