Dubai has finally opened its doors to the much awaited monumental building, Museum of the Future. An innovative project by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – the ruler of Dubai and the Prime Minister of the UAE – the museum is intended to be a centre of invention and innovation. A building that could be called the perfect amalgamation of art and science, the Museum of the Future depicts the future of engineering and design, representing its motto “See the future, Create the future.” Taking in visitors since the 22nd of February 2022, this museum is a vision in every possible way.
The torus eye-shaped structure was conceived by Shaun Killa, principal architect at Killa Design, to be a depiction of humanity, evolution, and futuristic vision, while the void in the centre represents the unknown or what is yet to be discovered. Put together, the museum stands for the inspiration and motivation that fuel people to discover the future.
The building was engineered using the latest BIM technologies by a team from the international firm Buro Happold, led by Tobias Bauly, to be the first in the Middle East to receive a LEED Platinum certification. This was achieved by implementing various sustainable building strategies like energy-saving systems, waste recycling systems, integrated renewable energies like photovoltaics, and judicious landscape planning.
The construction of this unique, first-of-its-kind structure was handled by BAM International bv. The 77-meter-high engineering marvel is basically a stainless steel shell, made of a parametrically designed truss with 1,024 individually designed glass reinforced plastic (GRP) panels covering its 17,600 sq. m spread façade. It is interesting to note that these four layered plates were completely manufactured by robots, giving them all inherent properties of a construction wall, like thermal protection, waterproofing, etc.
The Arabic calligraphy by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej, seen all over the iconic facade, act as functional glass windows. The words inscribed are from a poem written by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which translates to “We might not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone. The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. The future does not wait. The future can be designed and built today.”
The museum is bound to transport its visitors fifty years into the future, through its exhibits set in the year 2071. The exhibition area rightfully named, ‘Tomorrow Today’, showcases an ever-evolving collection of the latest findings and innovations in various fields from researchers, scientists, artists, and collaborators from around the world. The ‘Journey to the Future’ section explores nature and space in the distant future.
‘Future Heroes’, another dedicated part of the museum, is focussed on inspiring children and encouraging them to develop future skills through experimentation, free play, and interactive exhibits. The museum in its entirety comprises exhibition spaces, a 420-seater auditorium, a restaurant, a café, and a lobby, spread across seven floors and three podium levels, covering a total floor area of 30,548 m2.
