The sixth Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) design competition has recently concluded and 28 world-changing designs have been shortlisted for a landmark site that could potentially be transformed into a new public park at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. The shortlisted proposals can be seen on display at the 24th World Energy Congress from September 9–12, 2019. Three hundred teams from more than 65 countries submitted proposals for large-scale works of public art capable of producing clean energy for Masdar City. Sponsored by Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, and in partnership with the 24th World Energy Congress, the free competition—open to landscape architects, engineers, artists, designers, and other international renewable energy enthusiasts—encouraged participants to design a clean energy landscape for a post-carbon world—a public artwork that will help to power the city and inspire the future.

As the Directors of LAGI, Elizabeth Monoian and Robert Ferry, attest: “The results of this year’s challenge have risen beyond our expectations and clearly point us in a positive direction toward a sustainable future. Rather than despair about the havoc that human activity has already wrought on our planet, we can instead unite behind the manifestation of beautiful ideas such as these that reflect an emerging human culture of environmental stewardship. As we embark upon the great energy transition, let’s leave a legacy for future generations—destinations where our children’s children can reflect upon this important time in human history by experiencing the most artful applications of the technologies humans have invented to solve the climate crisis.”

LAGI 2019 has brought forward a portfolio of feasible concept designs that push the boundaries of what is possible using today’s renewable energy technologies. Each work of public art is not only designed to produce emissions-free electricity, but also provide a creative educational experience for visitors to Masdar City, in keeping with the environmental, social, economic, and cultural goals of Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030. The shortlisted projects include a sinusoidal array of golden mirrors providing shade and solar thermal energy (Spark by Antonio Maccà), a dreamlike photovoltaic canopy of color (Polychromatic Courtyard by Sung Goo Yang), an energetic take on the classic sundial (Diurnal Shadow by Riccardo Mariano), and a larger-than-life clutch of jewel-like eggs teeming with plant life (Nest by Robert Flottemesch).

The potential design site is the first section of the green fingers open space network within the master plan of Masdar City. A gateway to Masdar City and its largest public park, the area measures 24,500 m2. The winners of $50,000 in cash prizes will be announced and presented in person with their awards on Tuesday, September 10th at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as a part of the 24th World Energy Congress.