Keeping one of Abu Dhabi's originals performing smoothly and sustainably

WTC Mall and Souk comprises 150,000m2 of high-end international retail space, dining and communal areas. The souk element is designed to resemble the environmental aspects of a traditional Arabic market, achieved through filtering of light, sun and air. Appointed as MEP commissioning engineers, SESC delivered the testing and commissioning services to support the construction and final users; reviewing contractor’s submittals and commissioning the systems based on municipality and sustainability requirements. We have also worked as on call commissioning engineers for the WTC throughout the noughties. A mixed-mode environmental strategy was specified in the three communal areas of the market buildings, alternating natural ventilation with air conditioning in permanently shaded spaces. The roof tops were treated with vegetation and other shading devices enabling it to be occupied during the milder periods of the year. Simulations of Computational Fluid Dynamics confirmed the positive impact of the towers in the comfort conditions of the terraces due to increments in wind patterns.