MASDAR CITY, ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

a sustainable urban development blending innovation, renewable energy, and traditional design.

OVERVIEW OF MASDAR CITY UNIQUE FEATURES:

LOCATION: 17 KM SOUTHEAST OF ABU Wind Tower Innovation:
DHABI CITY CENTER, NEAR ABU DHABI Adapts traditional Barjeel
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. (wind catcher) design to
VISION: TO CREATE ONE OF THE WORLD’S create natural airflow for
MOST SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SERVE AS cooling public spaces.
A GLOBAL HUB FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY Iconic Buildings:
AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES. Masdar Headquarters: One of
the world’s most energy-
FUNDING: BACKED BY THE ABU DHABI
efficient office buildings.
GOVERNMENT, WITH INTERNATIONAL
Public Spaces:
PARTNERSHIPS AND PRIVATE
Shaded walkways and parks
INVESTMENTS.
designed for comfort even in
MASTER PLANNER: FOSTER + PARTNERS, A
high temperatures.
RENOWNED ARCHITECTURE FIRM Integration of Research and
FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABLE DESIGN. Living:
ORIENTATION: Collaboration between the
Masdar Institute and global
R&D companies like Siemens
and GE.
ines

TIMELINE:
2006 2008 2010 2015 2023-2030

Project conceived Groundbreaking Phase 1 completed, The solar farm starts Ongoing expansions
by the Abu Dhabi ceremony; including key supplying energy. and gradual scaling
Future Energy construction begins residential and of smart
Company (ADFEC). with the Masdar academic facilities. infrastructure and
Institute of Science population targets.
and Technology.

Masdar City is oriented along a north-east to

south-west axis, designed to maximize shading
and natural ventilation.
This orientation helps:
Reduce heat gain by minimizing exposure
Green Features: Smart Features (Technological
to the harsh desert sun.
Harness prevailing winds for passive cooling.
1.Energy: Sustainability):
10 MW solar power plant (one of the
Optimize solar energy capture with Smart Features (Technological
largest in the Middle East).
strategically positioned solar panels. Sustainability)
Rooftop solar PV systems reduce
dependency on fossil fuels. 1. Energy Optimization:
PRINCIPLES: 2.Water: • AI-driven systems monitor and
Advanced desalination plants with adjust energy consumption.
Climate-Responsive Design:
renewable energy sources.
1. Streets orientated to maximize shading and 2. Personal Rapid Transit (PRT):
Efficient irrigation for landscaping using
wind cooling.
treated wastewater. • Fleet of driverless, electric pods
2. Integration of vernacular Arabic architecture, 3.Buildings: offering clean and efficient mobility.
such as wind catchers and shaded Passive design techniques reduce 3. IoT-Driven City Management:
courtyards. energy usage by up to 50%. • Sensors regulate lighting, HVAC
Zero-Carbon and Zero-Waste Goals: Reflective facades and high-
3. Goal to achieve a carbon-neutral footprint.
systems, and even trash collection.
performance glazing minimize heat
4. Heavy focus on reducing construction waste gain.
4. Digital Twin Technology:
through recycling initiatives. 4.Waste Management: • Real-time digital models of the
Transit-First Design: On-site composting of organic waste. city for urban management and
5. Elimination of cars within the city core; Recycling of 90% of construction waste. planning.
emphasis on walkability and public transport.

CHALLENGES:
High Development Costs
Climate-Specific Design:
1. While the design addresses Abu Dhabi's
desert climate, it limits adaptability for cities in
different climatic zones.
Car-Free Concept
Sustainability vs. Urban Growth:
2. Balancing sustainable infrastructure with
urban expansion is a delicate issue.
Delayed Timelines

SHEET NO. GROUP NO.

SECONDARY CASE STUDY 2