X-Architects of Dubai have designed an urban complex called Xeritown, "a novel example of man and nature working in harmony, an entire town is to be built along a north-south axis to take advantage of cool breezes blowing in off the sea.", aiming to encourage a pedestrian-oriented lifestyle and minimize energy consumption.
Xeritown is green in both high and low-tech ways. It is centered so that the ocean breeze air-conditions the entire city. It is also designed to make it inconvenient for cars with no road more than two lanes wide in the whole 60 acres. Taking it's name from Xeriscaping, the city uses next to no water for non-domestic purposes. All landscaping is suitable for the desert and graywater will be used for industrial purposes. Of course, it comes with its fair share of photovoltaics to power the city. Panels will line the streets and shade the sidewalks.
If there is one thing about Dubai that you need to know, she uses innovation to separate herself from the rest of the world and believes in nothing but being the best. While other countries are worrying about how to balance their budget and economic health, she is taking the first major step towards building a greener world. Hopefully others will follow.
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