Dubai is known for its sandstorms, which often make daily life in the city difficult. To solve the problem, Kalbod Design Studio created the project Absorbent Sandstorm Skyscraper, which consists of a series of skyscrapers capable of capturing dust and neutralizing it, improving the air.
How do “dust-eating” skyscrapers work?
The design of the buildings is inspired by their functionality: the main structure is made up of two deep cavities, which absorb dust particles thanks to electric magnetism, neutralizing them. As sand particles enter the cavities, they become attached to smart particles inside the holes, which open based on the intensity of the storm. The dust particles are neutralized and their electrical charge is absorbed in two different stages. The lower cavity of the skyscraper has a larger opening because the sand particles have a different flow and diameter depending on the height.
How will they be employed?
The project involves the construction of an entire row of 25 skyscrapers along Dubai's main street. The “tactical deployment” of these buildings is designed to create an intelligent filter and act as a barrier to capture and neutralize dust in the air. Not only that: the design team envisaged the installation of "sand" batteries (like the one mentioned we wrote here) in the rooms of the towers. They will make it possible to store energy for several months and also to use it in other buildings in the region.
In short (Italian only)
Thanks to the Absorbent Sandstorm Skyscraper project, Kalbod Design Studio may have found a truly innovative and economically (for them) sustainable solution to combat the sandstorms that plague Dubai. The skyscrapers will constitute a multifunctional area dedicated to scientific research: each skyscraper will be dedicated to a specific research field, including physics, aerospace, technology, biology and medicine.
Not to mention the millions of selfies that tourists will want to take: I imagine behind every skyscraper, that in front there is dust.
