The Museum of the Future in Dubai is like no other. Building upon the visionary culture that has seen the UAE become one of the most advanced nations in under 50 years, the museum’s goal is to “inspire and empower people to positively shape humanity’s next chapter”. It features a range of immersive futuristic exhibitions created by designers, artists and filmmakers that portrays future possibilities for our planet and beyond.

The museum was designed by architects Killa Design for developer Meraas Development and delivered by engineering consultant Burohappold Engineering and main contractor BAM International. It holds a stunning futuristic form, aiming to differentiate itself from the many high-rise towers that form the Dubai skyline. It features a torus shaped main building representing humanity, that sits on a green mound, representing earth, with the central buildings void representing our unknown future. The building, which achieved a LEED Platinum accreditation, has Arabic writing across the external façade, creating windows. The windows spell out a poem in Arabic calligraphy, a poem that was written by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum about visions of the future.

The challenge:

For a building thats very purpose is to represent the future, it was vital it contained an innovative smart building management system (BMS) that could control the internal environment and maintain a comfortable setting for visitors. Humidity and temperature must be considered in a gallery or museum setting, not only to help preserve artefacts but to also maintain comfortable temperatures for visitors. This was especially the case for the Museum of the Future, as a large level of technological equipment and varying amounts of visitors in one room would create changeable internal temperatures. Main contractors, BAM, were required to appoint a company that could provide a smart, reliable system of sensors that would ensure occupant comfort.

Sontay’s Innovative Solution:

Humidity and Temperature Regulation with RH-D-UN Sensors: Our sensors monitor the relative humidity and temperature levels with an accuracy of ±2%. With high stability and reliability, these units are installed in the buildings ductwork to monitor the temperature and humidity of the air flowing in and out of the indoor environment.  It is likely that the air would be too hot and humid to be introduced into the Museum, therefore it will need to be cooled and dehumidified before being pushed into the controlled space.  These sensors send valuable information to the BMS so that it can cool and condition the air to the desired levels.

The museum is now open to the public, and has experienced exceptionally high demand for tickets. The exhibition spaces maintain a comfortable temperature so visitors can fully enjoy the immersive experiences, and the installations themselves remain safe from damp related malfunctions. Alongside its state-of-the-art sensing equipment, Sontay was able to provide a sample to the client for testing and approval, alongside technical guidance throughout the entire installation process. Short lead times from Sontay meant no delays in relation to the BMS were experienced.

In the pursuit of shaping humanity’s next chapter, the Museum of the Future stands as a testament to Dubai’s visionary ambitions. By implementing Sontay’s cutting-edge sensors, the museum offers visitors a comfortable and immersive experience while safeguarding its valuable installations. Sontay’s commitment to reliability, coupled with its seamless integration process and efficient support, has not only met but exceeded expectations.