Masdar Development
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2007
Foster + Partners
"Inspired by the architecture and urban planning of traditional Arab cities, Masdar City incorporates narrow streets; the shading of windows, exterior walls and walkways; thick-walled buildings; courtyards and wind towers; vegetation and a generally walkable city."
"Masdar City is an emerging global clean-technology cluster located in what aims to be one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments powered by renewable energy.
"Located about 17km from downtown Abu Dhabi, this free zone will eventually be home to companies, researchers, and academics from across the globe, creating an international hub for companies and organisations focused on renewable energy and clean technologies. Inspired by the architecture and urban planning of traditional Arab cities.
BBC 'Costing the Earth':
"Masdar: Abu Dhabi's carbon-neutral city"
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| Link to BBC web site |
"The world's first zero-carbon city is being built in Abu Dhabi and is designed to be not only free of cars and skyscrapers but also powered by the sun.
"... At street level, it is all pedestrianised, and the planners have done their best to keep the city compact and foot-friendly.
"But if fatigue overtakes you, then slip down a level and meet the Personal Rapid Transit or podcars.
"These driverless vehicles are guided by magnetic sensors, powered by solar electricity, and they stop automatically if an obstacle appears. They are programmed to go where you ask."
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| Link to AR web site |
"The global financial crisis has derailed construction all over the world — even in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates. But certain megaprojects continue to march ahead, though with tighter budgets, more pragmatic goals, and less ambitious schedules.
"One such project is Masdar City, in Abu Dhabi. ... Originally slated for completion by 2016, plans for Masdar included housing, cultural institutions, educational and research facilities, and space for tenants focused on the development of advanced energy technologies.
"... However, Masdar officials have reevaluated their plans. The original $22 billion budget has been reduced by 15 percent, and completion pushed back to 2025.
"... Despite such adjustments, the development’s core principles have not been sacrificed, insist members of the project team. Jurgen Happ, a Foster associate partner, said:
“Masdar is still a compact, high-density, mixed-use development, with well-integrated public transport and a street design that enforces walkable communities and neighborhoods,"
[Just like Hammerson's Brent Cross Cricklewood, then - the Masdar of the North Circular Road, with extra planned fossil-fuel-based car parks, instead of petrodollar-funded low-carbon transport!]
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