The Green City in the Desert

"Planned as part of Dubailand, the huge inland development in Dubai bordering the Emirates road, Xeritown is a 60-hectare space which has sustainability as its defining characteristic, as suggested by its name (the word xeri is taken from the term xeriscaping, which refers to water conscious landscaping)."

"In addition to maximising natural shading, the design firm also created artificial shading through the use of a solar tree. The tree consists of solar panels in different shapes and different levels positioned to provide shade at street level."

"Wind was also exploited as a form of energy in the design. The design was planned so that the cool breeze from the sea is channelled into the public spaces while the hot desert winds are diverted above the development."

"A third strand to X-Architect's sustainable approach was social sustainability. Walking distances, for example, are planned at 200 metres enabling people to walk comfortably and encouraging social interaction in the development."