Nearing completion Asymptote ArchitectureThe Yas HotelAbu Dhabi, UAE

Nearing completionAsymptote ArchitectureThe Yas HotelAbu Dhabi, UAE
“A perfect union and harmonious interplay between elegance and spectacle. The search here was inspired by what one could call the 'art' and poetics of motor racing, specifically Formula 1, coupled with the making of a place that celebrates Abu Dhabi as a cultural and technological tour de force.”Hani Rashid
The Yas Hotel is one of the main architectural features of the ambitious Yas Marina development and accompanying Formula 1 raceway circuit, also near completion.
Asymptote envisioned an architectural landmark embodying various key influences and inspirations ranging from the aesthetics and forms associated with speed, movement and spectacle, to the artistry and geometries forming the basis of ancient Islamic art and craft traditions.
Of architectural and engineering significance is the main feature of the project's design, a 217-meter expanse of sweeping, curvilinear forms constructed of steel and 5,800 pivoting diamond-shaped glass panels. This Grid-Shell component affords the building an architecture comprised of an atmospheric-like veil that contains two hotel towers and a link bridge constructed as a monocoque sculpted steel object passing above the Formula 1 track that makes its way through the building complex.
The Grid-Shell visually connects and fuses the entire complex together while producing optical effects and spectral reflections that play against the surrounding sky, sea and desert landscape.
The architecture as a whole “performs” as both an environmentally responsive solution and as an architecture of spectacle and event. The entire jewel-like composition of the project responds visually and tectonically to its environment to create a distinct and powerful sense of place as well as a breathtaking backdrop to the Formula 1 and other events that the building will celebrate.
Total area: 85,000 square meters

The opening date is targeted for October 30, 2009 to coincide with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Architects: Asymptote Architecture:Principals: Hani Rashid + Lise Anne Couture
Local Architects:Dewan Architects & Engineers, Abu DhabiTilke & Partners W.L.L., DubaiStructural Engineers:Dewan Architects & Engineers, Abu DhabiARUP, New YorkGrid-Shell Engineers:Schlaich Bergermann und Partner (SBP), StuttgartWaagner-Biro, ViennaMEP Engineer:Red Engineering Middle East, DubaiFacade Consultants:Front Inc., New YorkTAW & Partner, HamburgInterior Architecture:Jestico + Whiles, LondonRichardson Sadeki, New YorkDe8 Architetti, Bergamo, ItalyLighting Consultants:LAPD Lighting Design, Hertfordshire, UKBartenbach LichtLabor GmbH, Innsbruck, AustriaRed Engineering Middle East, DubaiARUP Lighting, New YorkGrid-Shell Lighting Consultant:ARUP Lighting, New YorkLink Bridge Engineers:ARUP Bridge, New YorkCentraal Staal, Groningen, The NetherlandsLandscape Design:Cracknell Landscape Architects, Abu Dhabi
Grid-Shell Building Information Modeling (BIM) Consultant:Gehry Technologies, Los Angeles & New York
Asymptote arcspace features

May 25, 2009