Cool Abu Dhabi Challenge: Oasys+System b|Visualization

The Frankfurt-based architecture firm Mask Architects designed "Oasys+System" called "the artificial breathing palm modular structure system".

Mask Architects has been selected as one of ten winners of the the ‘Cool Abu Dhabi’, a global design competition between more than 1,570 participants from 67 countries. Cool Abu Dhabi Challenge is aimed to attract creative ideas to tackle climate change & provide solutions for the urban heat island effect in significantly warmer areas of Abu Dhabi.

Architect's statemnt: The Oasys’ is our answer to Cooling Down Abu Dhabi. We have created an oasis in the middle of the city where residents of Abu Dhabi can relax and enjoy outdoor spaces without feeling the heat. ‘The Oasys’ system is a network of gridded stations and hubs in which act as islands of harbour and refuge. With the allocated land to be the first location of our network, it will act as a central point which can be used as a resting place, for activities, socialising and sociable communal for the collective and community. Space can be used for temporary pop-ups, sitting areas, cafes, exhibitions, sports etc.

image © Mask Architects

We acknowledge the need for such spaces in our developing societies to be created to protect outdoor lifestyle during the months of the year in which the heat becomes unbearable. As Abu Dhabi seeks to grow and develop its vibrant and diverse city further, it is important that we must have such systems for the growing industries such as tourism, education, finance and cultural centres. Our outdoor thermal comfort system instalments are important to public and private spaces that will see the ease of threat and the dangers of climate change to urban development and society.

image © Mask Architects

The Oasys’ is an oasis space which is constructed from modules of palm tree-like structures that will be the main function of the system. It will have such functions as spraying mist through nozzles that underlay the palms, as well as collect solar energy through solar panels on the roof of the palms. The structure will act as a barrier from regional and environmental issues such as heat, UV rays, and noise, wind and sandstorms. This will be the main system which will control the atmosphere within the space to keep it comfortable and relaxing for all. Around the palm, structures will be trees planted to help with the process of easing sound pollution and wind entering the space. It will also help with creating an eco-friendly space which will help to create the image and sensation of a green oasis in the middle of the city.

image © Mask Architects

The future of ‘The Oasys’ system is not only to build one but to build multiple networks around the cities to create hubs of rest places in which all are connected together. With the modular systems all able to connect with each other, each module can be different scales and adjustable. It is a mechanism that can be easily replicated to create groupings of the palm structures in any scale of space. The foundations of the structure will already be in place on each plot of land marked for cooling and to create social space. The foundation will house the storage of water and vital equipment for ‘The Oasys’. The cooling system will be put up at the notice of the government for the months of heat. It can be temporary or permanent depending on the use of the space.

image © Mask Architects