In Oman, 35 kilometres from the capital Muscat, there is a green corner in the desert: it is one of the most important and innovative botanical gardens in the world, the Oman Botanic Garden. With its 420 hectares of extension it is the largest, modern and innovative botanical garden of the Middle East, where – thanks to the technologies employed – habitats and biodiversity have been preserved. There also are a visitor centre and facilities for educational and research activities. Strongly wanted by His Majesty the Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said in order to “celebrate and preserve the country’s botanical diversity”, this project is the result of a work developed by three leading names in the field of engineering, architecture and landscape: Arup, Grimshaw and Haley Sharpe Design.

Francesconi Architectural Light Elk bollards, designed by the designer Giorgio Biscaro, with a concrete structure and a steel fastening system, were chosen to illuminate the walkways that lead the visitors along eight natural habitats, Karheef forest and some biomes. Realised in a custom version with IP68 protection grade, 24V LED source and set up for DALI management, Elk bollards are the ideal solution to be installed in public places, green areas and along lighting paths. The total absence of glare and the compliance with the limits set by current regulations for light pollution are also one of the strength points of the collection. Elk represents a new design solution in shape and materials, where design and very high mechanical and time-inalterability performance of the materials merge and create a project of absolute originality.

Giorgio Biscaro, talking about the product, says: “ELK is a highly symbolic project. The front view refers to some kind of Nordic writing and the use of concrete brings the product closer to an ancient monolithic object. A design of very natural but at the same time formally artificial inspiration, which is revealed by the soft radiations, almost carved by weather elements that counterbalance a rigid shape with sharp edges.”

Francesconi Architectural Light is structured with a local supply chain, but offers projects with a clear and determined global vision.

Francesconi Architectural Light