Different countries are constructing green buildings as a means of counteracting pollution. A similar initiative has been taken by Egypt and a huge complex comprising of apartments as well as offices and an abundance of greenery is set to be constructed in Cairo. The complex is different in the respect that it will have nine cylindrical structures covered in plants. These are referred to as mega trees by the designers.
This complex is designed by Vincent Callebaut Architectures and is dubbed as The Gate. Construction already started in 2014 and will be completed by 2019 as told by Callebaut. Take a look at what The Gate looks like below.
The Gate is built on 4.8 million square feet in Cairo’s Heliopolis district.
The complex will be a connection of eight building. The top floors of the buildings will be connected by pedestrian bridges and will offer playgrounds and small gardens to grow fruits and vegetables.
There will also be a number of swimming pools.
Three floors will be dedicated office space.
It will have a huge shopping mall built on three stories, complete with four underground levels of parking.
There will be one thousand smart apartments equipped with motion sensors that can change temperature and lighting when the users are at home.
The mega trees will provide natural ventilation and consume the carbon dioxide. The complex will also be partially powered by wind and solar energy.
Callebaut is a Belgian architect chosen for this project and he is known for his work with green buildings. He believes that buildings like this and mega trees are a step towards the sustainable future. “The main objective behind this project is to raise awareness of green sustainable architecture to fight against global warming to maintain an eco-friendly Earth for our next generation,” Callebaut said.