U.S. Embassy Compound
Dakar, Senegal

Design/Build
Landscape Architect of Record: Cowen Design
Design-Builder: BL Harbert International
Architect of Record : Page

Cowen Design Group served as the Landscape Architect of Record for the U.S. Embassy Compound in Dakar, Senegal. The project included a private staff garden, outdoor recreational facilities, and lush landscape planters. Locally-sourced materials were installed in the grand hardscape walks and patios.

The U.S. Embassy Compound in Dakar is set on the western-most peninsular of the African Continent. The seaside site provided views of the ocean as well as a series of design challenges. Formerly the location of Club Med’s tennis courts, the natural site vegetation provided inspiration for the final plant palette. Due to the sandy soils and a high water table, the landscape team selected species which were adaptable to these unique conditions.

The plant palette incorporated many native and adaptive species which were well suited to the soil and seasonally-dry conditions of Senegal. The irrigation system utilized reclaimed water from an onsite wastewater treatment facility, saving thousands of gallons of potable water per year. To provide additional irrigation water savings, portions of the site were planted with native grasses not requiring the use of irrigation.