The Yas Hotel is one of the centre pieces of the $36 billion Yas Marina development accompanying the new raceway
circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The 500 room, 85,000 square meter complex comprises of two towers positioned on either
side of the race track, linked together by a monocoque constructed bridge.
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Inspired by the forms associated with speed and movement, the unique architectural feature of the complex is
the Grid-Shell veil covering the Hotel. Constructed with 217 meters of curvilinear steel sections and 5,800
pivoting diamond shaped glass panels, the Grid-Shell sweeps elegantly over the towers and link bridge,
visually connecting the entire complex together.
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The near constant sun in Abu Dhabi reflects elegantly off the grid shell panels during the day, creating a
smooth snake skin like appearance. To turn the Grid-Shell into breathtaking architectural display during
the night required a unique solution. Each of the glass panels would need it’s own light source that could
produce a full spectrum of colour and be dynamically controlled to create infinite lighting effects.
LED technology provided the solution. A bespoke LED fixture was developed using RGBW LED's to not only
cater for the colour spectrum and control demands, but to provide an environmentally responsible solution.
The fixture also had another challenge to overcome – the harsh conditions of the Abu Dhabi desert.
With temperatures reaching over 100°F and winds up to 120 kph, the fixture had to be able to cope with
this demanding environment.
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The pictures speak for themselves, this breathtaking landmark was unveiled at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Formula 1
Grand Prix, a fitting event symbolising technology, endurance and the passion to push the boundaries of
innovation.