Contract - November 2009 - (Page 14)

industry An Upgrade Forth Worth, Texas—The November opening of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s (FWMSH) new building in Forth Worth, Texas, marked the completion of the latest architectural marvel in the city’s cultural district. Designed by Legorreta + Legorreta of Mexico City, the campus represents a commingling of the architectural styles of Texas and Mexico in a city that takes pride in its Hispanic and Western roots. Makin’ Moves Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates—United Kingdom-based RMJM has delivered Abu Dhabi its first Aloft Hotel, increasing the city’s hotel capacity by 408 rooms during one of the most important sporting events ever to come to the United Arab Emirates. With less than a year scheduled for the main construction of the hotel, RMJM implemented a meticulous planning program to ensure the doors would be open by November 1, when the last race in the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix season would take place at the nearby Yas Marina Circuit. The 166,000-sq.-ft. contemporary and colorful building, replete with stateof-the-art technological exhibit innovations, is the latest example of Legorreta + Legorreta’s blend of space, light, color, and water with the use of strong, basic geometric forms. Built adjacent to a natural plaza, the pedestrian-friendly museum is anchored by the building’s iconic signature attraction: a 76-ft.-tall glass and stone tower—the Urban Lantern—which functions as the museum’s main entrance. This elegant entry, marked by clean lines, invites natural light into the building during the day and softly illuminates the surrounding area in the evening. “The idea of creating an urban lantern came from the notion of orientation within the city,” says Ricardo Legorreta, founder of the firm that bears his name. “In the same way that lighthouses guide ships at sea, we wanted to guide people in the city to the museum.” The tower was designed as a point of orientation within the city and will guide the more than one million annual guests to the museum campus. In addition, the new FWMSH serves as a capstone to Fort Worth’s Cultural District, which over the past five decades, has developed into an international destination for the architecture of its museum facilities. The nearly 70-year-old museum, the oldest in the Fort Worth Cultural District, now has an innovative world-class building to tell its history and science stories for the 21st century. The Aloft targets the niche market of today’s forward-thinking business travelers by offering a quality designer product, which is affordable with a focus on accessible technology, comfort, and convenience. It features sweeping views of Abu Dhabi and the Persian Gulf. Located 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, the hotel is connected to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, the Gulf ’s largest exhibition center, which stages more than 100 events and welcomes up to 1.8 million visitors every year. Yves Queromain, RMJM Architects project director, says, “We are extremely pleased with the final results of this project. Its exceptionally efficient delivery can be put down to the meticulous planning implemented throughout all stages of the project development. Our strategic approach has ensured that the quality we are known for resonates across all aspects of the hotel.” RMJM is also designing the iconic Capital Gate tower on the same micro city site under construction around the exhibition center. The tower has been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most inclined building in the world. photo courtesy of Rhonda Hole contract november/december 2009 www.contractmagazine.com http://www.contractmagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - November 2009

Contract - November 2009
Contents
Editorial
Industry
Hips Don’t Lie
Within Arm’s Reach
A Little Off the Top
The Green Acoustics Paradox
Indian Eatery
Lace and Pinstripes
Viva Milwaukee
Pie in the Sky
Work Hard, Play Hard
Police Presence
2009 Brand Report
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - November 2009