Yas Marina Circuit: BDP Pattern does the trick

Article posted by Coliseum, November 27^th, 2023

Image: BDP Pattern

The Yas Marina Circuit’s (Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates [UAE) multipurpose venue, The Paddock Club, has benefited from a significant expansion, thanks to a creative redesign by architects from BDP Pattern.

‘BDP Pattern’ stated that completed ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, the grand finale of the 2023 F1 Championship season (which took place from November 23^rd-26^th), the Paddock Club has undergone a refurbishment and reorganization of the building to create a better raceday experience for the drivers and fans alike.

Manchester (UK)-based the BDP is an international interdisciplinary practice of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. It works closely with users, clients and the community to create special places for living, working, shopping, culture, and learning across the world. Founded in 1961, it now has studios across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, UAE, India, China, Singapore, and Canada. The BDP has a leading track record in all major sectors including health, education, workplace, retail, urbanism, heritage, housing, transport, and leisure and has won over 1,000 awards for design quality.

London (UK)-based the BDP Pattern is the sports and entertainment division of BDP. Pattern was founded in 2009 by Dipesh Patel and became part of the Group in 2021. The practice is now a globally respected brand in the sports and entertainment sector. From its first project the 25,053-capacity Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain (UAE), which was completed in 2014 and reinvented stadia for hot climates, to the wind-harnessing athletics stadium for the 2019 Pan-American Games its project are based on deep research, high technology design and simple implementation.

Image: BDP Pattern

The 60,000-capacity Yas Marina Circuit is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke (German engineer, racing driver and circuit designer), and is situated on Yas Island, near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event. The first race took place on November 1^st, 2009, held at the Hermann Tilke-designed Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

London (UK)-based the Formula One is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formula One World Championship has been one of the premier forms of racing around the world since its inaugural season in 1950.

Paris (France)-based the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is an association established on June 20^th, 1904 to represent the interests of the motoring organizations and motor car users. It is the governing body for many auto racing events, including Formula One. The FIA also promotes road safety around the world.

Image: BDP Pattern

The Paddock Club is a hospitality service for the Formula One Grand Prix events. It’s known for its high prices and exclusivity.

‘BDP Pattern’ further stated that founded on innovative rule-based parametric design, mathematics and beauty are key research areas for the practice. Data analysis and computation underpins the design process. BDP Pattern has delivered venues for major global events including the FIFA World Cup™, Olympics, Pan American Games, and Commonwealth Games. BDP Pattern’s experience encompasses sports and entertainment buildings, sports master planning and hospitality and revenue analysis. Its goal is to deliver projects that are innovative, culturally specific, financially sustainable, and respectful to the environment.

In March 2016, the BDP combined forces with Japan’s leading engineering practice Nippon Koei to form an integrated design group of genuine international reach. Sharing a philosophy which places an emphasis on design integration and community impact, the new group offers a unique combination of deep technical skills in engineering, architecture and the full range of design disciplines.

A trackside extension enabled the winners’ podium to be relocated to a more prominent position overhanging the racetrack. The updated, modern podium stands out as a symbol of champions, enabling the winners of the Grand Prix to feel closer to fans and their pit crew, whilst giving the capacity crowd a better view of their heroes. This new podium features a unique 360o ‘Halo Screen’ floating above and a ribbon display which runs around the podium circumference. This, combined with additional lighting features, creates an iconic and unrivaled celebration experience.

New VIP suites, luxury hospitality seating terraces and an updated feature entrance deliver a world-class experience and bring fans closer to the action, while new office facilities ensure the staffs are close to the raceday events.

The expansion has also added a world first for a F1 racetrack – an innovative ‘cooldown room’ called the ‘podium club’ that gives fans unparalleled access to the drivers and allows guests to watch them relax after the race and before heading out for the trophy ceremony. The space can also be adapted to become a broadcast suite or used as a meeting place for tours and other events.

Remarked Luke Harrison, Architect Director at BDP Pattern, “This is a world first for motor racing. Thanks to this creative expansion, the Yas Marina Circuit now provides an experience that no other racetrack in the world currently offers, bringing exclusive access to the drivers on raceday whilst creating an immersive atmosphere for all F1 fans. Smart adaptation and intelligent use of the existing space has allowed us to add areas that enhance the feeling of excitement for those in the Paddock Club, whilst ensuring functionality and coherence. It’s amazing what some clever design can do for a space like this. The drivers have benefited from the better facilities and the fans really feel like they are part of the raceday activities.”

Concluded Harrison, “We have been inspired by the local design elements throughout the Emirate and have added our own modern and dynamic twist to the design of the Paddock Club. It all creates an incredible place that does justice to an iconic piece of architecture.”

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