Oxygen Park by AECOM Provides Coolness at Qatar Education City Campus

Recently, environmental problems are becoming more and more common. One thing that cannot be avoided is the declining air quality due to air pollution and the lack of green open space in urban areas. Based on this problem, AECOM designed a 'green lung' called Oxygen Park for the Education City Campus in Doha, Qatar. With an area of ​​13.000m², the park is divided into shaded and covered trails, running track, riding trails, sports fields, four buildings, and a garden containing more than 100 plant species, the majority of which are native and desert-adaptive.

Oxygen Park - 'green lungs' at Education City Campus in Doha, Qatar

The design of Oxygen Park was inspired by the formation of molten soil and wind-eroded rock in a natural desert environment. The aim is to maximize the wind around the park as passive cold air, as well as to accommodate a variety of sporting activities, and other community events. This is also done to maximize the use of the cool breeze because this area is known to be hot. These facilities are in one landscape of Oxygen Park.

Oxygen Park is inspired by molten soil formations and wind-eroded rocks in a natural desert environment

In addition to open facilities, Oxygen Park also accommodates four other buildings as cool rest areas and classrooms for teaching and learning activities. The fourth is formed by a reinforced concrete structure 'planted' on the hillside and covered with a cantilevered green roof to maximize thermal mass and reduce solar heat.

Oxygen Park is designed to be able to hold rainwater

With a wavy topography formed by hilly soil and swales, Oxygen Park can create a strong spatial framework for the various programs designed. In addition, topography also influences the running track, so that the path is dynamic and repetitive.

The topography of this green space is modeled by a computer to maximize the existing facilities, as well as to circulate the wind more regularly through the tunnels. The available breezes are connected through carved wind ducts nestled between the gardens for natural ventilation. This is an adaptation of the traditional wind towers that can be found in the Arabian Gulf.

Topography exerts an influence on the running track

As a sustainable green space, Oxygen Park is designed to accommodate rainwater which will be stored through a bath embedded in the soft-scape area which serves to increase the natural ability of the soil to drain water. Finally, the grass surface for sports activities is also equipped with an intelligent irrigation system with sensor technology to control and reduce water consumption.

Oxygen Parks provide an open space for shady exercise, rest, and play

Overall, the Oxygen Park hardscape uses bright colors to match the original Qatar landscape while minimizing glare and heat in the area of the park. In addition, superior concrete is also used to produce a flat, sturdy, and sustainable track surface for sports activities. With such design and facilities, visitors who will exercise or relax in the garden will feel maximum comfort.

Oxygen Parks Plan