The Arab Garden, often referred to as "The Paradise on Earth," is a remarkable blend of spirituality, geometry, and nature, designed to evoke the vision of an earthly paradise. These gardens have their roots in the Persian "pairi-daeza," a term that later evolved into the word "paradise" and inspired the classical Islamic garden tradition. Arab gardens are historically known for their enclosed layouts, symmetry, water features, lush greenery, and the integration of sensory elements such as fragrance and shade, creating an oasis-like atmosphere. The design is a symbolic representation of paradise, as described in the Quran, with flowing rivers, fountains, and the eternal presence of beauty and peace.
Michel Ecochard, a prominent French architect and urban planner, was known for his work in the Arab world, particularly in Damascus, Syria. One of his most famous projects was the restoration and development of the Umayyad Mosque gardens. His approach merged the historic significance of the gardens with a modern aesthetic, preserving the geometric integrity and harmony that are central to Arab garden design.
Rosa Klein was one of the pioneers in Arab-style landscape design during the 20th century. Her collaborative project with Zambian architect Kenneth Kaunda on the Al-Azhar Park in Cairo remains one of the most celebrated contemporary Arab gardens. This massive green space is located on a site that was once a garbage dump, and its design revives classical Islamic geometry and water features. The park represents a fusion of the historical principles of Arab gardens with modern landscaping.
An Indian landscape architect known for his extensive knowledge of Islamic and Mughal gardens, Mohammad Shaheer brought his expertise into Arab-inspired gardens. One of his landmark projects was the Sunder Nursery in Delhi, a 90-acre park that reflects the Persian-Arab garden style, with chahar bagh patterns, water channels, and a focus on historical restoration. Though his work was primarily in India, his expertise in Islamic garden principles is internationally recognized.
Emma Clark is a prominent British landscape architect specializing in Islamic gardens. She has dedicated her career to reviving the principles of the traditional Arab garden in contemporary settings. Her design for the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts Garden in London showcases her skill in blending historical Arab garden elements with modern sustainability. Her book The Art of the Islamic Garden is a key resource for garden designers seeking to understand the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings of Arab gardens.
Anoushka Hempel, an influential garden designer, has applied her distinctive style to several projects inspired by the classical Arab garden. Her work is characterized by clean, geometric lines and the use of traditional elements such as water channels and courtyards. Hempel’s design for The Ampney Park Gardens in England features Arab garden influences, incorporating symmetry, reflective pools, and fragrant plants to evoke an oasis-like atmosphere.
An Egyptian landscape architect, Nahla El Khorazaty, is known for her modern interpretations of the Arab garden. Her designs balance tradition with contemporary needs, often integrating native plants and sustainable water management systems. Her work on Cairo’s Al-Azhar Park helped to bring Arab garden design into the modern era, while still reflecting the spiritual and cultural legacy of classical Islamic gardens.
Kamel Louafi, an Algerian landscape architect based in Germany, has made significant contributions to the Arab garden tradition in contemporary urban spaces. His projects, such as the Garden of the Four Winds in the King Abdullah International Gardens in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reflect the timeless principles of Arab gardens—symmetry, water, and shade—while adapting to modern aesthetics and functionality.
Martin Rein-Cano is a landscape architect who has worked on several projects inspired by Arab and Islamic garden traditions. His design for the Levallois-Perret Park in France incorporates geometric patterns, water channels, and green spaces that are reminiscent of classical Arab gardens but executed in a distinctly modern style.
Alhambra Gardens (Spain): Perhaps the most iconic example of an Arab garden, the Generalife at the Alhambra in Granada is a masterpiece of Islamic landscaping. Its combination of enclosed spaces, reflective pools, and lush plantings has inspired generations of garden designers.
The Shalimar Gardens (Pakistan): Though not an Arab garden in the strictest sense, the Shalimar Gardens are a Mughal interpretation of Persian garden principles that influenced the Arab garden design. This UNESCO World Heritage site in Lahore embodies the chahar bagh design with terraced lawns, water channels, and fountains.
Al-Azhar Park (Egypt): As mentioned, Al-Azhar Park is one of the most successful modern Arab gardens, designed to transform a neglected urban area into a verdant public space. Its design incorporates traditional Arab garden features like pavilions, geometric patterns, and water elements while addressing the ecological and social needs of contemporary Cairo.
Riyadh's Salam Park (Saudi Arabia): This park combines the aesthetics of the traditional Arab garden with sustainable practices. Its design focuses on preserving water resources through efficient irrigation while incorporating native plant species. The park is a modern interpretation of the classical oasis garden, with extensive lawns, shaded groves, and tranquil water features.
The Arab garden tradition, often referred to as "Paradise on Earth," continues to inspire garden designers worldwide. From ancient Islamic gardens to contemporary urban parks, these spaces serve as symbols of beauty, tranquility, and spiritual reflection. Designers like Emma Clark, Kamel Louafi, and Nahla El Khorazaty carry forward the timeless principles of symmetry, water, and lush vegetation into the modern era, preserving the essence of these enchanting gardens for future generations.