Dubai could learn a lesson or two from this. Futuristic need not necessarily mean “artificial hi-tech sci-fi cities built just to satisfy the fantasies that we had as children and causing such damaging excesses to the environment”. It is heartening to see Azerbijan’s development plans of a “futuristic eco-Island” that intends to be really clean and green, above everything else.

The country is bound to grab a lot of international attention when Zira Island in the Caspian Sea will be transformed into a 1 million square-meter tourist resort and residential area that’ll have a zero carbon footprint.

Master-planned by Denmark based BIG Architects, Zira Island will feature seven major structures modeled after the peaks of Azerbaijan that are connected by trails, greenbelts and the coastline. The plan’s eco-credentials are clearly set-out by BIG: By utilizing “the wind, the sun and the waste the Island will produce the same amount of energy as it consumes.” Heat pumps connected to the sea will heat or cool the buildings, along with solar water heating units. Photovoltaic panels will generate electricity, as will an off-shore wind-farm. Run-off water and waste water will be recycled in a processing plant, and solid sewage waste will be treated to convert it into topsoil fertilizer. But no information is provided so far on how the island will deal with their trash or whether or not they will grow any of their own food.

What I particularly liked was that Zira’s new skyline of organic buildings will resemble a mountain range that merges with the natural topography of the island. In a region that is so dependent on oil, it is a great way to show that it is possible to live off sun and wind.

Via:Fast Company