Project: Yas Island Landscaping Canopies, Abu Dhabi, UAE February 2010 Over 1700m2 of shade structures have been installed as part of extensive landscaping project on the Yas Island development near Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Yas Island will play host to numerous attractions, such as a world-class racing circuit, signature hotels, theme parks, marinas,

golf courses and will cater to the local resident population as well as international tourists.

Project Brief

Cracknell Architecture wanted to create an architectural centrepiece for this landscape area of YAS

Island. Their client wanted to move away from the formality the existing urban design scheme, but

instead an eye-catching architectural feature in a natural landscape setting.

Design Solution

Taking inspiration from the triangular Yas Island logo and the

architect’s original concepts, a series of interleaving hyper

forms were developed. Both PTFE glass fabric and traditional

shade cloth were used to introduce subtle differences in

colour and texture.

The steelwork design required some assembly and fabrication on site to create the large arch supports for the dramatic fabric forms. The arches provided the strength required to resist the high loads exerted by the canopies, without the need for back stay cables or tie rods. This left plenty of clear space between the steelwork for play equipment, as well as seating and benches in the barbeque area.

Structure Requirements Features

Type: Design & Build Iconic Design Asymmetric forms

Model: Interleaved Hypers Solar shading Mix of fabric textures

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE Clearance for play & BBQ Arched steel brace

Fabric: Monotec HDPE 370

Fibertop PTFE

Project Team

Client: Aldar

Architect: Cracknel Architects

Engineer: Halcrow

Main Contractor: Neal & Bin Harmal