annual report 2011 - Walter Meier

tHe largest outdoor
aIr condItIonIng system
In tHe world
thanks to evaporative cooling by
ml system, millions of pilgrims
can enjoy a pleasant climate in the
midst of the saudi heat.
there are a total of
250 sun umbrellas,
with each one
providing shade for
an area of around
600 m².
medina is the second most important
pilgrimage site in Islam and is home to
one of the largest mosques in the world.
millions of muslims make an annual
pilgrimage to the saudi city, which is hot
and dry all year round. In the sun, the
temperature often rises to 50 degrees
celsius. In order to provide visitors to the
15-hectare outdoor site with greater
comfort, large umbrellas have been
erected to provide protection from the
sun. there are a total of 250 sun umbrellas,
with each one providing shade
for an area of around 600 m². during a
visit to the usa, the King of saudi arabia
saw an outdoor air conditioning system
that vaporized water, thereby cooling the
air. the King was so enthusiastic about
this technology that he wanted to install
a similar system under the sun umbrellas
in medina.
right-hand image:
medina is the second most important
pilgrimage site in Islam.