The book Gardens for the Desert offers a compelling look at how Bödeker, a German landscape architecture firm, contributed to the green transformation of Riyadh over the past fifty years. Richard Bödeker, the firm’s founder, brought his expertise in arid landscapes to Saudi Arabia in the 1970s. Through projects like the Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, his work has become closely tied to the city’s development, reflecting an evolving understanding of local needs and innovative approaches to urban greenery.

The book traces this journey, exploring not only Bödeker’s vision but also the contributions of the many people who supported and influenced him along the way. Their voices, captured in their own words, enrich the narrative and emphasize the collaborative efforts behind each project. Today, Jens Bödeker continues this work, leading the firm with the same commitment to creating sustainable and meaningful landscapes.

This book is an engaging resource for anyone interested in the history of landscape architecture in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh’s urban evolution. It provides a unique perspective on the development of iconic projects and the expertise behind them.