Imaginary desert area
Kalbod design studio
An architectural solution to cope with the massive sandstorms that occur in large desert cities such as Dubai. Desert cities like Dubai have disproved the sandstorm-absorbing skyscraper project. These 25 towers, located right along Dubai’s main street, consist of a glass structure rising from the ground. Inspired by its function, the towers have two functions: cavities to absorb soil particles into artificial magnets, accompanied by wind pipes designed to provide the shortest possible length to maintain residents’ comfort as well as optimal pressure and suction.
The final form is in a state of equilibrium with the highest level of safety followed by a sustainable cycle in which the sandstorm loses its electrical charge as it enters the building structures, transferring to the soil purification section and then to the insulated silos, which are made of steel and thermally conditioned. Insulated steel silos and heat transfer tubes located at the base of the towers. These pipes charged with solar energy from solar panels increase the collected sand’s temperature to 600 degrees Celsius, creating thermal batteries that store and provide the necessary power for the tower and neighboring buildings to function without electricity for a few months. These towers are also composed of multiple uses, from public spaces on the lower levels to residential areas at the center, to large laboratories and scientific research bases at the top. Scientific dedicated to future studies on the nature of sandstorms and finding better ways to deal with this natural phenomenon for the next generation.
Status: Research and design (proposal)
Area: approximately 40000 m2
Year: 2022
The project is featured in the exhibition ARCHIcommunity: Architecture for the Community 2023, Venice, Italy (link to the catalogue)
