Isengard Desert Tower Will Make Its Own Energy
What does €300 million buy a sheikh in the Middle East when he asks for a high rise that is not only beautiful but radically innovative? The Burj Al-Taqa (Energy Tower) will look like the tower Isengard from the Lord of the Rings. You might even be fooled into believing there is a wizard inside. That’s because this modern marvel will produce zero emissions by generating all its power from the sun, wind and water.
The 68-story (1,056 feet) cylindrical shaped structure is designed to have minimal surface area, protecting it from the harsh desert sun. A solar shield will further shelter rooms inside the building from excess heat and the windows will be coated with a special reflective mineral. Think of a giant thermos, keeping the interior cool in when it’s hot and hot when it’s cold.
Giant wind towers above will funnel cool air down as slits in the interior circulate stale air outside. Seawater will aid the natural air conditioning system, ushering in temperatures of 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18C).
As for energy, the tower will depend on a 197-feet (60-meter) turbine and 161,459 square feet (15,000 square meters) of solar panels on its roof. A floating island visible from higher up will provide an additional 182,986 square feet (17,000 square meters) worth of solar panels for when they want to turn on a few extra blow dryers.
All the energy that’s left over will be used to extract hydrogen from sea water. That hydrogen will be stored in fuel cells that will power the glittering jewel throughout the night.
If pulled off this will be by far one of the most extreme examples of modern architecture and engineering. It seems like when anyone mentioned strategies to be “environmentally friendly” twenty years ago my first thoughts were recycling and conserving power.
Projects like these are beautiful, functional and a hell of a lot sexier than getting $.05 for your beer can. It also makes me believe in a green future where people aren’t constantly nagging me to switch off my lights.
Watch the future as it unfolds:
Subscribe to Bust A Change’s RSS Feed
Related Posts:
- None
lordmanilastone said
am October 22 2007 @ 1:50 am
a modern example of art and architecture? why not? that will surely attract lots of tourists all over the globe, i’ll wait and see for future developments of that plan, i hope for its realization soon^^
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 22 2007 @ 7:37 am
@lordmanilastone, it’s amazing that the Middle East is pushing so heavily towards these beautiful buildings and construction projects. I wish the same efforts were being made in the US. Now I have to hop on a plane and fly around the world to enjoy them. At least now I get to immerse myself in an interesting culture at the same time.
Connie T. said
am October 22 2007 @ 8:04 pm
Finally, I can sock it to ConEdison for those annual summer blackouts!
Why does the US not jump on top of this type of innovation? This tower should be considered a modern Sputnik. Buildings like this would be perfect in places like oh-I-don’t-know…..Southern California!
Jerad, would the maintenance costs of such a building surpass the costs of a building run on traditional energy? Well, whatever the cost, I think the environment is worth it, not to mention I’m guessing technology like that would require a more highly-educated workforce overall, never a bad thing.
The US needs to get its proverbial a** in gear. (you were so right in your August 6 blog on the Top 10 Innovative Countries!) Its a disgrace, especially considering the fact that we live in a social structure that allows us so much freedom in so many ways. We have the resources, money and potential to achieve so many things and to lead the way, and yet we are still, without shame, a top-polluting nation. I’ve heard some folks who have visited here call America a third world country. I don’t argue.
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 22 2007 @ 9:33 pm
@Connie T., well if you think about it a skyscraper of this size is most likely footing a bill in the range of about $5M-$10M a year for their electricity bill. Considering that all this advanced tech will need maintenance and upkeep I would imagine that it might inch out to zero in around 15 years or so.
You know what’s funny is that Southern California is touted as the biggest green proponent amongst other states, yet I still haven’t seen any huge pushes like this here. Sure we drive around in our hybrids but that isn’t widely because we care about the environment, it’s because we are saving money. (Funny thing is if you do the math on buying a hybrid you don’t save anything until after about 4-6 years of continuous usage.)
I think Burt Rutan put it best in his TED Video. He said something along the lines of: Who would have thought in 1969 that in 2007 the only country that would sell you a ticket into space would be Russia?
Something to think about!
Izabael said
am October 24 2007 @ 6:50 pm
I’m jealous. That is one beautiful tower.
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 24 2007 @ 7:29 pm
@Izabael, me too. It’s going to be magnificent once it’s completed.
Like I said, I really think that art and energy conservation are fusing together. Although I care about being green I hardly ever go out of my way to do so.
I hope that these types of icons push technology so far that we don’t even have to think about being environmentally conscious.
Zath said
am October 26 2007 @ 11:28 am
I really like the design of building, especially those that push the boundaries of technology – it’s also cool when they do something a little different – Tower of Isengard, brilliant!
Jerad Kaliher said
am October 27 2007 @ 10:59 am
@Zath, I was fairly confident my readers would get the Lord of the Rings reference. When I found that picture it was the first picture that came to mind.
Zath Recommended Links said
am December 14 2007 @ 3:30 pm
[...] – Motivational posters for villains – not sure if villains any more motivation, but there you go! http://www.bustachange.com/isengard-desert-tower-will-make-its-own-energy/ – If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings and have lots of money to play with, why [...]