International architecture firm Gensler has revealed comprehensive plans for an ambitious urban development project in Baghdad, Iraq, that will transform a former military waste site into a sustainable forest district featuring one million trees. The project, named Baghdad Sustainable Forests, represents a groundbreaking approach to urban regeneration in the Middle East.
The massive development will span 10 million square meters of previously neglected land that once served as a military campsite containing more than 45 million tons of waste. Developed by Emkanat, the project aims to create what Gensler describes as an "ecological and urban district" that will serve as a model for sustainable urban development in the region.
According to Ian Mulcahey, Gensler's global director of cities, the project reimagines the vast site as a new ecological and urban district where forests, parks, and green corridors form the backbone of the design. "The vision is to restore the land, create thriving mixed-use villages, and position Baghdad as both a catalyst for local regeneration and a global model for urban resilience," Mulcahey explained.
The development will feature a series of mixed-use "lifestyle villages" interspersed throughout the forested landscape, providing 1.5 million square meters of retail and commercial infrastructure. These villages will serve as hubs for education, leisure, and business activities, all connected by shaded streets and plazas designed to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users.
Two significant gateway structures will mark the entrances to Baghdad Sustainable Forests. The centerpiece Al Rasheed Gateway tower will rise 260 meters high, featuring a curved form that tapers toward its peak and sits on a round-edged square base. The River Gateway will reopen a stretch of the Tigris River to public access, reconnecting the city with its historic waterway.
The project will also include The National Pavilion, a 110-meter tower designed to serve as a "civic symbol of renewal" for the city. Additionally, the development will feature several themed forest areas, including the Arts and Culture Forest, the Health and Wellness Forest, the Kids and Entertainment Forest, and the Sports and Fitness Forest, each catering to different community needs and interests.
Glenn Wilson, a senior associate at Gensler, emphasized the symbolic importance of the project, stating that "the project will become a beacon for the rebirth of one of the most ancient cities in the world." The transformation addresses both environmental restoration and urban development needs in Iraq's capital city.
Mulcahey highlighted the environmental focus of the design, explaining that transforming the neglected land into a living forest district turns a symbol of environmental damage into one of renewal. He noted that forests and green corridors will make up the majority of the site, with some areas remaining wild to foster biodiversity while others provide trails, plazas, and gardens for daily community use.
The Baghdad Sustainable Forests project represents part of a broader trend in large-scale urban planning that prioritizes environmental sustainability and community integration. This comprehensive approach to urban regeneration demonstrates how former industrial or military sites can be transformed into thriving, environmentally conscious communities that serve both local residents and the broader urban ecosystem.
