The YAS Hotel, Abu Dhabi

via Designboom - Weblog on 5/14/09

the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture

new york based asymptote architecture is nearing completion of their yas hotel project,
in abu dhabi, uae. the yas hotel is a 500-room, 85,000-square-meter complex which is
due to open on october 30, 2009 to coincide with the formula 1 etihad airways,
abu dhabi grand prix.

the yas hotel is part of the ambitious 36-billion-dollar yas marina development 
and accompanying formula 1 raceway circuit, which is also near completion. 

the main feature of the project's design is 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 environmentallyresponsive solution as well as an architecture of spectacle 
and event. 


the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the yas hotel facade with glass panels
image courtesy asymptote architecture

Stay At the Hotelicopter: The World's First Flying Hotel

via Gizmodo by Sean Fallon on 3/27/09

Since 2004, the company behind the Hotelicopter has been working to modify a Soviet-made Mil V-12 into two world firsts: the "world's biggest helicopter" and the "world's first flying hotel."


































































































As you might have guessed, the experience on board the Hotelicopter is far from your standard Motel 6. This gigantic flying Titanic machine features everything you would expect from a 5-star hotel—from private entertainment systems and room service to extras like spa treatments, yoga classes, gaming and a tea garden.

If you were wondering just how big and powerful this flying hotel really is, check out the specs:

* Dimensions Length: 42 m (137 ft)
* Height: 14m (45 ft)
* Maximum Takeoff Weight: 105850 kg (232,870 lb)
* Maximum speed: 255 km/h (137 kt) (158 miles/h)
* Cruising speed: 237 km/h (127 kt) (147 miles/h)
* Original Mi Range: 515 km (320 mi)
* Our augmented Mi Range - 1,030 km (640 mi)

The inaugural flight is set to take place on June 26th for an undisclosed price. Obviously, only the affluent need apply—but anyone that is interested can head on over to the Hotelicopter website to get more info about setting up a reservation. [Hotelicopter Thanks Zlooop!]