Thanks to the wonders of 3D imaging, virtual reality and other tech tools being applied to design and construction, new, sometimes unheard of before concepts for structures are being imagined and built. “Concept designs” are hot.
Populous recently finished a concept design in the Middle East: the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Working with AEG Ogden, the world’s largest entertainment group which also is the operator of the aformentioned London and Las Vegas venues, Populous helped create the concept design for the facility. It is being touted as the Middle East’s premier entertainment venue in Dubai.
The facility is expected to burnish Dubai’s position as a popular destination for tourism and business.
The arena has a capacity of 17,000 and is climate-controlled throughout the building. It is being called the only venue of its kind between Istanbul and Singapore that can host events throughout the year, even in the very hot Middle East summer months.
See Also: Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field progresses toward its 2020 completion date
Operated by AEG Ogden and owned by Meraas, the Coca-Cola Arena will host international touring artists, comics, family entertainment, sports events, gala dinners, exhibitions and conferences. Located in City Walk, one of Dubai’s city neighborhoods, the arena is near other entertainment venues, restaurants, and shops.
At night, the venue’s look will change somewhat. The Coca-Cola Arena will become a sort of beacon in the evening, as an LED strip light setup that covers the building’s façade turns on, brightening the cityscape with changing colors.
“With Coca-Cola Arena, Meraas has shown great vision in building a new home for live entertainment in the heart of Dubai, further enhancing the Emirates’ potential as a major destination for some of the world’s most prestigious events,” said Guy Ngata, AEG Ogden’s CEO of Coca-Cola Arena. “AEG Ogden is very proud and excited to be operating the venue which has seen the very best people in the world across many sectors come together to create what is undoubtedly a fantastic arena and fitting for the city which the venue calls home.”
Other features of the building include a rolling modular stage, a retractable seating system, and automated drapes. The features allow the building to be transformed from a small-scale-venue event to a large event, and vice versa.
With more than 35 food and drink outlets and 42 corporate suites, the arena caters to all types of fans and event-goers. The facility also is accessible, having 28 wheelchair spaces and companion seats.
“Populous opened its first Middle East office in Dubai last year, enabling us to be closer to our clients, consultants and contractors in the region,” said Shireen Hamdan, Senior Principal at Populous. “Now we are extremely proud to see our commitment to bringing our global expertise in designing entertainment venues to the region realized with the completion of this landmark arena. Under the expert stewardship of Meraas and AEG Ogden, Coca-Cola Arena will establish Dubai as a new stop on the global touring circuit for the world’s best acts in music and entertainment.”
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 25, 2015
Italian soccer stadium designed to look like translucent waves
Architect Massimo Guidotti created a sinuous design for the stadium, which can support up to 16,000 seats.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 21, 2015
Tokyo Olympic Stadium saga ends for Zaha Hadid
After resubmitting a bid, the firm will not design the main venue for the 2020 Olympics after all.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 2, 2015
Proposed stadium for NFL's St. Louis Rams offers more than just football
The stadium's newest features have been unveiled by HOK, which could give the Rams one of the most inventive homes in the league—if it gets built.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 24, 2015
Green Bay Packers to start construction on a business district near Lambeau Field this fall
Flush with cash, the NFL team is kicking in about half of the $130 million for the 20-acre project’s first phase.
Industrial Facilities | Aug 18, 2015
BIG crowdfunds steam ring prototype for Amager Bakke power plant project
The unusual power plant/ski slope project in Copenhagen will feature a smokestack that will release a ring-shaped puff for every ton of CO2 emitted.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Aug 5, 2015
The world’s longest ski slope will be built in one of the world’s hottest cities
The words “skiing” and “desert” aren’t often used in the same sentence. But that’s changing in Dubai, which appears to be on a mission to have the “biggest” of everything.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 31, 2015
Zaha Hadid responds to Tokyo Olympic Stadium controversy
“Our warning was not heeded that selecting contractors too early in a heated construction market and without sufficient competition would lead to an overly high estimate of the cost of construction,” said Zaha Hadid in a statement.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 29, 2015
Milwaukee Bucks arena deal approved by Wisconsin state assembly
Created by Milwaukee firm Eppstein Uhen Architects and global firm Populous, the venue will be built in downtown Milwaukee. Its design draws inspiration from both Lake Michigan, which borders Milwaukee, and from aspects of basketball, like high-arcing free throws.
University Buildings | Jul 28, 2015
OMA designs terraced sports center for UK's Brighton College
Designs for what will be the biggest construction project in the school’s 170-year history feature a rectangular building at the edge of the school’s playing field. A running track is planned for the building’s roof, while sports facilities will be kept underneath.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 23, 2015
McKinney, Texas, dives into huge pool-and-fitness center project
Money magazine is the latest publication to rank McKinney, Texas, as the best place to live in the U.S. The city is trying to capitalize its newfound status to attract more residents and businesses, with amenities like this new recreation center.
