16 May 2024 7:15 am

The world’s first zero-waste, low-carbon city is here

May 13, 2024

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As World Environment Day approaches, take a look inside the world’s first ‘zero-carbon, zero-waste city,’ that is the world’s first zero-waste, low-carbon city is here in Abu Dhabi.

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The world’s first zero-waste, low-carbon city is here in Abu Dhabi

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By Time Out Editors

The UAE has always been seen as being ahead of the times. From embracing advanced technology (robotic arms at petrol stations and vertiports, anyone?) to integrating AI into key industries, the sky’s the limit when it comes to innovation. And when it comes to key talking points worldwide, the same still applies, and that includes global warming. In response, Abu Dhabi planned a master development, Masdar City, which stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination to build a greener, more sustainable future.

Spanning six square kilometres, this futuristic city is not only a symbol of going green but a living, breathing example of what cities of the future could be like.

Here’s everything you need to know about the low-carbon, eco-friendly city.

The genesis of Masdar City can be traced back to the early 2000s when the UAE leadership recognised the need to diversify its economy and reduce its dependency on oil. At the same time, concerns over climate change were gaining global attention, prompting a search for sustainable solutions. In response, the Abu Dhabi government launched the Masdar Initiative in 2006 with the goal of advancing renewable energy and sustainable development.

In 2021, the UAE was the first country in the MENA region to commit to achieving net-zero by 2050 through its UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

Masdar City emerged as the flagship project of the Masdar Initiative, envisioned as the world’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste city.

The guiding principles behind its design were sustainability, innovation and quality of life. British architectural firm Foster + Partners was tasked with bringing this vision to life, combining traditional Arabic architectural elements with cutting-edge sustainable technologies.

The UAE government therefore invested $15 billion to build Masdar City, near Abu Dhabi International Airport. It is expected to become home to 50,000 people after it is fully built.

Since its inception in 2008, Masdar City has been monitoring its embodied carbon emissions. By 2022, the buildings owned by Masdar City emitted a combined total of 642 kgCO2e/m2, representing a reduction of approximately 20 per cent compared to the industry average.

In fact, in 2022, Masdar City-owned buildings achieved an average energy reduction of 38 per cent compared to international baselines. This is equivalent to avoiding 7,400 tCO2e/year of carbon emissions (or taking 1,600 cars off the road).

The world’s first zero-waste, low-carbon city is here in Abu Dhabi
Credit: Supplied

How does Masdar City work?

Powered by solar panels and wind turbines, the city has buildings that are designed to be incredibly energy efficient. The city is focused on tempering heat with natural ventilation.
The city’s narrow streets and shaded walkways draw inspiration from traditional Arabic urban planning, promoting natural ventilation and shade to combat the harsh desert climate. Buildings are clustered closely together to minimise heat gain and maximise pedestrian comfort.

Central to Masdar City’s design is its iconic wind tower, a modern interpretation of the traditional Arabic wind tower (barjeel), which acts as a natural ventilation system, drawing cool air from above and channelling it into the streets below. This innovative approach to passive cooling reduces the city’s reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning, significantly lowering its carbon footprint.

The city is powered by a combination of solar, wind and geothermal energy, with photovoltaic panels covering rooftops and facades to harness the abundant sunlight of the desert. The city’s solar farm, comprising over 87,000 solar panels, provides a significant portion of its electricity needs. Yes, that many.

In addition to generating clean energy, Masdar City prioritises energy efficiency and conservation. Buildings are designed to meet stringent green building standards, incorporating features such as high-performance insulation, energy-efficient lighting and smart HVAC systems. Water conservation is also a key focus, with greywater recycling systems and innovative landscaping techniques reducing the city’s water consumption.

Credit: Supplied

Masdar City is becoming a research hub too.

Masdar City serves as a hub for innovation and research in renewable energy and
clean technology. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is a world-class research institution dedicated to advancing sustainable technologies. Researchers and students at the institute work on a wide range of projects, from solar energy and energy storage to urban planning and environmental sustainability.

In addition to academic research, Masdar City is home to numerous cleantech startups and companies, attracted by its supportive ecosystem and access to funding and expertise.

Getting around in Masdar City

When it comes to smart transport, look no further than Masdar City’s sustainable transportation system designed to minimise carbon emissions. At the
forefront of this system is the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), a driverless electric vehicle network that provides convenient point-to-point transportation for residents
and visitors alike. The PRT system features small, pod-like vehicles that travel on elevated tracks, offering a quiet, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional modes of transportation.

In addition to the PRT, Masdar City has implemented other smart mobility solutions, including electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous shuttles. These all help reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic.

