Luca Curci Architects’ offshore shell-shaped futuristic metropolis in UAE

By Monika Thakur

September 4, 2017

4 min read

Italy-based firm Luca Curci Architects have envisioned organic living solutions for the desert and gulf climates of the Middle East. Their recent conceptual project is the Organic Cities, showing resource-efficient offshore living within the shell-shaped futuristic metropolis.

The building materials of the structure are eco-compatible. These shells and crescent-shaped structures are designed to represent the evolution of a contemporary metropolis. The site’s master plan is to ensure adaptability and flexibility over time, with each building paying close attention to the needs of a modern living and working environment.

This project has been organized in two separate parts: five futuristic shell-like buildings on the land, and five crescent-shaped ‘moons’ on the sea. The land based structures are connected through various streets and parks at different levels. The smallest structures are residential properties with private approaches offered via air and water. Further, ‘moons’ are hotels that can be reached by sea, road, and air; while the largest constructions are a combination of hotels and apartment complexes.

To power these futuristic buildings, they are aiming to harness solar and wind energies from the desert. The sun desalinates water on a citywide scale, while rainwater recovery and reuse of waste water allow for sustainable consumption in a mostly bone-dry desert climate. The architects plan 50-percent of the 161-million-square-foot site as common green space. There will be green bridges, parks, and running paths to connect residences. Even private homes can be situated on the sea, but these will be only accessible by boat or airplane.

The concept of the organic city is meant to foster relationships between humans. It will encourage social interaction with an abundance of open public space. This scheme is aiming to provide shelter for up to 150,000 people. Over 800,000-square-meters will be dedicated to hotels and spas, while shopping malls, galleries, and museums will cover 6,300,000-square- meters of the plot. With the height of 470-meters, the tallest building will be a remarkable symbol for the area which can be seen from across the surrounding landscape.