Stationary and flowing water , if used judiciously, is an attractive feature in this arid climate. Because water can be recirculated, therefore not wasted, it is only the energy cost to run a water pump and maintenance cost that needs to be considered when contemplating inclusion of such a feature in a design. Outdoor green spaces and a shadow network have become a priority design consideration in outside areas and landscaping building surroundings. There will be three levels of landscaping on campus. Arid areas, desert vegetation landscaped area requiring little irrigation, and green oasis, intensively irrigated, providing shade and zones of relief, from the dry climate.
Malls are the pedestrian routes around the campus.
Every new structure will have to consider its relationship to the Mall network. It is the intent that there is the spine network of major Malls, also internal Malls in each cluster. Each cluster will have its own character of mall surfaces to allow for differentiation in character of each cluster, but this individual texture will be harmonized with the rest of the system. Articulation of horizontal surfaces is an important part of the landscaping concept. Variety of visual stimulation can be achieved by choosing plants of various heights and textures, by creating berms and hollows in the ground, and by creating vistas and treating surfaces to various textures.