The Big 5 Construct Egypt 2019, held at the Egyptian International Exhibition Centre (EIEC) in Cairo from September 2 to 4, 2019, served as Egypt’s largest and most significant construction event. Against the backdrop of a major national construction boom and an imperative to build a “New Egypt” focused on ambitious projects like the New Administrative Capital, the conference emphasized innovation and addressing key industry challenges.
A significant contribution to this essential dialogue came from Schaduf Landscape Architects, represented by its CEO, Khaled M. Abdelgwad.
Key Engagement: Water Conservative Development Practice
As a core voice for sustainable urban design, Mr. Abdelgwad delivered a crucial lecture titled: “Water Conservative Development Practice.”
This presentation directly addressed one of Egypt’s most pressing national challenges: water scarcity and the need for rational resource use in large-scale development. Schaduf, known for pioneering green walls and urban farming in the Middle East, is a natural leader in this area.
The lecture’s core focus was on practical and innovative landscape architectural strategies that minimize water consumption, including:
- Efficient Irrigation Systems: Highlighting the use of smart, drip, or micro-irrigation technologies to reduce waste.
- Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: Promoting the strategic use of native or adapted plant species that thrive in arid environments.
- Water Harvesting and Recycling: Discussing methods for capturing and reusing rainwater or greywater in landscape maintenance.
By presenting this lecture, Mr. Abdelgwad positioned Schaduf not just as a design firm, but as a thought leader providing actionable, sustainable solutions that align with Egypt’s need for responsible, long-term urban planning.
Aligning with Egypt’s Construction Boom
The Big 5 Construct Egypt 2019 featured over 300 exhibitors and more than 40 CPD-certified workshops, covering sectors from MEP Services to Infrastructure Systems and Services. With Egypt recording over $33 billion in contract awards in 2018 and possessing a pipeline of over $300 billion in planned projects, the event was a hub for industry decision-makers.
Schaduf’s participation, through the CEO’s lecture, reinforced the message that sustainability and water conservatism are not optional additions but fundamental pillars required for the successful and resilient development of new cities and vast infrastructure projects in Egypt. The engagement helped connect Schaduf’s expertise directly with the architects, developers, and government officials driving the country’s transformation.