Dubai makes yet another addition to its green designs while including the Almeisan Tower to the lineup. Architect Robert Ferry does a fabulous job in conjuring up this self-sustainable structure. The 165-meter green edifice, if it ever comes into existence, will ably generate 600kW of solar power. It will be a zero emission, zero waste system that will power the rest of Za’abeel Park.
Self-sustainable structure exhibits Chimney Effect:
The central collector collects the concentrated beam of light produced via 224 large heliostatic, polished mirrors. The all-potent beam heats the furnace containing liquid sodium to 500 degrees Celsius, i.e. just enough to power the en suited steam turbine.
The building also flaunts eight concrete structural piers angled at 60 degrees and these converge at 50 meters above the ground. These wind piers keeps the area cool while creating a chimney effect or Stack Effect. They draw the hot air out and cool the entire structure. The heat sink, i.e. the 1.5-meter soil bed, further amplifies the chimney effect in modulating the temperature variations. The cooling technique had been in use for the past 1000 years across the Emirates.
Truly, it (is?) a marvel of architecture:
The central space, i.e. an 8-meter high podium space has four glass-walled elevators and two fire stairs that take you to the observation platform and the café. For the keen onlookers, there’s an Observation Platform 100 meters above the ground. It provides a great spectacle in allowing the visitors to have the first-hand experience of the concentrated light falling on the collector.
The café is a pearl-like enclosure where you can dine while enjoying the scenic beauty of Dubai. The southern extension includes the conference facilities and a commercial kitchen, and a children’s library with a cultural center is proposed on the north side. The cultural center faces Za’abeel Park and the recycled pond.
The word “Almeisan” has an Arabic origin that means the brightest stars in the constellation Gemini. However, had there been no obstacles to the successful implementation, it could have brightened the Gulf with its unique ambiance and vibrancy.
Image Source: Gizmag/Journal Arabia