Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST)
A climate-focused public realm for Abu Dhabi’s first green city
Abu Dhabi, UAE
A major public realm design project for The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, based within the world's first totally green city in Abu Dhabi.
As part of the wider Masdar City Masterplan, Gillespies worked alongside Foster + Partners to deliver the campus's landscapes and urban realm.
The key aim was to create a public outdoor space that could be used all year round, with emphasis on the summer season. The completed campus consists of a series of walkable streets and courtyard spaces shaded by buildings, trees, and a planting strategy, creating comfortable conditions for pedestrians and contributing to reducing the air temperature.
A dramatic main courtyard — 'the Oasis' — provides the campus with a flexible space suitable for individuals, small groups or large gatherings, with numerous seating areas surrounded by lush planting and gently bubbling water features.
Award
Year
RIBA International Award
2011
British Expertise International Awards: Outstanding International Architecture Project
2011
Project details
Title
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST)
Client
Masder Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
Status
Complete
Gillespies team
Armel Mourgue, Oliver Smith
Photography
Film and photography courtesy of Foster + Partners