Plus, the city’s pedestrian-friendly design encourages walking and cycling, with dedicated pathways and bike lanes connecting key destinations. What better way to get your steps in?

Credit: Supplied

What’s in Masdar City now?

A number of developments have grown in the eco-city including Eco Residences 1, which is a purpose-built venue for Etihad cabin crew. The 11-building unit has a dual green building certification, Platinum-certified LEED and rated 3- Pearls under the Estidama Rating System (PBRS).

Other complexes include Eco Residences 2, Central Residence with studios, one- and
two-bedroom apartments, Plaza and The Gate. Leonardo Residence, meanwhile, is close to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Headquarters. The six-storey building has 175 apartments, each with a terrace. Dreamy.

Masdar City is also home to the Siemens regional headquarters, the first LEED Platinum-certified office in Abu Dhabi.

Then there’s the 612-flat Oasis Residences, 304-apartment Oasis Two.

This is a well-stocked community with parks and playgrounds and even a mall on site.

Masdar Park, for example, spans 20 hectares and has playgrounds, sports facilities and the Estidama Mosque. It has been built using recycled materials and has 340 solar panels generating over 300 megawatts of solar energy annually and innovative liquid nano clay for the pump track, conserving water resources.

The Central Park includes horizontal gardens, a tower that collects water vapour from the air, a falaj-style water system and play equipment powered by human movement.

Central Plaza, next to the UAE Space Agency, is an open space where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Masdar City also has an Eco Plaza with shaded seating. Take your pick.

Where can I eat at Masdar City?

There are plenty of spots to indulge your tastebuds in this city including Simply Thai, Marl’s Organic, Backout Coffee, Caribou café, Skinny Joe and Burro Blanco.

Other amenities in Masdar city

Among the other stores in the smart city are a supermarket and a pharmacy, a yoga studio (Yoga One) and a salon.

For a day at the mall, check out My City Centre Masdar, which has more than 70 stores across 18,500 square metres. It’s a smart mall too, which gets 20 percent of its annual energy from its solar panel-shaded parking area. The mall’s car park also offers eight Tesla charging stations.

Another cool way to spend the day is by taking a trip to the Visitor Center, which is divided into seven zones, which educate people about sustainable living and Masdar City through interactive and engaging exhibits.

In Zone 1, you’ll meet Amal, a metahuman guide and get to customise your journey. In Zone 2, you’ll come across an interactive master plan model. In Zone 3, you’ll learn about renewable energy projects initiated by our Masdar City’s partners, including Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize.

In Zone 4, you’ll come across inspiring videos and pivotal moments in UAE’s history. Zone 5 offers a timeline of Masdar City while Zone 6 is an interactive area that allows you to learn about a sustainable future. Finally, you’ll end your journey in Zone 7 with a digital token you can keep to remind you of your trip.

The Masdar City Visitor Center is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm.

How to get to Masdar City

From Abu Dhabi Corniche wend your way northeast on Corniche Rd and then take the E10 slip road. Follow this route for about 18 minutes until you reach Al Bandar St into Masdar City.

From Yas Island, Masdar City is about 11 kilometres away. Take Yas Dr St and Al Diyafah St/Al Khaleej Al Arabi St to Al Madkhal St, and you’ll arrive in about 18 minutes.

From Saadiyat Island Travel east on the E1 from Saadiyat Island towards the airport.

Continue until you reach the E10. From here, take the exit heading back towards Downtown Abu Dhabi. Next, ride along Al Bandar St and follow this into Masdar City.

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The scaling back of Saudi Arabia’s proposed urban mega-project

May 9, 2024

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The scaling back of Saudi Arabia’s proposed urban mega-project sends a clear warning to other would-be utopias. But

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There is a long history of planned city building by both governments and the private sector from Brasilia to Islamabad.

More recently, two trends have come together in a new wave of visionary urban planning.

On the one hand, there are the neoliberal “special economic zone” policies that accelerated in the 1980s and which have become an almost unquestioned global economic article of faith. On the other, there is the “smart city” in which ubiquitous sensing and surveillance generate big data, from which solutions to all the problems of cities are supposed to be found.

Read more: What is The Line, the 170km-long mirrored metropolis Saudi Arabia is building in the desert?

Our mission is to share knowledge and inform decisions.

Now, with the fairy dust of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sprinkled on top, we have the recipe for almost every current proposal for new cities. In essence, the contemporary ideal city is a data-driven, free-market paradise.

