Eyes Abroad: Dazzling Doha designs and a time out
As Halloween was already two weeks ago now and with the sunlight being very shy, it feels like a good idea to take a moment.
Indeed, at the current pace, it feels like Christmas is only 14 minutes away and if we’re lucky it’ll only be February tomorrow.
So let’s just pause, breathe and look at some stories from across global horticulture and construction.
First of all, a story to brighten up your day.
LDI lighten up the Doha skies
Lighting Design International have added another prestigious project to their design portfolio, having created a scheme for the Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani Mosque in Doha, Qatar.
The recently inaugurated mosque at The Pearl Island encompasses 27,720 square metres, with a striking dome towering at 47 metres, securing the mosque as a beacon of spiritual significance.
Architect and interior design studio Zeynep Fadillioglu Design created a new baroque architectural design style for the mosque, setting it apart as a unique gem on the city’s landscape.
“Our vision was to create an atmosphere that not only enhances the architectural beauty but also sets the mosque apart from others,” says Charlotte Svenson, associate at Lighting Design international.
“The interplay of light and shadow was carefully crafted to evoke a sense of calm and reverence, inviting worshippers and visitors to experience the mosque in a way that is both visually striking but also calm and respectful.
“It has been an honour to contribute to a project that symbolises such profound cultural and religious significance to the community of Doha.”
Now over to a country making its Eyes Abroad debut…
Malta Planning Commission rejects development over environmental concerns
The Planning Commission of Malta has rejected a planning proposal for three warehouse units over environmental concerns.
The application was for three warehouses in Triq Għajn Tuffieħa, covering 320 square meters, in a site which lies within an area of high landscape value and an area of ecological importance.
However, the commission found it could not justify the development on the land, as it could be incorporated within other zones.
The current policy only permits buildings that are needed for agricultural purposes in such areas.
In the statement on Thursday the commission also explained how it has rejected another application that sought permission to construct two stables and associated facilities.
The proposed development was again considered to be incompatible with the surrounding area, which is valued for its undisturbed rural character and is largely free from similar structures.
Now for a concerning construction plea from Singapore.
Plea for timeout in Singapore construction
The Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST) and industry associations are strongly encouraging companies in the Singapore construction sector to initiate a safety time out until 22 November.
It comes after a period of 10 fatal incidents between July and October of this year and the break is to help ensure the correct safety procedures are in place.
In a statement, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) says: “The recent performance in the Construction sector is concerning. Between July to October 2024, there were 10 fatal incidents from the construction sector.
“This suggests a reduced emphasis on workplace safety and health in the sector.
“Furthermore, with the upcoming festive season, it is imperative that the sector remain vigilant and upkeep safety standards as companies may rush to meet deadlines before workers go on home leave.”
In particular, the MOM wants businesses to focus on the risks of being struck by falling objects, vehicular safety and the safe lifting and rigging activities.
Now over to Ecuador, with news of a new island.
Jan De Nul manage new mangrove forest island
Jan De Nul, a construction company working both offshore and on, has completed work on its first mangrove forest island in the Guayaquil access channel in Ecuador.
Mangrove forests are important carbon sinks and can retain up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical forests, as well as being hotspots for biodiversity.
Within the channel, the 50-hectare forest is located at an existing tidal flat area in the Guayas river delta.
The forest partners will test, monitor and quantify the efficiency of it going forward, while a management system has been established, to ensure collaboration with the local community.
Dominic De Prins, project manager for AquaForest in Ecuador at Jan De Nul Group explains: “In 2018, Jan De Nul Group signed a 25-year concession contract to undertake maintenance dredging in the access channel to the port of Guayaquil in Ecuador.
“Early in the project, we noticed a lot of shallow tidal flats near the access channel. We came up with the idea to elevate one of these areas by reusing dredged sediment from the access channel of Guayaquil, that would allow the development of mangrove habitats.
“This enables us to connect nature restoration to one of our key activities.”
Now off to the United States of America and its future of horticulture.
Horticultural Research Institute to prepare the future
The Horticultural Research Institute, part of the AmericanHort Foundation, has opened applications for its 2026 Leadership Academy Class.
The HRI Leadership Academy takes place in various locations across the USA and offers horticulture leaders a opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their knowledge, and a chance to meet professionals from the industry.
It is also designed to give participants a comprehensive approach to leadership development through in-person training and online classes.
The HRI say that applications will be evaluated on demonstrated leadership qualities, past evidence of or estimated future potential for contribution to the green industry and the ability to consider the broader interests of the community.
It will also take into account character and ability to grow through experience as well as personal and employer commitment to the program. However, it does say that preference will be given to candidates with at least five years of leadership experience and seven years of relevant industry work experience.
“As we enter the fourth year of the HRI Leadership Academy, this program is driving the development of the next generation of leaders in the green industry. Our commitment is to empower passionate, dedicated individuals ready to lead the future of horticulture, and we can’t wait to welcome those who want to make a lasting impact,” says Leigh Geschwill, HRI board president.
The application window will be open from now until 7 February next year, with interviews over March and April, followed by the selection and notification in May.