Designed as a part of an international competition to build the centerpiece of Zabeel Park in Dubai, UAE, the “New Moon” by Varabyeu Partners is a symbolic architecture that other than presenting a unique design also “accentuates the prosperity of present-day United Arab Emirates.” an emblem of power and energy in the Orient, the crescent-shaped structure is divided into five levels, each presenting a separate observatory, which depicts the Five Pillars of Islam, i.e. Shahadah (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakaat (charity), Sawm (lent) and Hajj (pilgrimage). Featuring the facade finished in a steel frame with elements of varying transparency, the building not only regulates the level of illumination and air temperatures but also protects the interiors from direct sunlight and helps in cross ventilation.
Comprising a cafe, a children’s library and a conference hall for group activities, the New Moon creates a special micro-climate to reduce the power consumption. Designed in full conformity with LEED Green Building Code, the building also gives the scope to install solar batteries and collectors on its facade to further reduce the burden on grid.