Shifting gears

The conservative and authoritarian Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very much aware that the end is in sight for the fossil fuel economy that underpins its sovereign and private wealth. In anticipation of the inevitable end of fossil fuels, Riyadh is actively working to shift to new sources of income so as to future proof its economy in a carbon-zero world.

Some of this transitional work has involved the extension of Saudi Arabian “soft power” into areas that are of personal interest to the kingdom’s prime minister, and de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. This is perhaps most visible through the entangling of Saudi Arabia with lucrative professional sports from golf to tennis.

However, the other bet that Saudi Arabia has been making is in cities.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in March 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)

Under the banner of Vision 2030, it has been investing its oil profits in dozens of eye-catching urban projects from free ports to cities built around theme parks.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not have much in the way of homegrown digital or technological enterprises, so Riyadh is instead investing on the principle of if we build it, they will come. Simply put, Saudi Arabia is attempting to attract foreign entrepreneurs, manufacturers, logistics companies and tourists to ease its transition to a post-oil economy.

Look upon my works

NEOM is the most ambitious of all of Bin Salman’s plans to attract foreign investment. Indeed, the name NEOM is a portmanteau of the Greek ‘neo’ and the first letter of Mohammed Bin Salman’s name.

The published plans and publicity for NEOM are a sight to behold.

NEOM will include everything in one massive development. It will have a free port and logistics hub, a seaside tourist town and even a mountain sports playground. NEOM’s centrepiece attraction is unquestionably, however, The Line.

The Line was envisioned as a 170 km linear city clad in reflective material, that would cut into the deep desert from the Red Sea like one of the swords on the Saudi flag.

The evangelical advertisements for NEOM promised freedom and multiculturalism in one of the most authoritarian and monocultural nations on Earth, as well as total surveillance and advanced AI to underpin innovation for all its residents.

A teaser video for The Line project produced by NEOM.

An early consultancy report was even more excessive than what the actual plans became, proposing an artificial moon, fleets of drones and that 50 per cent of the “population” would be service robots.

The initial advisory board included the likes of British architect Norman Foster and the CEO of Google’s Sidewalk Labs, Dan Doctoroff. Most of the more famous advisers seem to have quietly disappeared from the project in recent years.

Scaled ambitions

Now, almost as soon as ground had been broken, it was announced that the centrepiece plan has been scrapped. The Line is no more and in its place are plans for a much smaller 2.4 km long city — a mere dash compared to The Line’s original misguided ambitions.

Was The Line all just a public relations exercise designed to generate likes and speculative foreign investment capital? In public there may have been much wonderment. However, behind the scenes the entire Line project has been nothing more than a weird, unsustainable and hubristic fantasy.

NEOM is planned to be built in one of the most geopolitically significant — and at times turbulent — areas of the world, where Saudi Arabia borders Egypt, Israel and Jordan. Perhaps even more significantly, NEOM will be built in a region where summer daytime temperatures are already heading above 50 C in our era of global heating.

An artist’s rendering of The Line project. (Shutterstock)

Who was going to want to live at the far end of a 170-kilometre long parallel terrace from which your only means of exit was an “intelligent” train system? And how was security going to be managed for a place which promised freedom and legal systems compatible with international human rights norms in one of the most authoritarian nations in the world, both internally and externally?

How would NEOM stop Saudi dissidents from escaping to or through it? Security and surveillance have never been part of the published plans, but industry publications have revealed that Bin Salman was envisioning an entirely private police force and a specialist drone surveillance control centre for The Line.

The kingdom had already scheduled the execution of three members of the Howeitat tribe who had objected to this non-consensual development on their traditional lands.

Harsh lessons

It is currently unclear as to whether other parts of the NEOM plan will be scaled back.

Work has already started on the Red Sea tourist resort town of Sindalah and it is unlikely Bin Salman will abandon the potentially lucrative Port of NEOM. Beyond that is anyone’s guess.

Many plans for ideal cities have been impractical fantasies. But NEOM also typifies a massive and persistent failure of the imagination driven by a capitalism — blinded by fossil-fuel ideology — and unable to come to terms with the necessity of confronting the climate crisis, growing global inequality and the persistence of war and genocide.

 

is a Professor of Critical Surveillance and Securities Studies, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

Disclosure statement

David Murakami Wood receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Partners 

University of Ottawa provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation CA-FR.

 

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NEOM’s ‘The LINE’ takes shape

May 7, 2024

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NEOM’s ‘The LINE’ takes shape: A visionary megacity redefining urban living

May 06, 2024

 

The LINE aims to address pressing urban challenges on a global scale.

Saudi Gazette report

NEOM — As the initial phase of “The LINE” master plan unfolds, the magnitude of this ambitious project becomes evident. The relentless pace of construction is not only laying the physical groundwork but also conceptualizing a city unparalleled in its design and function.

