Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre Listed Among Top
Sustainable Projects Worldwide
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 24
December 2013: The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, the
crown jewel of the planned Al Ain Zoo expansion project, has been selected as a
finalist for the 2013 World Architectural News (WAN) Sustainable Building of
the Year Award. Embedded within the UAE World Desert, the Sheikh Zayed Desert
Learning Centre will feature educational exhibits that celebrate the wildlife
and traditions of the desert, as well as the conservation-related vision of the
late H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Now in its fifth year, the WAN
AWARDS has evolved into the world's largest architectural awards programme. The
Awards’ judging panel features international experts with a wealth of
experience, looking at more than 1,300 entries across the globe in several
categories. The Sheikh Zayed Desert
Learning Centre, which features various energy-saving and
environmentally-friendly technologies, was shortlisted in the Sustainable
Building of the Year category along with five other prestigious entries.
H.E. Ghanim Al Hajeri, Director General of the Zoo & Aquarium Public
Institution in Al Ain, commented:
“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. We
are honoured to be shortlisted in this category, following the Centre’s
recognition earlier this year as the National Winner, UAE of the ‘Social
Project of the Year Award’ by the prestigious MEED Quality Awards for Projects
2013. The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning 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.”
With the
support of the ZAPIA Board of Directors – under the chairmanship of His
Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan – the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning
Centre will showcase the conservation heritage of the late Sheikh Zayed and
help chart a sustainable future for desert living.
The
Centre is in the process of applying for LEED Platinum certification, an
international rating that assesses the design, construction and operation of
high performance green buildings. The Centre has also received the five pearl
rating of the Estidama Pearl Rating System (PRS) in the design phase, making it
the first UAE government development to attain this high of a rating for
sustainability.
Set
against the backdrop of Jebel Hafeet, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre has
been beautifully sculpted to mirror its breathtaking surroundings. The Centre complements the
conservation efforts of Al Ain Zoo, and is set to offer a museum, gallery and a
science facility to promote environmental preservation and sustainability
through interactive and interpretive exhibits.
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