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!]