A Zero Emission Architecture is Possible? An architectural and urban design research project for a Sustainable Experimental City

Climate change, particularly in cold regions, puts cities, ways of using urban space and public transport systems to the test. The idea that zero-emission architecture and, even more so, a city could exist is the chimera of every public administration and the political worry of every government. The word "sustainability" is used as a social attractor capable of convincing everyone of what the world could be in the perfect conditions of zero emissions. But upon closer study we immediately realize that it is not possible to reach the coveted zero point. This study conducts an unconventional analysis for the experimental project of a possible zero carbon city! The study was commissioned to me through a group of specialized engineering companies, by the Government of Abu Dhabi. In the group I had to try to give an (architectural) face to what had in reality until then been based only on meteorological models and the reliability of passive efficiency improvements, traffic flows and public transport in the context of the impacts of climate change. Study concluded with a series of indications and guidelines narrated through the urban and architectural design development according to the client's indications. In his footsteps, a part of Masdar was developed by the Foster&Partners studio, which was to give life to an entire city but which was resolved in the first phase with a warning failure. This study highlights the need for robust planning and interventions to increase the necessary actions against climate change and highlights the importance of integrating climate and extreme weather considerations.