SCHADUF Landscape Architects is proud to announce that our CEO, Khaled M. Abdelgawad, was an integral contributor to the inaugural Futures Lab, a high-level, three-day strategic program focused on charting a climate-resilient path for development in Egypt.
Convened by the AUC Innovation Hub and the strategic foresight consultancy New Silk Roads, the Lab was an eye-opening exploration into the future of the Egyptian built environment. Mr. Abdelgawad was specifically invited for his expertise as CEO of SCHADUF and a Chartered Member of the British Landscape Institute (CMLI).
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Climate Adaptation
The Lab gathered a highly selective, multidisciplinary group of senior business leaders, investors, architects, policymakers, urban planners, and researchers. Mr. Abdelgawad reflected on the collaborative nature of the event, describing the participants as a “great team of beautiful brains” working to develop a bold, actionable vision and a concrete action plan for the real estate sector in the face of accelerating climate change.
The core theme was the critical need to shift from basic climate mitigation towards necessary adaptation, exploring the pivotal question: “What If Real Estate Accelerates a Green Transition? Exploring Avenues for a Regenerative Built Environment.”
The program employed Futures Thinking and Scenario Planning methodologies to explore multiple possible futures for the sector, focusing on:
- How the real estate sector can proactively adapt to the realities of climate change.
- How the industry can contribute to creating a greener environment and society.
As a leader in landscape architecture and green infrastructure, Mr. Abdelgawad contributed specific insights into creating systems that actively replenish resources, manage climate risks, and define new standards for living and working spaces.
High-Caliber Collaboration
Held from September 22-24 at the Jaz Little Venice Hotel in Ain Sokhna, the Lab’s strategic importance was underscored by its high-profile support from Hivos and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands).
Mr. Abdelgawad collaborated with a distinguished group of peers, including:
- Laila Iskandar, Founder of CID Consulting and former Minister of State.
- Sherif Saleh, Co-CEO of Misr Italia Properties.
- Amal Enan, Senior Advisor on COP27 and Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum.
- Jimmy Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Egypt.
CEO Quote on the Path Forward
Reflecting on the transformative discussions and the vital role of design in addressing the crisis, Khaled M. Abdelgawad, CEO of SCHADUF, stated:
“The Futures Lab successfully pushed us to define a higher purpose for Egyptian real estate. We must embrace a regenerative approach—not just minimizing our footprint, but actively enhancing the environment. For SCHADUF, this means leveraging advanced design and nature-based solutions to deliver resilient communities that genuinely address climate risks like water scarcity and heat. We are dedicated to translating this collective, bold vision into tangible projects that secure a thriving future for the region.”
SCHADUF looks forward to integrating the strategic action plan developed at the Futures Lab across its portfolio, reinforcing our commitment to pioneering a climate-proof and regenerative built environment in Egypt.