World Arab

Proposals have been put forward for a new mountainous master plan for Baku in Azerbaijan

To be located on Zira Island which in Baku Bay the massive 1,000,000 square metre development called Zero Island is the dream of Danish architectural firm Big, who have recently been received the Best Nordic Architecture 2009 award.

Like many proposals that seem to pop up for Baku the new island complex is something different. Taking inspiration from the Seven Peaks of Azerbaijan mountain range, the project almost mirrors the dramatic landscape to form self-sufficient island which will be visible from the Baku's coastline.
Each of the peaks of the new masterplan creates a residential zone derived from the geography of its corresponding mountain, and will range in heights from 45 metres to 65 metres. Also included in the plan are 300 individual villas.
Each 'mountain' will have facilities for both private and public functions and a dense vibrant community connected to a series of private resort villages by a central public valley and surrounding beaches is created.

A continuous public trekking path connects the mountains and invites visitors to scale the top of all seven peaks making the island not only a place to live but also a place to visit and explore making tourist revenue a possibility.

The buildings will be constructed from steel and will feature glazed facades allowing for excellent views out across the ocean and over to the coastline of Baku.

The vision for the island is for it to be entirely self sustainable and to act as a showcase to the rest of the world to demonstrate the viability of high end living with low resource usage.

The buildings will be heated and cooled by heat pumps connected to the surrounding Caspian Sea while photo voltaic panels which are strategically located on the facades and roof tops power daytime functions as aqua parks.
Waste water and rainwater will be collected, treated and recycled for irrigation. The solid waste will be composted and turned into topsoil, fertilizing the island to support its lush greenery with a minimal ecological footprint.
Wind power will also be harvested through an offshore wind farm, the island will have its own CO2-neutral power supply.