The teams led by universities will engage students nationally and internationally to develop the skills and knowledge to become the next generation of energy experts.
Heriot-Watt University
TheORA (O= Organic, R= Resilient, A= Adaptable) is an ambitious project proposal by Heriot-Watt University Dubai and expert advices from the Edinburgh campus are also provided whenneeded for the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2018 competition.
Whilst to the outside world, Dubai is oftenfamous for its luxury that comes at high cost. Therefore, ORAis designed to offer a viable alternative living space for the young professional couple that is affordable yet not compromising on comfort – or sustainability. The projectwill provide a flexible living space that expands outdoors in the cooler winter months and offers pleasant indoors living in the hotter summer months. The innovative solutions provided by ORA revolve around enhancing the relationship between man, nature and the built environment.
The crucial inputs needed, such as energy and water, are considered within the context of the local ecology and waste reduction is a key element of our philosophy. The aim of the project is to provide the UAE with an innovative design for a new type of biomimetic space that sustainability reduces carbon production and mitigates against climate change.
This large-scale interdisciplinary exercise will provide an excellent learning opportunity for the students involved, who will be the main contributors dedicated in bringing ORA to a successful team.By addressing real-world problems associated with domestic construction, they will gather the expertise and experience essential to contribute to the drive towards sustainability in this region and beyond.
