Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Architect Shaun Killa’s primary inspiration of the Museum of the Future was to create a form that represents the client’s vision of the future, where the physical building with its exhibition floors represents our understanding of the “future” as we know it today and for the next 5 to 10 years.

In contrast, the ‘void’ represents what we do not yet know, and that the people who seek the unknown will continue to innovate and discover to help guide humanity towards a better future, whereby creating the continuum of replenishing the MOTF.

Occupying a prime location adjacent to the Emirates Towers, the Museum of the Future will be an expressive and dynamic landmark.

The Museum of the Future 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.

The exterior of the building is covered with windows that form a poem by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed about his vision for the city’s future, written in Arabic calligraphy.

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 that can drive the innovators and creators of today.

The Museum 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.

The 78-meter-high building accommodates six exhibition areas and 1 administration floor above a 3-storey podium and a F+B deck, with auditorium, retail, parking and services.

On the whole, the distinctive features of the design will create a timeless landmark that will be a shining example for all future low carbon buildings in the UAE.

As an institution dedicated to design and innovation, the Museum of The Future 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.

“The Museum of the Future aims to be a catalyst for pioneering concepts and ideas, inspiring those who see and visit the building to innovate, create and discover,” said Tobias Bauly, project director at Buro Happold.

“The core concept of the building was to create a form that represents the client’s vision of the future – dynamic and innovative.”

“The torus shape of the building captures the perpetual energy of the city.”

Project: The Museum of the Future
Architects: Killa Design
Structural Engineers: Buro Happold
Developer: North25
AoR/EoR Landscape Architects: Rice Perry Ellis Cracknell
Clients: Dubai Future Foundation