UAE to get first green community


http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/05/08/09_bz_sultan_jaber01_4.jpg
"There is nothing like this in the world. We are creating a synergetic environment, it is a true alternative energy cluster," says Masdar CEO, Sultan Al Jaber.



Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will invest in the green future by building the world's first city targeting zero-carbon and zero-waste.

Masdar, the capital's $5 billion initiative, yesterday launched the world's first green and environment- friendly city in Abu Dhabi.

The new six square kilometre energy, science and technology community will open in late 2009.

The free zone development is a unique, integrated 'Green Community' in the heart of Abu Dhabi, which uses the traditional planning principles of a walled city, together with existing technologies to achieve a zero-carbon and zero-waste sustainable development.

"There is nothing like this in the world. We are creating a synergetic environment, it is a true alternative energy cluster. Here you will find researchers, students, scientists, business investment professionals, and policy makers all within the same community," said Masdar CEO, Sultan Al Jaber.

Location

Ahmad Al Shorafa, the project's analyst, told Gulf News that Masdar will announce soon the details of the project that will contain a complete community beside Khalifa City and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Rooted in a zero carbon ambition, the city will be car-free, powered by renewable energy with services digitally managed and providing real time information.

With a maximum distance of 200 metres to the nearest transport link and amenities, the network of streets will encourage walking and is complemented by a personalised rapid transport system.

Shaded walkways and narrow streets will create a pedestrian friendly environment in the context of Abu Dhabi's extreme climate.

Surrounding land will contain wind, photovoltaic farms, research fields and plantations, enabling the city to be self-sustaining.

The city will provide up to 1,500 companies with an attractive package of incentives, including a one-stop-shop programme of government services, transparent laws, 100 per cent foreign ownership, tax-free environment, intellectual property protection and proximity to nearby manufactures, suppliers and markets.

Nice!!!

Umm......a thought......how are people supposed to get around the city without vehicles.....and in the heat!!!

ummm...public transport? trams and subways? build a sidewalk system or bicycles, segways and the like!

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1064_4_1000%20Foster%20Mascar%204.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1064_2_1000%20Foster%20Mascar%202.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1064_3_1000%20Foster%20Mascar%203.jpg

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1064_1_Foster%20Mascar%201.jpg

where is it located?

Heh.. doesn't look so 'green' in those renders :)

Looks more industrial

looks like a settlement on Mars, Co0o0o0oL @_@

Nice idea but how practical is it to implement?

looks like Total Recall !

interesting project..great concept..but it looks like one of those projects thats neeeeeeverrrrrr gonna happen!!

super project we need more this ideas

awesome

If this thing really goes through, it will grab Abu Dhabi a lot of global attention, especially now with the entire debate about global warming going on. Its a good addition, it shows that people are willing to reform, even in the country which has the world's highest per capita CO2 emissions. This is going to be interesting to see, first how it is implemented, and second, how well it is accepted into society and how well it functions, it may someday in the future serve as a model to city planners and developers around the world.

Green construction is probably one of the hotest fields to focus in on now, considering that we need to reform our built environment so that it replicates natural cycles as close as possible.

I think you guys should be more proud of this project than developments such as the Palm Islands and Ski Dubai, which, despite all there glamour, dramatically impact the local environment!

Green construction is probably one of the hotest fields to focus in on now, considering that we need to reform our built environment so that it replicates natural cycles as close as possible.


