Sunday, September 26, 2010

"In Arabian Desert, a Sustainable City Rises"

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/arts/design/26masdar.html?_r=1&ref=earth

Norman Foster, the principle partner of Foster & Partners, has created a vision for a city that produces little to no carbon emissions. He plans to combine ancient Arab architecture with new ways to keep the town cooler, without using energy for air conditioning, including narrower streets in the shade, electronically powered cars located underground, and higher buildings to catch the wind. Masdar, the town name, plans to have 90% of the power used be solar, and the remaining 10% to be made by incinerating waste. However, many are concerned that Masdar will become a mini-utopia for the rich and exclude the poor. Mr. Foster stated that "it is not about social exclusion" and intends for the city to be enjoyed by all social classes. I think this town is a wonderful idea and should be an inspiration for others. By lowering the amount of electricity and carbon emissions, Masdar is beginning what other towns need to start in order to help the environment.

2 comments:

  1. I totally 100% agree with this town it sounds like the perfect idea. Although I do agree with the social class problem it does sound perfect. If this happens and proved to work and be beneficial then I think all cities should look in and upgrade to the idea. But it seems like it could have its problem with the underground cars I think that would be a tad bit scary. The idea seems very efficient but maybe not so full-proof as it could be. I think that the program could use a little modifications. Maybe it is just a vision but maybe one day it could be the world!

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  2. this is a good idea. i think they should try to do this with small towns and work their way up. if we keep advancing in technology, we wont have to worry about the carbon emissions from cars and have to build anything underground.

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