Dubai Jebel Ali

For the central plaza in downtown Jebel Ali Dubai, Werner Sobek designed two special structures: a solar energy shield and a retractable roof. The Solar Energy Shield is a biaxial spanned roof with cable-supported beams. It spans the entire central plaza and provides passive shading for the Forum below. At the same time, solar energy is used here via a “tri-generation system“.

Passive Shading and Active Use of Solar Energy

Apart from the large span of 180 m, the high weight of the solar collectors totalling around 1,100 t is remarkable. The retractable roof is located in the middle of the Forum and is the special feature of the Plaza: it can be opened and closed as needed (approx. 50 m diagonal pull), so that the atrium below can be ventilated at any time.