The GCC is home to a number of high-calibre leisure and tourism projects
WINNER GCC LEISURE & TOURISM PROJECT OF THE YEAR
UAE
Ferrari Experience, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Entrant: Six Construct
Client: Aldar
Main contractor: Six Construct
Project/programme manager: Aldar-Besix
Description: The Ferrari Experience is part of Aldar’s Yas Island development project. Yas Island is a 25-square-kilometre artificial island, made by dredging and reclamation of the mangrove zone near Raha Beach, 3km from Abu Dhabi International airport. The Ferrari Experience is composed of a closed, air-conditioned central area in the shape of a shield, and three external branches ending in double peaks, 400 metres from the building centre. The magnitude of the building meant a lot of equipment was needed, including 27 tower cranes, 48 cherry pickers, 20 mobile cranes and numerous forklifts and telehandlers. The design was changed from a traditional steel structure to a space frame to allow for an early completion of the envelope, while the construction of the attractions within the building was ongoing.
UAE
Qasr al-Sarab Desert Resort & Spa, Liwa, Abu Dhabi
Entrants: Alec, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC)
Main contractor: Alec
Project/programme manager: Turner Townsend International
Description: Qasr al-Sarab Desert Resort & Spa was developed by the TDIC of Abu Dhabi to support the emirate’s tourism goal of delivering 2.7 million hotel guests a year by 2012. The resort uses external decorative render that looks like natural building materials to emulate local heritage and culture. The design process involved a close working relationship with the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and Al-Ain Museum. The area is also historically sensitive and so careful measures were taken to preserve archeological sites while water sources were created. The project was spread out over 2.5 kilometres, with components including the main hotel, 14 hotel blocks, main pool, 42 villas, 10 royal villas, royal pavilion, staff village and central plant.
Kuwait
Kuwait National Library
Entrant: The Associated Engineering Partnership
Client: Ministry of Public Works, Special Projects Administration and National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters
Main contractor: Al-Hani Construction & Trading Company
Project/programme manager: Charles Haddad, TAEP Kuwait
Description: Kuwait National Library is the largest library in Kuwait, housing more than 1 million printed items. The library overlooks the Gulf and Sief Palace and its design complements the historic buildings that surround it. Sustainable design measures were adopted throughout the planning process. Reflective glass with low-heat transmission was used in more than 500 glass windows and nearly 4,000 square metres of double-glazed curtain wall was installed. The library’s use of natural light creates an inspirational facility that is culturally valuable for the community.
Oman
Site for the 2nd Asian Beach Games
Entrant: Four Communications
Client: Omran
Main contractor: Larsen & Toubro
Project/programme manager: Faithful & Gould
Description: Oman was selected in April 2007 to host the 2nd Asian Beach Games, which took place from 8-16 December 2010. More than 5,000 athletes, officials, media and volunteers from 45 countries participated in this world-class event. Omran was chosen to develop the site for the games. Intrinsic to this project was that the site would offer a legacy, with sustainable employment and economic development opportunities after the games were over. The site contains a mix of permanent and temporary structures, including a four-star hotel, a marina apartments block, retail units, restaurants, a media and business centre, and an athletes’ village. There are also dedicated playing pitches for the various sports and temporary grandstands.
Qatar
Grand Hyatt Resort, Doha
Entrant: GHD Global
Client: Touristic Investment Company
Main contractor: Al-Majal International
Project/programme manager: GHD Global
Description: The Grand Hyatt Resort, Doha is located on the shoreline of the new West Bay Lagoon district. Positioned at the start of the causeway leading to The Pearl, Qatar project, the hotel is 20 kilometres from Doha International airport. The design brief required each wing of the hotel to take advantage of the sea views. This provided a challenge as the facades needed to avoid excessive heat gain on the east, south and west elevations. A solution was found in the architectural design, which provides shading to the building facades on each wing of the building. Deep balconies with vertical structures also provide shade, even when the sun is at a low angle.
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