A previous entry on IssmatBlog noted the ambitious project in Abu Dhabi to create a zero-carbon and zero-waste walled city called ‘Masdar City’ (Masdar means ‘Source’ or ‘Resource’ in Arabic).
Two days ago, BusinessWeek Magazine picked up the story and provided two more concept pictures that I did not include in my previous post. Given the popularity of the Masdar post (one of the most searched posts on the blog), I am posting the new pictures here.
Did I also mention that the Communications Manager of Masdar City is from Nova Scotia?
Masdar will be developed in phases centered on two plazas. The first stage includes construction of a 60-megawatt photovoltaic power plant that will supply electricity for constructing the rest of the city. This will be followed by a 130-acre main square. Foster finished the initial phase of master planning this spring.
Designers estimate that it will take 10 years to build out the entire city, but the phased approach will allow Masdar’s university to open by 2009, with 30 percent of the student population housed on site. Its students will be encouraged to participate in the development of the city while working on graduate degrees in sustainability.







This project becomes more interesting as more information becomes published. It would be a great architectural triumph in sustainable design and construction if it can be proven successfull. I can imagine how challenging it would be just to cool an area that large, containing thousands of people, in one of the hottest regions in the World. Thanks for the update Issmat
Masdar City Free Zone is designed to ensure that Abu Dhabi grows its own share of global energy market by fostering the development and commercialization of innovative and advanced technologies in alternative, renewable and sustainable energies for a safer, cleaner environment and future.
I wonder how they will handle the zero waste, zero carbon thingy?
Found out. Very sustainable I should say. I hope it will work out as planned.
Thanks for your comments, D_la. I look forward to your continued contributions.
Issmat A.
I have questions about the material that would be used in the project.
How and who do I contact?
Hello Wael,
Thank you for visiting the blog.
I’m not sure which materials you are referring to exactly. In general, the company that was selected to manage the Masdar program implementation is CH2M Hill. Their website is http://www.ch2m.com.
You may also contact the Masdar head office in Abu Dhabi directly if you have more specific questions. Their contact information can be found on their website at http://www.masdaruae.com.
I hope this helps!
Issmat
Dear Issmat
Great work on the Masdar story! Its an amazing project. I read that the Communications Manager for Masdar City is from Nova Scotia too? Would you know the name and contact please?
Cheers
I wonder what the food culture will be like. Will everything except produce be imported from nearby cities? Will cooking food deviate from what we know now? If anyone has any idea please post.