At COP27 in Sharm, Stefano Boeri Architetti presents the Vertical Forest designed for Dubai (home of the next COP in 2023). This features two towers, 190 and 150 metres high respectively, which will host 2,640 trees and 27,600 shrubs on the facades together with a system of greenhouses and hydroponic gardens.

Considerable attention has been given in the project to the management of the water cycle through desalination processes and the recovery of grey water, as well as to energy from renewable sources, thanks to photovoltaic surfaces that will produce 5,100 kWh of clean energy, stored in a system of hydrogen batteries that will also 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.

The project, commissioned by Impact One, represents the first Vertical Forest prototype for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) area, with the aim of integrating 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.