Tuesdays at APA: Implementing Sustainable Cities in a Harsh Environment (Lessons from Masdar)

Implementing Sustainable Cities in a Harsh Environment: Some
Lessons Learned from Masdar
June 21, 2011


Masdar City in the United Arab Emirates is envisioned as the
world's first carbon-neutral, zero waste, car-free city. However,
the harsh, desert environment and the prevailing planning and
construction practices in Abu Dhabi pose special challenges for
an inherently ambitious goal.


Margaret Cederoth, AICP, will discuss the specific elements of
sustainable cities incorporated into the plans for Masdar and the
practical methods for implementing these ambitions in the first
few buildings of the city. The presentation will highlight
relevant master plan elements that are the foundation for
sustainability and focus on the physical expression of those
elements along with basic contractual and education activities
necessary to realize the vision.