
Wave to the future —
Masdar City is a radical vision of a sustainable future that is under construction in the Abu Dhabi desert, bringing together leading architects and state of the art green technology. 
Tower of power —
A 45m-high wind tower in Masdar City takes inspiration from traditional Arab technology. It produces a cooling effect, by directing hot air up and out of its surrounding area, as well as bringing cooler air from above down to the surface.

Smart walls —
The design and shape of exterior walls reduces heat radiation and the demand for air conditioning.

Car free —
the city currently uses driverless pods known as "personal rapid transit" (PRT) carts.

Sun shines —
The 10-megawatt solar farm on the outskirts of Masdar City provides much its energy needs.

On campus —
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, designed by British architects Foster + Partners, has a focus on teaching sustainable sciences.

Breathing space —
Courtyards on campus provide relaxation space for students between classes.

Grand ambition —
Perhaps the most ambitious project is SHAMS 1, a stand-alone 2.5km², 100MW Concentrated Solar Power plant. This plant was built about 100km from Masdar, at an estimated cost of US$600m. It is one of the largest of its type in the world, and displaces 175,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually -- equivalent to the emissions of 29,000 UK homes.

Energy efficient —
The main buildings are highly insulated and energy efficient, including the SIEMENS building (pictured), the Middle-East headquarters of the technology giant.

Recycled complex —
The IRENA buiding used low-carbon, locally sourced, sustainable materials including recycled steel and recycled-content aluminium and cement.The 32,000 square meter complex combines three buildings to conserve energy.

Sculpted clay —
The incubator building is a hub for start-ups and innovation. The construction also used recycled material and makes use of ceramic facades to retain energy.

Signs of life —
After years of preparation, the first families have now moved into the city, and the new city is expecting major influx in the coming years.


