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The Oasis of the Future

LAVA’s design proposal focused on the delivery of three key issues:

Performance: to demonstrate the use and benefits of sustainable technology in a modern, dynamic, iconic architectural environment; activation: to activate or operate the sustainable technology in accordance with the functional needs of this environment, 24 hours a day, and 365 days of the year; and interaction: to encourage and stimulate a social dynamic where the life, values, ideals, and vision of the population of Masdar evolve.

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

The following environmental and engineering design concepts will minimize energy consumptions:

– Radiant surfaces

– Air movement that supplements natural wind patterns

– Evaporating cooling mist

– Thermal mass and PCM

– Slab cooling and Luna Panels

– Shading of external facades surrounding the Plaza

Masdar Plaza © LAVA

Some other key innovations include:

– Building façade angles that can be altered to offset or optimize solar glare.

– Materials on wall surfaces respond to changing temperatures and contain minimal embedded energy.

– Water features can be stored underground during the day and at night trickle or flow strongly, triggered by passersby.

– Interactive light poles, inspired by the oasis fire, transform the plaza into a 3-dimensional interactive media installation.

– Interactive heat sensitive technology activates lightning in response to pedestrian traffic and mobile phone usage.

– Roof gardens integrate food production, energy generation, water efficiency and the reuse of organic food waste.

urbanNext (June 18, 2025) The Oasis of the Future. Retrieved from https://urbannext.net/the-oasis-of-the-future-2/.
The Oasis of the Future.” urbanNext – June 18, 2025, https://urbannext.net/the-oasis-of-the-future-2/
urbanNext December 24, 2015 The Oasis of the Future., viewed June 18, 2025,<https://urbannext.net/the-oasis-of-the-future-2/>
urbanNext – The Oasis of the Future. [Internet]. [Accessed June 18, 2025]. Available from: https://urbannext.net/the-oasis-of-the-future-2/
The Oasis of the Future.” urbanNext – Accessed June 18, 2025. https://urbannext.net/the-oasis-of-the-future-2/
The Oasis of the Future.” urbanNext [Online]. Available: https://urbannext.net/the-oasis-of-the-future-2/. [Accessed: June 18, 2025]

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