The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), one of the largest places of higher learning in the UAE, has signed a deal with architectural firm Studio Daniel Libeskind and Siemens to design and build a top class education facility in Abu Dhabi.

Under the terms of the MoU, the parties will work together to create a state-of-the-art design for the HCT Innovation City, which will bring together the most up to date technologies that incorporate sustainable development principles.

The trio will also collaborate on the design and built of an academic and technological hub which will be the future home to Abu Dhabi Men’s College, CERT, and HCT’s Central Services division, said a statement from HCT.

The design will allow the Abu Dhabi Men’s College (ADMC) to cater for a projected 5000 students by 2014, it added.

The campus, which was one of the first HCT sites, was originally designed to house 800 students. There are currently 3000 students at ADMC, who are accommodated by way of the original temporary classrooms and facilities.

The existing program disciplines of general education, business, information technology, aviation, engineering and communications will be housed in purpose-built four-storey facilities on the super campus, the statement added.

Under the agreement the parties will use their substantial international connections to invite and involve world class R&D companies, involved in cutting edge technologies and solutions in sustainable development and building technologies, to establish their centers within the Innovation City.

The parties will also use the design process as a learning tool for HCT students where the technologies, materials and methods employed in the design and construction of HCT Innovation City will be used for ongoing learning and research purposes.

The HCT aims to be a leader in the fields of education, technology and sustainable development with the setting up of the new innovation city in the emirate, said its top official.

HCT Vice Chancellor Dr Tayeb Kamali said once completed the HCT Innovation City would be the academic hub for all HCT campuses, providing students with world-class educational learning and research facilities.

“This is a very exciting development for the future of HCT students, which will enable our students to learn and study in some of the best facilities in the world, ensuring they get the best possible education,” he remarked.

“We are very pleased to be working with such internationally recognized partners as Siemens and Studio Daniel Libeskind to create a magnificent learning and research hub in Abu Dhabi,' said Dr Kamali.

Daniel Libeskind is a world leading architect in applying innovative design, sustainable development principles and new technologies to create interesting and efficient learning spaces for modern universities.

The Studio Daniel Libeskind (SDL) won the World Trade Center design competition in February 2003 and as a result its headquarters were moved from Berlin to New York City.

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to make a cultural and educational contribution to such a great institution as the HCT. It will become a cultural hub for the arts and sciences and serve the community at large.'

'Its form, inspired by the flight of the Falcon, symbolizes the original spirit of the country and will become a cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi. Sustainability is at the heart of the form, substance and function of the entire project”, said Daniel Libeskind.

Siemens, as the technology partner of choice, will contribute to the project with solutions that add more value and efficiency in buildings through sustainable technology.

The company will overall integrate sub-systems of latest technologies such as building automation and security systems, smart grid, students and faculty processes, e-Learning, connectivity, and potential green energy generation.

“I am proud that our company has been selected as the technology partner for this extraordinary project”, said Peter Loescher, Siemens CEO.

“Sustainability is a key pillar of our strategy leading to create value for our customers and our company. Together with our experience in managing complex projects, we believe this memorandum will lead to the creation of one of the world’s foremost academic campus,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service