what to do in Abu Dhabi_1

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, was to see for myself the Masdar City (the other reason being the rides at Ferrari World!). I have only read that this city has a lot of systems and techniques that make it sustainable and almost having zero carbon footprint. Comparing the Masdar City and the Ferrari World was the last thing in my mind before I visited. Although they are both huge, it’s easy to realize later on that these massive complexes are probably as opposite as any development can be. But they are the same in that both are leaders in innovation and performances in their respective fields. And for that I appreciate both.

The Masdar Institute is the anchor campus of the Masdar City. Taking off from the Institute’s brochure:
“Established on the principles of environmental preservation and development as outlined by the late UAE President Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Masdar Institute exemplifies an unparalleled commitment by the Emirate to take a leading role in the search for viable solutions that address today’s energy challenges.”

“Designed by Foster & Partners, which is also designing the infrastructure of Masdar City, the Masdar campus has clean technology at its core and innovation at every turn.”

At the heart of their aims and visions, they promote sustainable living at their own campus. Right from the main entrance, you notice something is different when aloe vera and pineapple plants are part of the landscaping.

pineapple and aloe vera plants

The campus does not allow cars and operates their own Personal Rapid Transit on magnetic tracks that take you from area to area on the ground level. The whole institute accommodates laboratories, classrooms, dormitories, offices and retail spaces above ground level.

PRT

what is PRT?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solar panels are mounted at all rooftop dormitory buildings.

scaled model, see the solar panels

solar panels viewed up from the courtyards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supposedly, wind tunnel harnesses the substantial desert winds and cools the open courtyards. There was no technical explanation of how this actually works but there was a mist sprayer on top and it’s usually over 40 degrees cel. in any given desert day. I just thought there would be more scoops scattered throughout.

wind tunnel, with mist sprayer at the inside top

Backlit glass walls used are reportedly the largest recycled glass and LED panels ever created.

better at night to appreciate the LED-lit glass

glass surface

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The light fixtures installed were as intelligently-designed as possible, using the sun itself with reflecting and refracting glass.

sunlight reflecting fixtures

solar-powered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunshading devices were employed all over and the buildings were grouped much closer. Aside from increasing density, this provides more shades and shadows, a building technique inherent in old desert city-towns.

narrow

simple wooden partitions and sunshades

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But no matter how technically-advanced or research-oriented this campus is, wastes physical segregation remain constant.

waste segregation, just like in any environement-conscious company out there

The great thing about this place, and others like it all over the globe, is that theories and ideas are actually put into place. If torrential rains occur there, I’m sure it will also be addressed systematically and properly. As it is, they provided shallow channels around landscaping elements in the event when rains do come. Usually, one day or two in a couple of years or so.

I understand that energy resource and production is primarily “big business” and anything academic and research-oriented will definitely lead to commerce. But when companies will take the right step in the sustainable direction, the production that follows will adhere to these tenets of sustainable living. Ideally, anyway.

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