Ehrlich Architects came in ahead of Foster + Partners, Massimiliano Fuksas Architects, and Zaha Hadid Architects in Phase 2 of the design competition to win the FNC Parliament project. The stunning design is centered around a 100-meter dome structure with a “flower-of-the-desert” design to cover the main assembly building constructed from white marble. Light will filter through the screen of the dome onto the building and courtyard below creating a micro-climate and increasing energy efficiency of the building. FNC’s new parliament complex is located right on the water and at night, the assembly hall will glow dramatically at night.Ehrlich’s design will “will balance Islamic Heritage with U.A.E.’s global contemporary aspirations, where modernity and tradition are in harmonious balance,” said Design Principal, Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, RIBA. Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the core of the design and the project is expected to achieve a 5 Pearl Rating in the Estidama Initiative, a sustainable design program led by the emirate of Abu Dhabi (estidama means sustainability in Arabic).

via Ehrlich Architects Wins Award to Design New Parliament Building in UAE | Inhabitat – Green Design Will Save the World.