3rd Prize Winner International Competition 2025
Water as ecological spine + Genius Loci heritage + Citadel-inspired layering = sustainable future park
The idea of the Erbil Ecological Park is to answer these needs. It will not only be a park with trees and paths, but a place where nature, culture, and people meet. The park will protect local plants and animals, create shade and clean air, and give people new spaces for learning, sports, and festivals. It will also connect to Erbil’s master plan and show how the city can grow in a greener and more sustainable way. This project is important because it will be a new face for Erbil. It will be a symbol of a modern city that respects its heritage and natural environment while also opening up to the world. The project draws inspiration from the landscapes of Kurdistan, such as its mountains, rivers, and plains, and the biodiversity of nature, to create a mosaic of natural and cultural experiences within the city. More than a park, it will be a gateway between city and nature, a space where visitors can reconnect with the land while learning about its history, ecological and cultural richness. Aligned with the Erbil Master Plan, the Ecological Park translates the city’s strategic goals of climate adaptation, sustainability, livability, and regional competitiveness. Thus it makes Erbil’s identity stronger. Also, it works as an ecological and cultural park and puts the city on the international map of green cities.
Vision
The Erbil Ecological Park plans to be a living example of the landscape of Kurdistan’s nature and culture, because environmental aspects and cultural heritage work together in a dynamic and inspiring way. The park will demonstrate how natural systems such as water, soil, vegetation, and climate can be placed to create healthier, more livable cities.
The vision is to establish a park that is not only beautiful but also functional and regenerative. Wetlands will filter and store water, woodlands will act as carbon sinks, and diversity of habitats will support local species. At the same time, the park will serve as a cultural landmark, hosting events, gardens, and educational activities that celebrate Kurdish traditions and knowledge.
These are the main visions of the Erbil Ecological Park:
1. A living landscape of Kurdistan’s nature and culture, uniting ecology and heritage.
2. A park where ecosystem services such as water purification, biodiversity, and climate adaptation directly supports community health and well-being.
3. A gateway between the city and nature, reconnecting people with their environment.
4. A model of sustainable urban parks in the Middle East, inspiring regional change.
5. A landmark that strengthens Erbil’s identity as an ecological and cultural capital.
Master plan / Functional Zoning map
Goals
The goals of the Erbil Ecological Park are to bring nature, culture, and people together in one place. The park is not only about trees and landscapes, but also about creating a healthier city, protecting local plants and animals, and offering new spaces for people to learn and enjoy. Each goal responds to real needs in Erbil: cleaner air, more green areas, places for recreation, and a stronger cultural identity.
– Ecosystem Conservation & Regeneration
Protect and restore native plants from Kurdistan’s mountains and plains. Use wetlands and rainwater harvesting to keep water and soil healthy. Connect the park to the city’s wider green belt.
– Climate Resilience & Sustainability
Plant more trees and woodland areas to act as carbon sinks and cool the city. Improve air quality with green buffers around urban areas. Use renewable energy and recycling systems to show how sustainability can work in practice.
– Biodiversity & Habitat Protection
Create safe areas for birds, mammals, amphibians, and pollinators. Build a biodiversity center to raise awareness and use the park as a place for education and research.
– Community Health & Well-being
Provide cycling and walking paths, natural sports fields, and quiet areas for relaxation. Include shaded resting spots and health-focused spaces like yoga or meditation gardens.
Narrative Framework & Ecological Strategies
Main Concept – Erbil Ecological Park
The Erbil Ecological Park is envisioned as a resilient ecological and cultural landscape, designed to respond to the climate challenges of today while
celebrating the unique identity and memory of place. Anchored in the Erbil Master Plan 2050 vision for a sustainable city, the park emerges as both an
ecological repair strategy and a civic landmark.
Primary Layer – Adaptive Ecological Flow
The main circulation system follows organic and adaptive patterns inspired by natural hydrology and topography. Lawns, forest belts, restored wetlands, and playful topographic interventions create a owing, climate-responsive framework that enhances cooling, stormewater retention, and biodiversity habitat. This establishes the ecological backbone of the park.
Secondary Layer – Cultural Memory of the City
At a finer scale, narrow alleyways inspired by the urban grain of the Erbil Citadel weave through the park’s zones, generating shaded pathways, human-scaled courtyards, and intimate cultural gardens. This secondary network layers history onto the ecological framework, allowing visitors to experience the park as a living extension of Erbil’s heritage.
Internal and External Ecological Corridor to the Global green Network
Internal Ecological Corridors
Loop Cycling Roade system and Electric Transport
Primary Layer – Adaptive Ecological Flow
Cultural Memory of the City
Main Entrances and Flow of the People
Culture, Heritage, and Recreation with Ecological Linkage
The Hydrology & Water Balance Analysis
of the Erbil Ecological Park,
Active and Passive Spaces within Erbil Ecological Park
Visitor Flow, Capacity & Dwell Time Analysis
Serendipity Space Analysis
Main Zoning shceme
For the full project posters and details, click here
