lesson 6 - are ecocities the future

Question 1

where is Masdar City?

Answer 1

in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE (united arab emirates)

Question 2

who is Norman Foster and what did he do?

Answer 2

he is a British architect who dreamt of making Masdar City an EcoCity

Question 3

how were buildings to be kept cool? (main aim)

Answer 3

1) Barajeel (wind tower)
- drives cool air + fine mist into building

2) buildings placed close together
- to throw shade

3) air con set to 24oC
4) digital grid monitored

Question 4

how would the Masdar initiative have been a centre for innovation in clean energy?

Answer 4

1) solar power desalination plant for water
- 80% of water reused as much as possible
- grey water used for crops

2) low embodied carbon concrete
- reduced cement content

3) building outsides made from Palmwood
- coconut palms that no longer produce fruit

Question 5

advantages of his plan?

Answer 5

1) zero-carbon, zero-waste
2) 70,000 new jobs in green energy
3) GDP increase by 2% a year
4) 30% less carbon

5) intelligent digital grid records every action
- understanding human behaviour

Question 6

negatives of his plan?

Answer 6

1) PRT too expensive – trialling electric cars instead

2) another luxury development for the wealthy
- the ultimate gated city

3) dust storms damaged the solar panels + stopped sunlight (like clouds in the UK)

4) solar panels were too expensive
- electricity imported from Abu Dhabi

5) restricted freedoms