NEOM recently showcased the progress of The LINE through a video, highlighting the evolution of the first phase of the masterplan. With a caption that reads, “Our vertical city is progressing. Witness the first phase of our masterplan take shape,” the video captures the tangible strides towards realizing this groundbreaking vision.

Spanning 170 kilometers in length, 200 meters in width, and towering 500 meters above sea level, The LINE transcends conventional urban landscapes. It promises to revolutionize the very concept of urban living, prioritizing people and offering an unprecedented urban experience.

This pioneering project constitutes the largest earthworks operation globally, with millions of cubic meters of earth and water being moved weekly. With an impressive array of resources, including over 260 drilling machines and 2,000 vehicles, progress remains relentless. Notably, The LINE distinguishes itself by eschewing streets and cars, thereby eliminating carbon emissions entirely. Moreover, the city’s commitment to 100 percent renewable energy ensures a sustainable future, with 95 percent of NEOM’s expanse preserved as pristine wilderness.

As a beacon of sustainability and innovation, The LINE aims to address pressing urban challenges on a global scale. Envisioned as a zero-emission utopia, it promises an unparalleled quality of life harmonizing with nature conservation, sustainability, and economic prosperity.

Positioned as a model for sustainable urban development, The LINE will serve as a blueprint for future cities worldwide. Its transportation and infrastructure will prioritize human needs, epitomizing a paradigm shift from conventional urban planning.

 

Building the Future: The Rise of Modular Construction in the Middle East

May 6, 2024

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ArchDaily gives us ideas on how to build the future with the rise of modular construction in the Middle East.
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Image above © Marc Goodwin | Expo 2020
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Building the Future: The Rise of Modular Construction in the Middle East

 

Modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed away from its actual site, within controlled factory settings, using identical materials, and adhering to a set of codes and regulations. The methodology was first introduced as a solution in the search for efficient, quality-controlled, and cost-effective building systems. The industrialized building method evolved to meet historical demands and has recently been met with renewed interest. These “modules” are then transported to the construction site and assembled into the final structure, adhering to the same building standards as conventionally built facilities. With potential benefits in terms of waste reduction, energy efficiency, emergency responses, and fast-tracked development, the methodology is gaining traction worldwide.

In recent years, modular construction has emerged as a game-changer in the construction industry, particularly in the Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. With a growing embrace of innovative solutions to address the region’s evolving needs, modular construction has emerged as a compelling alternative. As awareness increases and technological advancements increase, modular construction may offer a viable alternative to traditional building practices in the GCC region.

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Courtesy of Al Bayt Stadium. Image via Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

Due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, modular construction has gained traction worldwide in different sectors. In North America and Europe, the methodology has been increasingly utilized in residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Driven by rapid urbanization and construction development, countries in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, have witnessed significant growth in modular construction.

In Europe and the United Kingdom, modular construction has shifted towards high-rise projects and buy-to-rent developments. Viewed as a solution for addressing the housing shortage and improving construction productivity under tight timelines, the methodology has sometimes reached cost parity with traditional construction methods. With costs on the rise and labor more expensive than ever, modular construction presents a sensible alternative in the rapidly developing world.

In the Middle East, the appeal of modular construction is further amplified by ambitious development agendas, such as the 2030 Vision initiative in Saudi Arabia, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Expo 2020 Dubai, or the upcoming 2030 Riyadh Expo. In fact, both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as key players in the modular construction industry. According to Construction Week, the permanent modular construction industry in the GCC region reached $2.9 billion in 2020 and reached $3.4 billion in 2023. With substantial investments being made in infrastructure, tourism, and urban development projects, the region is beginning to recognize the potential of modular construction. This is due to the fact that the methodology offers accelerated project timelines, reduced costs, and supports sustainable development goals.

© Marc Goodwin | Expo 2020

© Stephane Aboudaram

One of the primary strengths of modular construction in the Middle East lies in its time efficiency, particularly in meeting tight project timelines. In Saudi Arabia, the 2030 vision has pushed forward mega-projects at extremely rapid timelines. According to the International Monetary Fund, Saudi Arabia is the world’s fastest-growing economy, with the Vision 2030 policies pushing growth towards construction to relieve dependency on their oil economy. With modular construction, faster project timelines are more achievable. Building components are prefabricated while site preparation and foundation work are underway, significantly shrinking construction schedules.