How can a city with a population of 1 million "replicate natural cycles as close as possible" ????:bash:

i love Abu Dhabi but this eco thing is a bit silly.

the whole region is practically inhospitable for humans, the only reason there's anyone living in the desert in the numbers they are is because of unsustainable natural resource use.

the envorironment may as well be on Mars........

still good on 'em for trying. certainly one of the most innovative cities in the world over the next few years i think.

every thing is cool about this project except the name which is the name of a project already existing in Dubai . they should name it something else and more creative :D

^^ the project is still unnamed... this thread was named the way it was because of the sake of simplicity.. it is exactly what it says.. a green community in the true sense and not just a fake name for a fake project like the one in Dubai :D

^^ the project is still unnamed... this thread was named the way it was because of the sake of simplicity.. it is exactly what it says.. a green community in the true sense and not just a fake name for a fake project like the one in Dubai :D

-_- :lol: :bash: Copy rights

more pictures here under concept work/architecture/collaboration/F+P/Mazdar

http://www.okumo.com/ here of course... sorry

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1064_4_1000%20Foster%20Mascar%204.jpg



What on God's earth is this?! :ohno:

it isn't AD for sure

from where did you get it?

08/05/2007
World's first zero carbon, zero waste city in Abu Dhabi

The first project as a result of the Masdar Initiative is a new 6 million square meter sustainable development that uses the traditional planning principals of a walled city, together with existing technologies, to achieve a zero carbon and zero waste community. Masterplanned by Foster + Partners, the initiative has been driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, and will be a centre for the development of new ideas for energy production. Masdar responds to the urban identity of Abu Dhabi while offering a sustainable urban blueprint for the future. Due to be launched at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2007, it is an ambitious project that will attract the highest levels of international expertise and commerce, providing a mixed-use, high-density city. The exciting programme includes a new university, the Headquarters for Abu Dhabi’s Future Energy Company, special economic zones and an Innovation Center.

Norman Foster said:
“The environmental ambitions of the Masdar Initiative – zero carbon and waste free – are a world first. They have provided us with a challenging design brief that promises to question conventional urban wisdom at a fundamental level. Masdar promises to set new benchmarks for the sustainable city of the future.”

The principle of the Masdar development is a dense walled city to be constructed in an energy efficient two-stage phasing that relies on the creation of a large photovoltaic power plant, which later becomes the site for the city’s second phase, allowing for urban growth yet avoiding low density sprawl. Strategically located for Abu Dhabi’s principal transport infrastructure, Masdar will be linked to surrounding communities, as well as the centre of Abu Dhabi and the international airport, by a network of existing road and new rail and public transport routes.

Rooted in a zero carbon ambition, the city itself is car free. With a maximum distance of 200m to the nearest transport link and amenities, the compact network of streets encourages walking and is complemented by a personalised rapid transport system. The shaded walkways and narrow streets will create a pedestrian-friendly environment in the context of Abu Dhabi’s extreme climate. It also articulates the tightly planned, compact nature of traditional walled cities. With expansion carefully planned, the surrounding land will contain wind, photovoltaic farms, research fields and plantations, so that the city will be entirely self-sustaining.


Contact: press@fosterandpartners.com

Source: http://www.fosterandpartners.com/News/291/Default.aspx

Rooted in a zero carbon ambition, the city itself is car free. With a maximum distance of 200m to the nearest transport link and amenities, the compact network of streets encourages walking and is complemented by a personalised rapid transport system. The shaded walkways and narrow streets will create a pedestrian-friendly environment in the context of Abu Dhabi’s extreme climate. It also articulates the tightly planned, compact nature of traditional walled cities. With expansion carefully planned, the surrounding land will contain wind, photovoltaic farms, research fields and plantations, so that the city will be entirely self-sustaining

This is an incredible idea. Would be wonderful to live in such a compact city that one could walk or take comfortable, clean public transport anywhere. It is a project like this that could allow AD to make a name for itself, outside of Dubai's shadow. I wonder how this project compares to a similarly envisioned walled city in RAK?

I think it would be a cool place to live also. Driving is getting so old...

^^ With that render, it looks like a 'prison cell village'.:cheers:

great idea.. but somewhat weird project.

Great But how will they make sure the city doesn't over heat with that much air conditioning running the power for the city would have to take up the same area as the actual city.

^^ With that render, it looks like a 'prison cell village'.:cheers:

Exactly! If not the case, the rendering does a terrible job presenting it! :nuts:

I look at it, and GREEN is not a word that comes to mind!

