A garden in a dense city: Mansheya Gardens

A place with a past

Mansheya lies in the historic heart of Alexandria, among buildings of different periods, with the sea close by. Its garden has a history of geometric French-influenced design, associated with the city's nineteenth-century civic centre. Our concept does not recreate that past. It takes the garden's old geometric order and translates it into a calm, contemporary landscape of simplicity, precision and human scale.

Keep what is there

We respect the surrounding urban fabric. The concept keeps the existing buildings, roads and ground levels, and works within them. The landscape frames important views, such as the historic façades and the line towards the sea, and does not compete with them. See also New buildings in old streets.

Mansheya lies in the historic heart of Alexandria, among buildings of different periods, with the sea close by.

Pavilions, shade and seating

In a hot climate, shade makes a garden usable. Timber pavilions with slatted sides give shaded places to meet, with seats and tables for people to sit together. Limestone benches line the planting. Mature trees, olives and Mediterranean plants give more shade and a sense of calm. Shade is what turns a garden from something to look at into something to use. See also Designing for the desert.

Water

Long, narrow channels and fountains bring the sound and coolness of water into the heart of the city. In moderation, with care for water use, a water feature makes the air feel cooler and gives people something to gather around.

Paths and openness

Geometric paths in pale stone lead people through the garden in clear lines, with places to pause. The design is open, so that people feel safe and can see across the space. A garden that is used all day, by many different people, stays safe.

A restrained palette

We use natural stone, warm timber and refined metal detailing, with planting chosen for the coastal climate. Materials are chosen to age well in sea air. See also Choosing materials.

For everyone

A public garden should welcome everyone: families, workers on a break, older people, students and visitors. Level paths, seating at different heights, shade and clean, well-lit spaces help. See also Courtyards.

Four principles

Mansheya Gardens is guided by four ideas:

1. Preserve heritage.
2. Express a contemporary architectural language.
3. Create climatic comfort.
4. Encourage inclusive public life.

About this design

Mansheya Gardens is a concept design, and the images on our site are visualisations (see our Disclaimers). It is not a commissioned or approved proposal. A real project would need public consultation, heritage and urban analysis, water and planting design, and the agreement of the authorities.

See also: Urban design and masterplanning.

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