In addition, modular building provides increased cost efficiency, addressing labor expenses and budget constraints prevalent in the region. With an existing resource scarcity challenge, modular construction reduces waste material and streamlines construction processes, ultimately helping developers mitigate financial risk and achieve greater cost predictability. Large-scale construction projects on highly tight timelines often face delays and budget overruns, making the allure of cost-saving through modular architecture more appealing.

© Marc Goodwin | Expo 2020

Courtesy of New Murabba Development Company | Riyadh

 

According to Forbes Middle East, the region is “investing in a sustainable transformation, with initiatives underway to advance the harnessing of clean energy sources, innovations in waste management, water conservation, green architecture, and cultivating food sovereignty through smart and sustainable agricultural projects.” With a new focus on sustainability, another component of modular building that aligns with the region’s vision is its commitment to a smarter and greener future. In fact, modular building complies with sustainability objectives specified in the regional development strategies by maximizing material utilization, cutting waste, and implementing energy-efficient principles. In a region where water scarcity and environmental concerns are widespread, the sustainable edge inherent in modular construction offers a compelling solution for responsible urban development.

via Shutterstock | artisticArtbycreative | Riyadh

The Middle East is on the verge of a digital revolution, hoping to become a hub for technology-driven industries and knowledge-based economies. The World Economic Forum claims that “the GCC is well-placed to adapt to an increasingly digital world, with many national governments investing in technology infrastructure and digital initiatives.” Modular construction promotes innovation and technological advancement, paving the way to a more durable and resilient built environment. By using digital design tools, advanced manufacturing, and prefabrication technologies, modular building is a step toward technology-driven sectors being set up in the GCC region.

© NEOM | Epicon | Under Fair Use

 

In conclusion, modular building is on the rise in the construction industry, with a newfound interest in the Middle East and the GCC region. This approach to building possesses potential benefits in waste reduction, time efficiency, and cost-effectiveness and promotes innovation and technological advancement. With the region establishing mega projects and aiming to liberate its economy from heavy oil dependency, many of it’s agendas align with the use of modular construction. By utilizing digital design tools and advanced manufacturing, perhaps the methodology may offer a viable solution to meet the region’s evolving construction needs and development objectives.

This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Modular Housing, proudly presented by BUILDNER.

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Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait At Burj Alshaya

May 3, 2024

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Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait At Burj Alshaya is presented as A Beacon Of Sustainability With Platinum LEED.  Let us see how.

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The image above is for illustration – credit PRESS ROOM

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Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait At Burj Alshaya: A Beacon Of Sustainability With Platinum LEED

Friday, May 3, 2024

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The Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is leading the way in responsible tourism and hospitality in the Middle East, as it becomes the first and only hotel in Kuwait to secure Platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This certification, one of the most prestigious in the industry, underscores the hotel’s commitment to a sustainable future and recognizes LEED as the most globally acknowledged and rigorously verified green building rating system.

This achievement highlights not only the hotel but also the 140,000-square-meter Burj Alshaya complex, which includes the Alshaya Group’s headquarters and many of Kuwait’s esteemed business offices, as one of only two structures in the nation to earn the highest LEED Platinum certification, surpassing Silver and Gold levels.

Since its opening in summer 2017, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya has been a beacon of modern Middle Eastern design and sustainability. The hotel has introduced numerous on-site sustainability measures that helped achieve its Platinum LEED status, including on-site water bottling, comprehensive recycling programs, AI-enhanced waste management, elimination of single-use plastics and Styrofoam, as well as monitoring energy usage and carbon footprint.

“LEED Platinum certification highlights the importance that both Alshaya Group and Four Seasons alike place on the environment and sustainability,” comments Martin Kipping, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. “It represents the efforts of everyone involved with the Hotel and its environment, and is also a recognition of the willingness of our guests to work with us in creating a greener future.”

The hotel also promotes green transportation with complimentary e-charging stations for guests’ electric vehicles and eco-friendly key cards, and is set to introduce its first e-limousine in 2024.

LEED certification, established by the US Green Building Council in 1998, has become a globally recognized emblem of sustainability excellence. It adopts a comprehensive approach by considering every essential element that contributes to the sustainability of a building. The certification aims to develop superior buildings that are capable of mitigating global climate change, enhancing human health, conserving water, supporting biodiversity, promoting sustainable material cycles, and improving the quality of community life.

In its community engagement, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya remains committed to responsible hospitality. In 2023, the hotel organized various community events, including family activities at the Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice and a beach cleanup that helped restore the local shoreline.

As a global leader in luxury hospitality, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts manages 130 hotels and 54 residential properties across 47 countries. The LEED Platinum certification is a prestigious international recognition of Four Seasons’ continuous dedication to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in hospitality while fostering a sustainable and responsible future.

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