Exactly! If not the case, the rendering does a terrible job presenting it! :nuts:

I look at it, and GREEN is not a word that comes to mind!

Guys...
That is just a Master Plan. In masterplans, usually buildings are drawn as rectangular blocks and just gives an idea of the location of buildings (site plan) with respect to functions (like drainage, trasnportation etc.)

each of those buildings (or built up areas) is usually designed separately in detail following the general layout of the masterplan!!!!

Hi folks, i've read about this project on an Italian newspaper and i thought hey, what a thing!!!coming from Italy, i'm of course deeply skeptical about those flamboyant announces, so, what i'm asking is: are there any facts, i mean the place where it's gonna be located, the archtects involved, some more detailed renderings, costs, schedules and so on?
another thing: on that article i've read that, from a pub transport stop to the next, the distance would be like a hundred meters...how are they thinking to pay for such a big network?
by the way, i like it pretty much, surely there's no big green areas, but it seems pretty "arabic" with those square houses with an inner garden and, by the way, have you ever seen a thing like Hyde Park in an Arab city?anyway, well done, i hope the idea will catch up all around the world!

^^ Architect is Sir Norman Foster.

oh nice!

so what

Location map with surrounding projects
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/108/greenadsatcopymm9.jpg

Masdar selects CH2M Hill to manage the development of the world's first fully sustainable 'Green Community'


Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the six square kilometer alternative energy city will open late in 2009 and will establish a world-class standard for implementing integrated sustainable technologies.


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Capturing the imagination, informing the intellect, inspiring the future.


'Visionary' is a word that aptly describes the team of minds that conceived the Masdar Initiative, a global cooperative platform for open engagement in the search for solutions to some of mankind's most pressing issues: energy security, climate change and truly sustainable human development. Masdar is the Arabic word for 'the source,' and the Masdar Initiative will prove to be the source for global collaboration on developing alternative energies and sustainable technologies.

A creation of the Masdar Initiative is the Masdar City Development, the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste 'green community'. Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the six square kilometer alternative energy city will open late in 2009 and will establish a world-class standard for implementing integrated sustainable technologies.

The city will house the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the graduate science and research Institute currently being established in cooperation with MIT; research facilities; world-class laboratories; commercial space for related-sector companies; light manufacturing facilities and a carefully selected pool of international tenants who will invest, develop, and commercialize advanced energy technologies. The development will also host Masdar's headquarters, residential space for employees, as well as a science museum and edutainment facilities.

The Masdar 'Green' City, being developed by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), appointed last June a consortium led by Foster + Partners to design the master plan of the development and to define the sustainability guidelines for construction within the Masdar City.

Masdar today announced the appointment of CH2M HILL as the program manager for the first phase of the development after a multi-stage competition involving 13 international program management firms.

Six companies were short-listed after the first stage of evaluation, which included a prequalification based on specific expertise in sustainable developments. Four companies made it to the second stage which consisted of team interviews and the submission of an implementation strategy. The final stage included two companies and consisted of a comprehensive analysis of their proposed tools to achieve the ambitious environmental goals of the Masdar Development.

CH2M HILL was appointed because of its corporate alignment with Masdar's vision and its leadership in program management. The firm gives Masdar access to the very best program management processes and tools the industry has to offer.

'Masdar recognized that integrated solutions are needed to address the sustainability of energy, water, air and infrastructure on a world-wide level. We selected CH2M HILL because it is an industry leader in these areas and because of its commitment to sharing its knowledge and resources to build a legacy of sustainability with Masdar,' says Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Masdar Chief Executive Officer.

CH2M HILL will be responsible for technology integration and for aligning the efforts of the designers, contractors, and third parties to program goals and standards.

