Reem Downtown as seen from the direction of the Khalifa Bridge in Abu Dhabi A human-centred, sustainable approach to planning and design The largely undeveloped site provided the team with an opportunity to design an exemplar masterplan to deliver an inclusive and liveable environment in this part of Abu Dhabi and beyond. Our human-centred approach... Continue Reading →

The tool that built the Roman Empire — The Dolabra The gladius gets the most fame and glory for being the implement of empire building when it comes to ancient Roman history. However, credit for literally building the Roman Empire is more deserved for a handy multi purpose tool called the dolabra. With a pick... Continue Reading →

Benin City, the mighty medieval capital now lost without trace With its mathematical layout and earthworks longer than the Great Wall of China, Benin City was one of the best planned cities in the world when London was a place of ‘thievery and murder’. So why is nothing left? Ancient Benin city. Benin City was... Continue Reading →

Aerial view of the Fort of Our Lady of Grace (Portugal) built on a rocky hill in 1763.

Billboards promising another way of life have long clustered alongside the clogged highways of central Cairo. Advertisements for gated housing developments called “Regent’s Park”, “Beta Greens” or “Uptown” promise “360-degree greenery” and open spaces. One, on a busy and polluted central road, invites onlookers to “just breathe”. The promise of escape from the congestion of... Continue Reading →