London based architectural firm, Foster and Partners have just released the first plans for the Masdar Initiative – a giant urban development in Abu Dhabi. The densely packed walled city is being developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company and is being described as the world’s first “zero carbon, zero waste” city.
According to the press release:
The principle of the Masdar development is a dense walled city to be
constructed in an energy efficient two-stage phasing that relies on the
creation of a large photovoltaic power plant, which later becomes the
site for the cities second phase, allowing for urban growth yet
avoiding low density sprawl.Strategically located for Abu Dhabi’s principal transport
infrastructure, Masdar will be linked to surrounding communities as
well as the centre of Abu Dhabi and the international airport by a
network of existing road and new rail and public transport routes.Rooted in a zero carbon ambition, the city itself is car free. With
a maximum distance of 200m to the nearest transport link and amenities,
the compact network of streets encourages walking and is complemented
by a personalised rapid transport system. The shaded walkways and
narrow streets will create a pedestrian friendly environment in the
context of Abu Dhabi’s extreme climate.It also articulates the tightly planned, compact nature of
traditional walled cities. With expansion carefully planned, the
surrounding land will contain wind, photovoltaic farms, research fields
and plantations, so that the city will be entirely self-sustaining.
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