Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Countries all over the world are adopting Carbon Neutral master plans, in an era of rising environmental awareness and energy scarcity. Denmark based BIG Architects, very active architectural office, has developed the master plan for Azerbaijan – the Zira Island on the Caspian Sea, located in the bay of Baku, the capital city. The master plan is designed in collaboration with Ramboll, engineering firm.

The architectural proposal for Zira Island is developed on the base of the country’s dramatic natural setting, in the words of Bjarke Ingels. He states that the new architecture of the island not only recreates the iconic silhouettes of the seven peaks, but also creates an autonomous ecosystem, where the flow of air, water, energy and heat are channeled in natural ways. The mountain itself creates biotopes and eco-niches – it channels the water and stores heat, providing viewpoints and valleys.

BIG’s proposal is offering organic skyline, regarding the fact that the peaks of the surrounding mountains are translated into the urbanized peaks of the hill-like development. The structure is therefore merged into the existing topography of the island. The public central valley connects the series of private resorts and beaches, together with 300 private villas with the panoramic views over the Caspian Sea.

The Zira Island is designed as a completely independent entity, regarding the external resources, which is achieved through the mix of local, traditional building strategies and new, sustainable technologies. The aim was to provide high-end living, while decreasing usage of the resources to the minimum.

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain development

Zira Island, BIG Architects, Azerbaijan, sustainable design, master plan, urban planning, artificial ecosystem, mountain developmentù

 

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