Dubai-based Killa Design and UK-based Buro Happold unveiled impressive images of Dubai’s Museum of the Future ahead of its official opening on February 22nd, 2022.
The museum is deservedly called “the most beautiful building on Earth” by the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; it promises a unique experience that incorporates science, technology, and the environment into various themes and immersive surroundings that engage all five senses.
Courtesy of MoTF
The goal of the project is to “change the entire perception of the future as we know it,” by displaying a world that could exist in 50 years. The Museum of the Future will be an expressive and dynamic icon, occupying a superb location near the Emirates Towers. It is one of the world’s most complex structures and it is built to represent the revival of Arab excellence in the fields they succeeded in since the beginning of the civilizations; science, mathematics, and research.
The 30,548 square meters powered by 4,000 megawatts of solar energy feature three main elements; a green hill, the main building, and a torus-shaped volume that stands on top.
Courtesy of MoTF
The green hill represents the earth, imitating its solidity, permanence, and sense of place, time, and history. This is accomplished by creating a seamless transition from the site in the form of an earthen, vegetated mound with minimal building intervention. The green hill was also designed to elevate the building above the metro line in a peaceful and discreet manner, as well as to provide vegetation in elevation, which is uncommon in Dubai, for people to enjoy while engaging with the Museum.
Courtesy of MoTF
While the torus-shaped volume rises 77 meters above ground level and displays artistic Arabic calligraphy that is perforated into its shell. The calligraphy features an Arabic poem written by the ruler of Dubai about the emirate’s futuristic goals and aspirations. Over 1,000 fire-retardant composite panels covered in stainless steel, each individually created, make up the scripture that doubles as windows. The bold shape of the volume symbolizes humanity’s strength, artistry, and ability to create in harmony with its surroundings.
Finally, the upper structure’s elliptical emptiness signifies innovation. This is accomplished mostly by creating an empty space that represents the unwritten future into which mankind and the rest of the planet might stare metaphorically. The innovators and creators of today can be inspired by this wide and unburdened future.
Courtesy of MoTF
Above a three-story platform and an F+B deck with auditorium, retail, parking, and services, the 78-meter-high structure houses six exhibition and one administration floor above a three-story podium and an F+B deck with auditorium, retail, parking, and services. Overall, the design’s distinguishing elements will create a timeless monument that will serve as a model for all future low-carbon buildings in the UAE.
The Museum is not only a visual and cultural beacon but also a trailblazer in terms of modern technology. The building embodies the future through revolutionary design ideas, execution, and construction as a 17,000m2 torus-shaped building wrapped in stainless steel, obtaining LEED Platinum status, and developed holistically through BIM at every design stage. The building’s design is a low-carbon civic structure that incorporates several architectural advances such as parametric design, passive solar architecture, low-energy, and low-water engineering solutions, energy and water recovery systems and building integrated renewables.
Courtesy of MoTF
The Museum of the Future will be a destination for the greatest and brightest inventors and entrepreneurs, delivering an integrated environment empowering creative minds to test, fund, and market ideas for futuristic prototypes and services as a design and innovation institution. It will bring together inventors, designers, and researchers to demonstrate a variety of technologies, as well as serve as an incubator for new ideas and designs, a catalyst for innovation, and a global destination for inventors and entrepreneurs.
Toqa Mostafa is a dedicated editor at Arch2O, bringing a sharp editorial perspective to architectural storytelling. Based in Egypt, she curates and refines content that showcases innovative design and urban solutions. Her work at Arch2O highlights her ability to engage readers with compelling narratives, bridging architectural creativity and critical discourse. Toqa’s editorial expertise contributes significantly to Arch2O’s mission of exploring the intersection of design, technology, and sustainability.