King Abdulaziz University Students Transform Cotton Mills in India into Vibrant Spaces, Achieve Third Place Internationally

Source: https://www.kau.edu.sa/en/news-details/king-abdulaziz-university-students-transform-cotton-mills-in-india-into-vibrant-spaces-achieve-third-place-internationally Parent: https://www.kau.edu.sa/en/news

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Published on 2026-02-26

Ammar Hatem Abu Al-Naja, a student from the Department of Landscape Architecture at King Abdulaziz University’s Faculty of Architecture and Planning, secured third place alongside his team in the International Student Competition. The competition was organized by the Indian Society of Landscape Architects in Mumbai under the supervision of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), as part of the second edition of the International Studio Program, under the supervision of Dr. Amer Mohammed Habibullah.

The team’s achievement came after strong competition involving students from 27 universities worldwide. Participants presented innovative and sustainable solutions and strategies for the redevelopment of industrial heritage sites in Mumbai, India, promoting the integration of environmental, urban, and social dimensions.

The team’s project, titled “Cotton Green to Cotton Azaad,” won third place. It aims to revitalize the historic “Cotton Green” district in Mumbai, historically linked to the cotton industry, transforming it from a deteriorating industrial zone into a vibrant heritage destination that seamlessly integrates nature and community.

The project addresses several environmental and urban challenges, most notably flooding, abandoned industrial structures, urban and social disconnection, and the decline of heritage values. It proposes sustainable solutions including the creation of stormwater retention basins, restoration of mangrove forests, adaptive reuse of industrial buildings, and the introduction of corridors that enhance urban connectivity, achieving a balance between history, environment, and community.

This achievement adds to a growing record of success for students of the Department of Landscape Architecture at King Abdulaziz University who have participated in the International Studio Program under the supervision of Dr. Amer Mohammed Habibullah, organized by the International Federation of Landscape Architects. Previously, master’s students from the department also secured third place and received a special award in the student competition held in France.

King Abdulaziz University Students Transform Cotton Mills in India into Vibrant Spaces, Achieve Third Place Internationally

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