The Yas Hotel is one of the main architectural features of the Yas Marina development. 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.

1_ PATTERNS AND ZONED POROSITY/ Zach Kron

Zach began developing a pattern of fractal geometry, which can be replicated at different scales. The control of this geometric pattern allows to variate the permeability of each unit, which may vary depending of a programatic or spatial requirement to build a particular interior space . The repeating pattern allows the generation of various shapes and sizes. 

2_ KAPSARC/ Zaha Hadid.

The project has a structure of interconnected hexagons together by its translucent surface arists. The translucent surface generates an articulated interior wich is screened by light and shadow of the structural cells.

By this way, the independent cells become a unit, forming the building and creating a common interior.