ARADA has selected Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to design the Central Hub for the company’s master plan in Sharjah, UAE. The master plan was developed with environmental considerations meant to minimize the consumption of resources. Treated wastewater will be used for irrigation and the architecture will incorporate active and passive measures to lower the demand for indoor cooling.
The ZHA design is meant to mimic the moment a water droplet strikes the earth. However, the design’s elliptical buildings are not just meant to achieve the raindrop aesthetic, but also channel prevailing winds into civic spaces and courtyards to facilitate cooling during the summer months.
At the heart of the 1.9 million-sf hub is a central observation tower that is surrounded by vibrant public squares with water features that are irrigated by recovered and recycled water. Tensile canopies sustain a microclimate at the ground level for the gardens of native species.
The Central Hub’s first phase includes an adventure activity zone, a food market, and outdoor events space. The first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2019 with the entire project expected to be completed by 2025. CH2M will handle the infrastructure design duties for the project.
Related Stories
Urban Planning | May 4, 2016
Brookings report details how different industries innovate
In the new report, “How Firms Learn: Industry Specific Strategies for Urban Economies,” Brookings' Scott Andes examines how manufacturing and software services firms develop new products, processes, and ideas.
Urban Planning | Apr 19, 2016
MVRDV wants to turn a former US Army barracks in Germany into a model for the future of suburban living
Blending traditional families with young couples and the newly retired, MVRDV hopes to transform traditional suburbs into diverse communities of shared experiences
High-rise Construction | Mar 10, 2016
Bigger, taller, wider: London’s skyline is about to have a major growth spurt
More than 100 tall buildings have been added to the plans for the capital city since this time last year, and the overall number of tall buildings planned for London is now over 400.
High-rise Construction | Feb 25, 2016
Kohn Pedersen Fox wants to build a mile-high tower in Tokyo
The tower would be the centerpiece of Next Tokyo, a mini city in Tokyo Bay adapted to climate change and rising tides.
Mixed-Use | Feb 18, 2016
New renderings unveiled for Miami Worldcenter master plan
The ‘High Street’ retail promenade and plaza is one of the largest private master-planned projects in the U.S. and is set to break ground in early March.
Green | Feb 18, 2016
Best laid plans: Masdar City’s dreams of being the first net-zero city may have disappeared
The $22 billion experiment, to this point, has produced less than stellar results.
Urban Planning | Feb 9, 2016
Winners named in 'reinventing Paris' competition
Architects submitted projects that redeveloped key parts of the city and incorporated green space features.
Urban Planning | Feb 2, 2016
Report identifies 600 cities that will drive economic growth through 2025
Of them, 440 are in emerging economies in China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Urban Planning | Jan 21, 2016
Anders Berensson Architects re-imagines Stockholm as a city of skywalks
The Swedish firm’s "Klarastaden" plan connects the city via clear skyways that weave in and around the city’s buildings.
Urban Planning | Jan 19, 2016
Cities are booming, but do they have what it takes to sustain growth?
While cities are creating new jobs and attracting new residents, there are warning signs that suggest this current urban boom lacks the necessary sustainability that comes with focusing on the macro issues of community, affordibility, and displacement, writes Gensler’s Peter Weingarten.
