A Close-Up Look at Masdar's Eco-Village

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is the first building to be completed in this ambitious, carbon-neutral city in Abu Dhabi. Thomas Lane of Building takes a tour.

1 minute read

February 1, 2010, 11:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur

Masdar City is behind schedule, but Lane was able to see a lot of the infrastructure already in place.

He writes, "The entire city is built on a 7m high concrete podium because this creates the space needed for the network of personal rapid transit (PRT) vehicles which get people around. Above is a pedestrianised world. The idea is people park their cars on the edge of the city and walk to the PRT station.

The vehicles travel on a network of roads under podium level, magnets set into the ground at regular intervals and a single wire at roof level guide the vehicles. The initial arrival station and the one at the Masdar institute are nearly finished."

FULL STORY: First images: Foster's vision for Masdar City takes shape Read more: http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=748&storyc

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 in Building

Architecture Middle East Abu Dhabi Masdar City

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.