Powering sustainability at the museum of the future

Dubai’s Museum of the Future stands as a unique global landmark. Reflecting the UAE’s rapid rise as a leader in innovation, the museum aims to “inspire and empower people to positively shape humanity’s next chapter.” Inside, visitors experience immersive exhibitions crafted by visionary designers, artists, and filmmakers, showcasing bold ideas and possibilities for the future of 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.

Results

Now open to the public, the Museum of the Future has seen huge demand for tickets. Thanks to advanced sensing technology, exhibition spaces remain comfortable for visitors while installations are protected from moisture-related issues. Sontay supported the project with sample equipment for testing and approval, expert technical guidance throughout installation, and short lead times that ensured seamless integration with the BMS and no project delays.

Conclusion

In shaping humanity’s next chapter, the Museum of the Future embodies Dubai’s bold vision for innovation. With Sontay’s advanced sensor technology, the museum ensures a comfortable, immersive environment while protecting its groundbreaking exhibits. Thanks to Sontay’s reliable performance, smooth integration, and responsive support, the museum delivers an experience that goes beyond expectations.