'Masdar is inspiring for its vision, boldness and leadership,' said Ralph R. Peterson CH2M HILL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 'It promises to showcase and accelerate the development and adoption of technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon management, waste management and water usage. As innovations and applications created by the Masdar initiative take hold, cities around the world will surely benefit, making a great idea a truly transformative idea.'

Sustainability is ultimately about behavior, values, philosophy, and practice. Innovative applications of new and emerging technologies will play a very significant role in shaping Masdar. Equally important will be the means by which residents and visitors embrace these concepts and incorporate them into their daily living.

"Masdar is 'the source' of an initiative whose target audience is the world," Al Jaber said . "The aspiration of the strategic alliance between Masdar, Foster + Partners Architects and CH2M HILL is to inspire sustainable 21st century world cities - that is the fullest context of our endeavor."

What on God's earth is this?! :ohno:
Its a Borg base on Earth, resistance is futile!

I think it is a briliant idea, they are doing a great job, they should be praised and thanked for this not judged in this horrible way guys, they are at least thinking of this earth we are living on, if people dont care about anyone els but themselves, and dont care about any time els but the time they live in, so let them go to DXB!
this is something for the future time, for the future generations, if this works, this could be an example for all future development concepts!

very cool project

It seems that people are remarkably regimented in considering what is green. A park in the desert may make it green in colour but it is horrendously energy inefficient. Coolness is created by natural air currents, judicious shading etc and that minimises the need for energy expensive air conditioning. Hot air rises, so in principle cool air should stay trapped in the city, provided the city itself doesn't make too much heat (through air conditioning units and transport). Furthermore, if the air conditioning can be run from solar panels then there is no net heat creation.

For people who think it is not glam... try to use a little imagination. Skyscrapers and the like are hugely energy inefficient, so rethinking something along green lines means thinking out the small spaces, and creating low rise, low density housing. Furthermore, the outer shell is all about energy transfer and not aesthetics, so I high level drawing cannot show the kind of megastructures that we are used to.

Personally I love this project and have already set aside my finances for the first apartment...

Residents of Abu Dhabi’s zerocarbon community Masdar will be able to get around on the world’s first citywide personal rapid transit system.

The network will use a fleet of driverless, electrically powered vehicles running on special tracks below street level.

A passenger will enter a car – which will each carry up to four people – and select one of 100 stops throughout the development. They will then be whisked away to their destination.

The futuristic concept offers significant benefits over traditional mass transit systems. It is available on demand around-the-clock, provides point-to-point travel and removes the need for passengers to share space with large numbers of other people.

The basic idea has been considered for at least a century but implementation has lagged behind.

London’s Heathrow Terminal 5 – where a 3.5km network will start operating next year – will be the first public test of the concept.

The Masdar plan, however, is bolder as it will be the first citywide version.

Sources at the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, which is behind the project, say the experience of using the system will be similar to hiring a taxi – except the cars will be driverless.

Stops will be located in such a way that passengers will not have to walk more than 100 metres before reaching their final destination.

The concrete tracks will be at ground level – and the entire city will be elevated six metres above.

The decision to separate the transit network from the rest of the city comes from a desire to keep it apart from pedestrian traffic, as walking will be encouraged throughout the development.Conventional cars will be banned.

The first electric vehicles will appear in 2010 when phase one of the Masdar project is complete.

The transit system will develop in parallel with the rest of the city, which will take eight years to build. Work on the development is expected to start early next year, by which time the contract for the manufacture of the vehicles should be placed.

The system will provide great flexibility as passengers will not be restricted to public transport schedules.

Vehicles will travel directly between points in the city, stopping only at the passenger’s destination.

Eco-friendly Masdar will feature high-density develop ment, which limits urban sprawl and the need for long journeys.

Solar panels on the roofs of buildings will generate electricity and help to avoid the release of CO2 gas, which is linked to global warming.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3365/45231796wg3.jpg

FINALLY a truly modern and innovative approach to city planning, especially compared to their neighbours´ madnesses regarding ecology and sustainability!

