Masdar City Green,UAE

Announced in April 2006 and launched in February 2008, the construction of a city some 100% ecological kilomètresd'Abou Dhabi begins to take shape.

Called "Masdar, which means" source "in Arabic, the city will cover 6 square kilometers and is expected to accommodate 50,000 inhabitants and 1,500 businesses.

The key measures that will help make this city really green.The cost of this 100% eco-city will be reduced from 10 to 15% compared to original estimates of 18.7 to 19.8 billion instead of $ 22 billion.

Energy, Water & Recycling

A photovoltaic power and solar panels on the present buildings will produce the main source of electricity. The expected production is 100 MW and is expected eventually to reach 500 MW. Part of renewable energy will still be produced outside of the city.

Desalination plants that run on solar energy will fuel the city's drinking water. The entire wastewater used to irrigate crops for biofuels or for food, or to water parks.

Architecture

To avoid the use of air conditioners, electricity guzzling, the city will be surrounded by walls to block the hot winds and sand. The streets were laid narrow to emphasize the shadows, and oriented to maximize air circulation.

The walls of the institute of science and technology are isolated by large rubber pads that return the sunlight and to mitigate the effect. The library has windows that prevent sunlight from entering the building. Its roof is in turn covered with solar panels. Electric vehicles are being tested.

Transportation

Car traffic will be prohibited within the city. For short trips, pedestrians and cyclists will be encouraged. For longer trips, various means of transport will be deployed. The PRT (Personal Rapid Transit, understand "personal rapid transit"), rapid transit and light that looks like a mini electric streetcar, moves to the request within the city. Its cabins, accommodating 1-10 people can be called at the touch of a button at each station (spaced a maximum of 200m). The shortest route will be chosen depending on traffic.

Where is the project?

The project was originally scheduled to be completed by 2016. But his promoter announced Sunday that it would not happen before 2020 or even 2025. To date, only the construction of the institute of science and technology is complete. Just over 170 students are present, including one hundred who lives on campus.

architect: Foster + Partners