Masdar Institute, Abu Dhabi

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology campus formed a foundational phase of the broader Masdar City development, a 6 km² initiative to create a research and innovation hub focused on renewable energy and sustainable urban systems. Designed by Foster & Partners and developed in collaboration with MIT, the campus includes three residential buildings comprising 222 one-bedroom apartments, four laboratory buildings, and a multi-level sports and auditorium complex with pool and fitness facilities.

The development received international recognition for its sustainability-led design approach, informed by solar orientation studies, wind tunnel testing, and advanced energy modelling. Building forms, façade treatments, and outdoor spaces were configured to optimise shading, reduce heat gain, and enable natural ventilation, contributing to significant reductions in energy consumption relative to conventional campus environments.

ACC was responsible for the full construction delivery of the campus buildings and associated infrastructure, including substructure and superstructure works, architectural and interior finishes, MEP integration, external works and campus landscaping. The project required rigorous coordination to achieve performance-driven design outcomes, as well as careful material and systems execution to support long-term operational efficiency.

Masdar Institute stands as a key academic and research anchor within Masdar City and demonstrates ACC’s capability in delivering highly technical, sustainability-focused institutional buildings.