H2CITY
H2CITY
H2CITY is an oasis city and hydrogen energy research complex in the middle of the desert in Abu Dhabi.
Topography of the project site
The main source of inspiration for us in working on the H2CITY project was the unique local landscape
Barchans
Artificial reservoir
Shore
Terrain
Distribution of sand on the ground
Desert
Pre-project studies
The involved architects took a comprehensive approach to the preparatory phase of the work and analysed both the topography and weather conditions
The average air temperature throughout the year remains between 20°C and 40°C
Humidity ranges from 20% to 50%
Rainfall almost never occurs
Waves are calm, with heights ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 metres
The average wind speed varies from 0 to 50 kilometres per hour
The average amount of dust is 100-800 mg/m3
H2CITY is not just a city, but an oasis with a picturesque park in the middle of sand dunes. The project uses means of hot climate regulation traditional for the East, adapted for a modern city and its inhabitants. Nomadic tent structures and classical windcatchers, which have been historically used to ventilate buildings and maintain a normal temperature balance, have acquired a new appearance but retained the necessary functions
Main idea
| Norms and regulations The main problem of the climate of the United Arab Emirates is the hot high sun. Therefore, when developing the project, the bureau endeavoured to provide a large amount of shade with small and large tent structures. While working on this solution, the specialists took into account all the necessary norms and regulations applicable to designing of the UAE cities |
| Streets The city's main traffic arteries also require to be protected from the scorching sun. Dense building and natural shade from tall plants and trees in pedestrian areas became a universal solution |
| City The hot climate challenged the architects to protect the entire city from the sun. The concept developed by the bureau involves the use of a tent structure covering the entire territory based on the support of the windcatchers. They support a cable-stayed system on which a double-layer membrane with sun protection spraying is stretched. This approach makes the climate favourable for both the inhabitants of the city and the plants in the park |
ОASIS
The main task that the Architects set in the process of creating the image of the city was to make an Oasis in the desert. Park in the shadow of tent structures
IDEA
DESIGN SCALE
REFERENCE POINTS
When developing the project, the bureau's specialists studied the market for innovative materials and researched the latest architectural trends. In doing so, the architects turned to history and found solutions in traditional elements and styles, giving them new meaning and vision
PRE-PROJECT PROPOSAL
The designers, architects, and planners of the bureau developed a sketch concept for the image of a hydrogen city
FUNCTIONAL ZONING
CUT SECTION
