I shared this hotel project designed by Asymptote Architecture (with Jestico + Whiles on the interiors) with my studio when asked what has inspired me recently. Besides the ridiculously expensive, glass panel faceted, LED-lit draping roof, which is quite amazing, what is more intriguing for me is the simplicity in the design parti.
In plan the YAS Hotel is broken into two oval shaped buildings arranged perpendicular to each other with a sculptural connection bridge between the two. The towers are very simple and act as the perfect backdrop for a showy roof and an inviting lobby. The lobby level is clearly separated from the guestroom tower by an extended roof canopy, and long expanses of uninterrupted glass, providing a perfect place to take in the waterfront activites and lux superyachts. Just check out the photos, it speaks for itself. Bling, bling is right. That’s the only way to do it in Abu Dhabi, the new hot bed for design.
If the hotel design doesn’t spark your interest, add in a high profile marina that surrounds it, as well as a Formula 1 race track that runs around the building and under the bridge between the two towers. Props to arcspace and archithings for the eyecandy, woot.
Do you think the movie Tron might have shown up on the designers image board?
