Italian architecture practice Stefano Boeri Architetti has presented its new Vertical Forest prototype at COP27 climate change conference which is taking place at Sharm EL Sheikh International Convention Center in Egypt from 6 to 18 November 2022.

Called Dubai Vertical Forest, a pair of skyscrapers are set to be built in Dubai, which is a next host of COP28 in 2023, are connecting via a plinth on the lower levels.

The 27th edition of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)-COP27 is seeking and facilitating multilateral efforts and mobilization plans on climate change.

Stefano Boeri Architetti's towers are reaching at a height of 190 and 150 metres respectively, and wrapped by 2,640 trees and 27,600 shrubs on the facades integrated with "a system of greenhouses and hydroponic gardens".

Commissioned by impact investment initiative Impact One, according to the studio, Stefano Boeri Architetti's design "represents the first Vertical Forest prototype for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) area." 

Once built, it will be the first vertical forest built in the MENA region, after the successful vertical forest skyscrapers of the studio, including Bosco Verticale in Milan, Easyhome Huanggang Vertical Forest City Complex in China, a prototype for a new Vertical Forest in Egypt, the first Vertical Forest Tower in Tirana. 

The design of skyscrapers aims to bring the benefits of "urban forestry" such as "the absorption of fine dust particles, microclimate regulation and reduction of the greenhouse effect together with innovations as part of the management of the water system in arid climates and the optimization of energy production from renewable sources."

The studio explained in its website that the design team has given considerable attention to the "management of the water cycle" through desalination processes and the recovery of grey water.

Another sustainable elements include energy production from renewable sources by using photovoltaic surfaces. 

Through photovoltaic surfaces, the towers are expected to produce 5,100 kWh of clean energy, stored in a system of hydrogen batteries, aiming to power the processes linked to the building’s water cycle.

"Among other aspects, research currently underway is aimed at identifying construction technologies, materials and strategies for optimizing the water cycle and waste management in order to transform them into useful resources with which to ensure the sustainability of the building’s life cycle," said the studio in a project description in its website.

In October 2021, United Arab Emirates announced the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, aiming to make the Emirates the first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nation.

Stefano Boeri Architetti's new project is designed as aligned with the UAE's new ambitions that contribute to clean energy and the reduction of the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere.

COP27 is bringing together ministers, negotiators, climate activists, mayors, civil society representatives and CEOs from around the world to tackle with the climate change. Learn more about the climate conference on World Architecture Community.  

Project facts

Architects: Stefano Boeri Architetti
Founding Partner: Stefano Boeri
Director: Hana Narvaez
Design team: Yulia Filatova, Silvia Raiano

Consultants:
LCA assessment: ESA
Botanical Consultant: Vannucci

Images courtesy of Stefano Boeri Architetti.

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COP27 skyscraper Stefano Boeri Architetti