Vertical Forest towers by Stefano Boeri Architetti in Dubai

The Vertical Forest concept originally created by the Italian company Stefano Boeri Architetti will be adapted for two towers in Dubai, where it will be covered with tens of thousands of trees.

Stefano Boeri Architetti presented the concept on Thursday at the COP27 climate change meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It consists of two tapering towers, one 190 meters tall and the other 150 meters tall. In addition to 2,640 trees and 27,600 shrubs, the studio said that a system of greenhouses and hydroponic gardens would be integrated into the building’s exterior.

The studio says the project was commissioned by the investment initiative Impact One so that Dubai may enjoy the benefits of «urban forestry.» Impact One financed the development of the first Vertical Forest prototype in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) area. It aims to combine the advantages of urban forestry—such as the capture of fine dust particles, control of microclimates, and mitigation of the greenhouse effect—with advances in water system management in dry climates and the optimization of renewable energy generation.

As per the vertical Forests, their diminishing footprints as they climb make them reminiscent of the Valley tower in Amsterdam, also designed by the Dutch architects MVRDV. The jutting balconies give the buildings their angular shapes and sharp tops.

Although not seen in the images, «the management of the water cycle and the utilization of renewable energy sources are fundamental tenets of the idea», according to architect Stefano Boeri Architetti. Solar panels will be installed to produce sustainable energy, and the building will also include a desalination system and a grey water recovery system.