A world-class centre of excellence for engineering in the automotive, motor sport and alternative energy sectors – rising against a striking desert backdrop – creating an atmosphere of ‘extremes’ – high-speed machines, immaculate black tarmac, stark rock and sand – an aesthetic and technical landmark for Bahrain. Conceived as an ambitious masterplan, the new Centre for Excellence and Car Experience incorporates many elements: centre for motor excellence, alternative energy research centre, manufacturing facilities and education complex – a ‘car experience’ providing a focal point for the entire complex.
The masterplan program also includes high-end hotel and racing clubhouse, rising above the surrounding topography to provide views over track and other centre facilities. Intentionally augmenting and enhancing existing site characteristics, the circuit generates an atmosphere of ‘extremes’ – against a striking desert backdrop of stark rock and sand, sophisticated racing machines move across an immaculate black tarmac surface – disparate facets combining to create an aesthetic and technical landmark for Bahrain.
project Info:
Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Sakhir, Bahrain
year: 2007
Engineers: ARUP Partners (London, UK)
Project Architect: Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) & MCC Project Partners (MCCPP)
Project Team: Ceyhun Baskin, Andrea B. Caste, Jordan Darnell, Inanc Eray, Simone Fuchs, Tariq Khayyat, Mariagrazia Lanza, Fadi Mansour, Liat Muller, Daniel Widrig, Fulvio Wirz
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