The Japanese Garden: Expo 2023 In Desert Climate
Embrace cultural harmony: Discover the unique blend of Qatari and Japanese influences in the Japanese Zen Garden, a harmonious fusion of traditional Japanese garden elements and the rich heritage of Qatar, providing a captivating cultural experience at the Doha Expo 2023.
I had the incredible opportunity to meet the pavilion landscaper Tamotsu Kiyohito a year ago and we were sharing around the Qatari local and desert plants, and today, I am in awe of his innovative approach to blending nature's beauty. By substituting Japanese plants with desert plants, he did created a harmonious oasis right here in Qatar.
Our meeting this time was around the Garden to see the result and have a detailed tour with him. we had a look on the plant explaining the why of every choice in the design, the challenges and some good surprises that nature always give.
Spending an hour amidst the tranquility and grace of this Japanese garden has been a true gift. It's incredible to witness the level of monitoring and sustainability practices implemented to ensure the health of the plants.
THE ZEN GARDEN OUT OF JAPAN
The landscaper spend 2 years observing and searching around the Qatari local culture in order to blend the 2 countries culturel essences. So he worked with the Local Qatari fona and local material and the Qibla direction to implement the Yang garden which symbolize the strongest direction in the design and finally exchange some shintoïste symbol with Islamic symboles.
The extreme weather in Doha was a great opportunity to have some monitoring. So the garden was sponsored by some Japaneses compagnies according to the garden Design.So we can find the Vertical green wall of the Yang Garden sponsored by Greeval and Amenis, The hair purifying compagny with hom we tried to monitoring the hair quality in Qatar.
THE GARDEN TRUCK
The Suzuki Trac is not just an ordinary vehicle; it is a transformative experience waiting to happen. With its innovative concept, this mobile workshop space aims to immerse individuals in the art of zen garden design. In Japan, it is quite common for landscapers to utilize their trucks as a platform for learning and creating serene outdoor spaces.
THE WABI ZABI
The Wabi Zabi trees, recycled from Plaza Hollande, The trees shape is not valuable in the local garden but in the Japanese garden those inclined shape are treasure perfectly embody the essence of this “Zen garden”. Their presence truly transports you to a place of pure authenticity and peace.
Even it is was hot in Doha but the Design was done in way to reduce the heat effect by first using the right orientation. The garden offer a very joyful experience for the senses, so we can hear the wind chimes and the colorful origami Birds and having the montagne effect cloud by adding some water refreshing sprayers .
After experiencing the Japanese Pavilion, with its meticulous attention to detail and harmonious blend of design elements, I found myself captivated and unable to tear myself away. The immersive experience created an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence, transporting me to another time and place. Every aspect of the pavilion, from the delicate song of the windy chimes, the trees shapes to the flowing water features, was a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the beauty of nature's touch. It was a true masterpiece that left a lasting impression on my heart and mind. The Japanese Pavilion not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of Japan but also that it principales are universal and can adapt any culture and climate.
