Constructed by Aldar Properties, the main architectural feature of the 500 room property spread across 85,000 square feet, is the 217 meter sweeping, curvilinear forms constructed of steel and 5,800 pivoting diamond-shaped glass panels.
The Grid-Shell component containing two hotel towers and a link bridge gives an atmospheric-like veil. The link bridge is constructed as a monocoque sculpted steel object passing above the Formula 1 track that makes its way through the building complex.
Visually connecting and fusing the entire complex together, the Grid-Shell produces optical effects and spectral reflections that play against the surrounding sky, sea and desert landscape.
The project aims to open its doors to public on October 30, 2009 to coincide with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
