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RELATED ARTICLES: Masdar JV announces plans for $5bn solar projects | Pictures: Masdar Institute's first graduation | Scotland and Masdar agree renewable energy pact
Pitched as one of the most sustainable cities in the world, the construction of the 6km2 Masdar City, began in 2008. One of the five integrated units under the Masdar umbrella, backed by Mubadala, Masdar City is an emerging global clean-technology cluster where current and future renewable energy and clean technologies are showcased, marketed, researched and developed.
With the potential to house up to 40,000 residents and 50,000 commuters when fully built in 2025, Masdar City will also be home to the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Masdar Institute. The anticipated cost of the entire development is $18b-$19b.
Every aspect of the city’s urban planning and architecture has been approached with sustainability in mind and there is substantial focus on natural cooling in the way the city has been engineered. Streets are built to be optimally oriented on a southeast-northwest axis, thereby providing some shading at street level throughout the day.
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Unlike normal city parks which are built as a recreational area only, the Linear Parks are scientifically placed so as to channel prevailing winds into the city, 38°counter clockwise of the north-axis.
Located throughout the city, they are intended to provide convenient, shaded oases for residents, workers and visitors, incorporating walking, jogging and bicycle trails, benches and other recreational facilities.
A burst of fresh air
“It’s the principle of wind movement from a wider space to a narrower space. It gets flushed making it cooler and healthier. There is a constant flushing of fresh air,” says Wagle.
The materials used for the building façades are designed for cooling purposes. Lab buildings are shielded with ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) cushions that ensure almost no solar gain on the structures and limit the heat radiated on to the street. Windows not already shaded by adjacent buildings have louvers set to prevent direct sunlight from entering the building.
“Transportation is one factor and building efficiency another, that is being constantly improved by providing adequate materials that minimise solar gain,” explains Wagle.
“GRC (glass reinforced concrete) panels form a cushion and reduce heat gain within the building envelope. It is a screen which shades the glass and acts as a buffer that reduces the heat gain on the wall so the building inside remains cool.”
Excluding the windows, the rest of the façade is wrapped in 90% recycled aluminium sheeting which has 6.7kg of embedded carbon per square metre of 2mm-thick sheeting, compared to conventional aluminium sheeting which has 56kg of embedded carbon per square metre.
A windtower which rises 45m above the podium is a landmark for the Masdar Institute neighbourhood. Its height allows the capture of upper-level winds and can direct them to the square at its base.
The square, again, acts as a recreational space, housing cafes and restaurants which spill out on to it.
“When the temperature hits a certain level, the wind louvres open, suck in the air, and direct it down the tower. The temperature in the courtyard gets a bit cooler and more comfortable,” explains Wagle.
While cooling is a significant focal point for Masdar City, the sun plays a huge role in the city’s development.
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