Paris-based Vincent Callebaut Architecture has come up with a plan for a mixed-use complex located in Cairo that combines vegetation and structure to communicate Egypt's inclination toward progressive architecture, designboom reports. The proposal's main purpose is to raise awareness of sustainable architecture designed to combat global warming.
The roof is solar, and shades green rooftop terraces and sky villas. This conserves energy otherwise needed for cooling, as do the solar panels and heating tubes on the roof.
Nine stories of housing contain 1,000 residential units, all within a series of rectangular volumes situated around a central boulevard, according to designboom. Four stories of underground parking, a supermarket, office space, and three levels of retail space are also included in the complex.
The retail areas will be fronted by a transparent curtain wall punctuated by green walls to indicate the main entrances towards the shopping mall. The roof of the whole development is set as a big community garden comprised of an area of orchards, infinity swimming pools, and sports facilities.
The scheme includes eight specific sustainability features:
1. Windcatchers
2. A passive geothermal cooling system
3. Solar photovoltaic cells, which cover all the solar roof and the west and east facades
4. Solar heater tubes, located on the roof above each core
5. Wind turbines, integrated along the axial spine at both ends of the promenade
6. Roof food gardens cover the whole complex, improving the thermal inertia of the roof
7. Living walls
8. The use of recyclable and/or recycled furniture.
Check out more renderings below, courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architecture.
Related Stories
| Jun 18, 2014
SOM's twisting tower wins design competition for Sweden's tallest skyscraper
The skyscraper, which will reach 230 meters and is named Polstjärnan, or "The Pole Star," is to be built in Gothenburg, Sweden.
| Jun 18, 2014
Study shows walkable urbanism has positive economic impact
Walkable communities have a higher GDP, greater wealth, and higher percentages of college grads, according to a new study by George Washington University.
| Jun 18, 2014
Ware Malcomb names Sorensen Engineering Regional Manager
New hire will oversee firm's civil engineering practice in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine.
| Jun 18, 2014
JLG Architects hires 31 to keep up with 'shale gale' work
Construction boom fueled by 'shale gale' brings rapid growth to North Dakota firm.
| Jun 18, 2014
Arup uses 3D printing to fabricate one-of-a-kind structural steel components
The firm's research shows that 3D printing has the potential to reduce costs, cut waste, and slash the carbon footprint of the construction sector.
| Jun 18, 2014
Architecture Billings Index shows increase in design activity
The American Institute of Architects reported that the May ABI score was 52.6, up sharply from a mark of 49.6 in April. This score reflects an increase in design activity.
| Jun 17, 2014
Must see: If music were architecture in 27 illustrations
From Miles Davis to Björk to Manu Chao to Bach, Babina visualizes how these sounds will look like if they were visible in the form of architecture.
| Jun 17, 2014
Nation's largest Thai Buddhist temple opens near Boston
The $60 million facility built in honor of King Rama IX of Thailand is the largest Thai Buddhist temple outside of Thailand.
| Jun 17, 2014
U.S. Census report examines why Americans move
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35.9 million people moved between 2012 and 2013, meaning that 11.7% of the U.S. population moved in one year. The report seeks to examine why.
| Jun 17, 2014
World's tallest pair of towers to serve as 'environmental catalyst' for China
The Phoenix Towers are expected to reach 1 km, the same height as Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill's Kingdom Tower, but would set a record for multiple towers in one development.
