Design for Vertical Forest Towers Prototype Unveiled

Stefano Boeri Architetti presented a new design for the Vertical Forest towers during COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Arch Daily reports. The prototype would be in Dubai, the next host of COP28 in 2023. The two high rises of 190 and 150 m will be wrapped in green terraces, hosting 2,640 trees and 27,600 shrubs supported by greenhouses and hydroponic gardens. The first Vertical Forest prototype will operate under the principles of reuse and proper energy consumption. Commissioned by Impact One, it aims to optimize the water system management in response to the arid climate in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and set a model for future buildings and urban developments. Sustainable aspects include urban forestry integration, fine dust particle absorption, microclimate regulation and optimization of energy production from renewable sources. Photovoltaic surfaces will power the water desalination systems to serve the building’s water cycle in addition to grey water recovery. The panels will produce 5,100 kWh of clean energy, stored in a system of hydrogen batteries, reducing the buildings’ grid-based electricity usage.