The capital’s environmentally friendly, ‘green’ credentials received a huge boost after the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre was named a finalist in a global architectural awards competition.
The centre, which is to be part of the planned Al Ain Zoo expansion project, is a finalist for the 2013 World Architectural News (WAN) Sustainable Building of the Year Award. Already the centre has received five pearls – the highest rating on the Estidama Pearl Rating System – from the UAE government and is currently in the process of applying for an LEED Platinum certification, which is given to high performance green buildings.
Located in Al Ain, the structure, inspired by the vision of the late HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will feature educational exhibits that celebrate the wildlife and traditions of the desert. In addition the building will also contain a museum, gallery and science facility to further promote environmental preservation and sustainability with interactive exhibits.
The WAN Awards has evolved into the world’s largest architectural awards programme, with a judging panel looking at more than 1,300 entries across the globe. Shortlisted in the Sustainable Building of the Year, the Desert Learning Centre will compete with five other entries for the title.
“The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is a symbol of national pride, one that continues to drive the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision of wildlife preservation, and celebrates the history of the desert environment and how people can and have adapted to it,” said HE Ghanim Al Hajeri, director general of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain. “We are honoured to be shortlisted in this category. The centre is a leading example in sustainable design, and falls directly in line with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 to develop Abu Dhabi as a sustainable emirate.”
