Desert dream becomes reality: Hong Kong architect Chris Wan blazes trail at Abu Dhabi’s showcase smart city
- Chris Wan went to Abu Dhabi looking for new opportunities and stayed 17 years breaking new ground
- Hong Kong’s ‘super efficient design’ worked well for UAE smart city’s emphasis on sustainable design
The lights are not turned on during the daytime in Chris Wan Chi-lon’s office in Abu Dhabi, yet there is no glare from the scorching Arabian Desert outside.
Treating the glass windows halfway up with ceramic frit, a glaze made from a mix of materials, allows the optimal amount of light to enter the building in Masdar City, the United Arab Emirates’ showcase smart city.
“This daylighting solution is glare-free and also cost saving,” said the architect, pleased to show off the design. “For every decision you make, there is a sustainability impact.”
The UK-educated Hongkonger who has played an instrumental role in bringing the UAE’s flagship project to life spoke to the Post during Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s visit to Abu Dhabi as part of his Middle East work trip.
Masdar is a five-minute car ride from Abu Dhabi International Airport, a short journey through an arid desert where temperatures hit 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher in summer.
