Gensler Unveils Baghdad Sustainable Forests Master Plan as a Global Model for Urban Renewal

Baghdad Sustainable Forests Is the Next Step in Baghdad’s Reconstruction, Providing a Powerful Catalyst for the Environmental Repair and Regeneration of the City

LONDON — Gensler has partnered with Emkanat to unveil a landmark master plan to transform Baghdad into a global model for urban resilience in an ambitious new development. Baghdad Sustainable Forests, extending over 10 million square meters, envisions the transformation of neglected land into a thriving district, breathing new life into the city through the creation of mixed-use villages and urban clusters, all set within an extensive forest.

Ian Mulcahey, Global Director of Cities, Principal at Gensler, said: “The creation of a new urban forest at the heart of Baghdad will be transformative, making a major contribution to the environmental repair and long-term enhancement of the city. The site, on the banks of the River Tigris, will become an extraordinary new destination for recreation and cultural celebration of Iraq’s capital.”

The city of Baghdad has played a central role in human history, and Baghdad Sustainable Forests seeks to honor this legacy by restoring the former Al-Rasheed military campsite — once filled with more than 45 million tons of waste — into a transformative catalyst for the city’s regeneration.

Gensler’s master plan focuses on three key principles, including creating a new destination for Baghdad to elevate the city’s identity, embracing innovation to meet future challenges, and healing the city’s ecosystem with restorative environments. Developed under the patronage of the Government of Iraq and the Prime Minister’s Office and implemented in close collaboration with Baghdad Municipality and the National Investment Commission, the development supports Iraq’s 2023–2030 National Environmental Strategy as the country aims to address contemporary ecological challenges.

Fadi Shoughri, CEO at Emkanat, said: “At Emkanat, we believe that the Baghdad Sustainable Forests is more than just a project or an urban master plan; it is the first and largest of its kind in Iraq and the wider region. As one of our flagship initiatives, it reflects our broader vision as a company to lead transformative urban development across Iraq — creating destinations that balance sustainability, innovation, and quality of life. This landmark initiative carries a message of hope for all Iraqis, marking a new chapter in the capital’s history by transforming neglected, waste-burdened land into a thriving oasis and a genuine opportunity for growth and innovation. Our vision is for Baghdad — the beating heart of Iraq — to stand as a model for the region and a gateway that reflects a nation regaining its vitality and rising confidently toward the future. And while this project opens new horizons — from job creation and cleaner air to better quality of life — it also embodies the promise that Emkanat carries: to leave behind not just buildings but living legacies that inspire future generations.”

With substantial investment underpinning the project, Baghdad Sustainable Forests will unlock new opportunities for economic growth and job creation, through the delivery of 1.5 million square meters of retail, commercial, and amenity infrastructure. It features distinct gateways and lifestyle villages to support a growing urban population including:

• Al Rasheed Gateway, anchored by an iconic 260-meter landmark commercial and hospitality tower.
• River Gateway, which reopens a stretch of the Tigris River for public access.
• The National Pavilion, a 110-meter civic landmark set within formal gardens, acts as a symbol for the rebirth of the city.
• Science & Education Village, Tech & Innovation Village, and Creative Village, which offer hubs for learning, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
• Vitality Village and Family Resort, with wellness-focused amenities and leisure destinations.

Glenn Wilson, Design Manager, Senior Associate at Gensler, said: “This is an exciting next step in the reconstruction of Baghdad and will provide a powerful catalyst for the regeneration of the wider city. The project will become a beacon for the rebirth of one of the most ancient cities in the world.”

Ecological design is the foundation of the master plan with forests, parks, and green corridors creating the structural backbone of the district. More than one million trees aim to capture 22,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually, cooling the microclimate, improving air quality, and offering immersive experiences ranging from quiet trails to vibrant civic plazas. Complementing this, an extensive micro-mobility network prioritising walking, cycling, and e-scooters enables seamless, low-impact movement across the site whilst preserving the integrity of its ecological fabric.

A series of thematic forests including Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Kids & Entertainment, Sports & Fitness, and a dedicated Ladies Forest provide spaces for creativity, well-being, and community life, while a network of gardens, water features, and gathering places support biodiversity and seasonal change.

About Gensler

At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.