Let´s hope people appreciate it and no longer fall for Dubai´s flash-in-the-pan-projects...

An enviromental city in Abu Dhabi. How ironic.

also i thin the world's first claims are a little rash

Kinda kicks the Dubai namesake in the bollocks, if it all goes to plan.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL1767782420080117?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

http://muslimwiki.com/mw/index.php/Green_City

The alternative energy projects also aim to place the UAE at forefront of the future energy industry after oil and enhance its reputation at a time of growing concern over climate change.

Jaber declined to estimate the cost of building the city in the harsh desert climate, but said it would be above previous estimates in local media of $5 billion. It will be part funded by the Abu Dhabi government with partners investing the rest.

The city will house around 14,000 to 15,000 people and have workspace for around 50,000, he said.

UK architects Fosters & Partners, famed for such designs as Berlin's Reichstag and London's Wembley Stadium, are the master planners. The first stage of construction should be finished in 2009 and the entire city completed in 2016, Jaber said.

Masdar aims to build a 30 megawatt solar power plant to power the construction and intends to attract companies working on clean and sustainable energy to the city.

The earliest stage involves the construction of a graduate research institute dedicated to alternative energy. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is collaborating with Masdar on development of the institute.

Masdar is working with the World Wildlife Fund to ensure the city meets WWF principles of sustainability, Jaber said.

At home, naturally


A model of the future metropolis was unveiled this week at the World Future Energy Summit where the entire city's electricity needs will be met by numerous renewable energy technologies, mainly solar power but also wind energy.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, are working together to make Masdar City the world's greenest city, planned to be fully functional by 2015.

The six-square-kilometre city will be close to the Abu Dhabi International Airport and to the south of Abu Dhabi.

Wind turbines will be placed at the south of the site and despite height restrictions because of the airport, the projected power output will be enough to contribute power to cover all lighting requirements of the development.

Photovoltaic panels will produce electricity while cooling will be provided by concentrated solar power. Plans include a solar-powered desalination plant.

Landscaping within the city and crops grown outside the city will be irrigated with grey water and treated waste water produced by the city's water treatment plant.

The zero-waste aspect of the city includes waste reduction measures, re-use of waste, recycling and composting. Fair trade and organic items will be sold in retail outlets. All the objectives Masdar City has to meet have been outlined by WWF's One Planet Living programme based on 10 principles of sustainability.

"Masdar City will question conventional patterns of urban development, and set new benchmarks for sustainability and environment friendly design - the students, faculty and businesses located in Masdar City will not only be able to witness innovation first-hand, but they will also participate in its development," said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the Masdar Initiative.

Infrastructure is the most important point to consider when planning architecture of the future, said Lord Norman Foster, master planner and architect of Masdar City of Foster and Partners.

Incorporating access and transportation goes hand in hand with sustainable development, he told Gulf News. "We've been working on this for 40 years for individual buildings. The solutions in achieving sustainable development lie in looking beyond the building and looking at the whole," he said.

Different lifestyle

Living in Masdar City will take some adjustment for residents but according to surveys and focus groups, people are keen to set up home in the carbon-free environment and recycle their waste, said Ziad Tassabehji, director of innovation and investment unit.

"Not everyone will want to live there but the younger generations will be very interested. This is the future," said Tassabehji. "It will take some adjustment because people will be expected to walk to shops and restaurants. They can use segways to get around but we have planned a cool environment even during the summer," he said.

Alleys between buildings should create convection and circulate wind to keep residents cool. Naturally shaded areas will also add to a more temperate environment. "People will have to sort their garbage, the lights will come off when they leave the room and the air conditioning will switch off when they go on holiday. It will be a whole different lifestyle," said Tassabehji.

The city will provide homes as well as offices, schools and even embassies have requested to be situated there, he added. The population is expected to be around 90,000 with 40,000 residents and 50,000 commuting. Masdar city will be walled, and land outside the perimeter will be used to produce renewable energy for use within the city.

