The Museum of the Future in Dubai

In June of 2015, Dubai revealed plans to build the world’s first fully functional 3D printed building, the Museum of the Future (MOTF). After years of construction, the ambitious structure is now expected to be completed in 2020. Occupying a prime location adjacent to the Emirates Towers, MOTF will be an expressive and dynamic landmark. Designed by Dubai’s Killa Design, the structure is comprised of three main parts: the green hill, the building and the void.

The green hill represents the earth, with solidity, permanence, and rootedness in place, time and history. This is done through the smooth transition from the site in the form of an earthen, vegetated mound with minimal visible built intervention. The inspiration for the green hill was also to elevate the building in a calm and unobtrusive way above the metro line and create greenery in elevation that is uncommon in Dubai where visitors can enjoy while engaging with the museum.

Likewise, the glimmering, futuristic upper building represents mankind, with all of its strength, artistry and ability to create in harmony with its surroundings. This is formed by the bold shape which emerges from the hill, covered with the Arabic calligraphy about the future, and displaying mankind’s passion for the arts and creating.

Lastly, the elliptical void within the upper structure represents innovation. This is done primarily by creating an empty space showing the unwritten future into which humanity, and the world can symbolically look towards. This open and unburdened future is an inspiration which can drive the innovators and creators of today.

The The 78-metre-high building is not only a visual and artistic beacon, but also sets new innovative benchmarks. As a 17,000m2 torus-shaped building clad in stainless steel, achieving LEED Platinum status, and designed holistically through BIM at every design stage, the building represents the future through innovative design principles, implementation and construction. The design is a low carbon civic building achieved through the use of many design innovations which include parametric design, passive solar architecture, low-energy and low-water engineering solutions, recovery strategies for both energy and water, and building integrated renewables.

As an institution dedicated to design and innovation, MOTF will be a destination for the best and brightest inventors and entrepreneurs, offering an integrated environment empowering creative minds to test, fund and market ideas for futuristic prototypes and services. It will bring together inventors, designers and researchers, presenting a range of technologies, becoming an incubator for ideas and designs, a driver for innovation, and a global destination for inventors and entrepreneurs.