Solar-powered

Manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are going head-to-head to win the Masdar City contract that will see the community's main electricity needs provided by solar power.

Over the next 18 months 25 solar power systems are being tested against the harsh Middle Eastern weather conditions and which ever systems gives the best performance will be selected to meet the demand of the developers.

Power generated from the testing systems is currently being fed into the national grid for the first time in the UAE. Sameer Abu Zaid, project manager, said he does not believe there will be any limitations for residents using solar-powered appliances.

The site houses 26 one-kilowatt PV modules worth approximately $1 million (about Dh3.67 million) mounted on aluminium structures which are capable of powering three houses.

The entire Masdar development will function on between 120 and 180 megawatts from panels on rooftops. Masdar's 'PV Competition' will monitor how different technologies endure the effects of heat, humidity and sand.

The systems will be ranked for performance, durability and cost efficiency. Overall energy for Masdar will be produced from photovoltaic, concentrated solar power and wind. "The fact that so many companies are taking part is another global endorsement of our work in Abu Dhabi and a clear vote of confidence in the potential of solar energy," said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of Masdar.

Vehicles barred

The city will achieve zero-carbon status by banning all vehicles from entering. After parking your car in one of the car parks located at the entrances of the city you will then be able to get around thanks to the underground personal rapid transport (PRT) system - an autonomous tram-like contraption with stops every 100 metres.

By selecting their destination, passengers will then glide their way home or to work. The PRT vehicles will be powered by photovoltaic installations. Shaded walkways and narrow streets will encourage walking in a pedestrian friendly environment.

The route will be located under street level, leaving pedestrians free to roam without any interruptions from traffic. The city will be linked to principle transport infrastructure and surrounding communities.

High speed coastal rail links and local light rail links to Abu Dhabi City and Al Raha beach have been proposed. In general, these podcars are small and typically cater for two to six passengers travelling along a network of guideways and travel from point to point. They can be individually hired and shared with others. On street level, pathways will be outlined for people who choose to get around on a Segway Personal Transporter. Zero-emissions are given off during operation, allowing you to go indoors with your Segway PT.

Studying alternatives

The first batch of students is expected to start studying at the Masdar Institute in September 2009. Initially the school will offer full fellowships to 100 students who will be able to choose to study from five Masters and Doctorate programmes.

"The courses will focus on alternative energies. The number of students is low to keep the quality up," said Russel Jones, president of Masdar Institute. The institute developed with the support and cooperation of the Technology and Development Programme (TDP) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The Masdar Institute's high research profile will help speed up development, transfer and adaptation of technology in both the public and private sectors, he said. Research will focus on advanced energy, advanced materials, engineering systems, water, environment, sustainable technology, transport and logistics.

"By 2015, we expect to have 800 students and the number of programmes to have doubled, from five to 10. The programmes are very important in terms of the investment Abu Dhabi wants to make. It's very practical to have a school like that here," said Jones. Entry requirements will be similar to those for MIT and all courses will be taught in English. "For better or worse English is the language of technology. Technical programmes in universities here are taught in English," he added.

Towards zero-carbon, zero-waste

40,000 residents will live there
80 per cent less consumption of energy
50 per cent less water usage
6 square kilometres is the size of Masdar City
1 per cent of waste only will go to landfill
Ready by 2015

The World Wide Fund for Nature and Masdar are working to develop the world’s greenest city, planned to be fully functional by 2015.
(Gulfnews)

Just had a lecture at school from Donald and he touched on this project. It was really interesting. Apparently, he used the suns angles to determine the voids.

It's nice to see the development of new friendly proyects with the enviroment, but this kind of proyects although are nice for us, is not the solutions por the medio ambiental problems that with have right now. I think the solution will be even if the most expensive is to change little by little our actual cities.

The Renders in this site (http://www.fosterandpartners.com/News/327/Default.aspx) show a much more "greenner" city...

But it still going to be build near an aeroport =S