Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix Features A 3D Printed Facade

It is becoming increasingly common to see design projects that use additive manufacturing to create decorative structures for stores, clubs, and frequently trafficked areas to lend an elegant or upscale atmosphere. There have been standout recent examples such as Dior’s popup store, or the 3D printed facade of a Singapore Tiffany store location. What makes 3D printing appealing for these applications is, among other things, the increased creativity that allows designers and architects to play with more shapes and materials than traditional construction to achieve new and never-before-seen structural designs.

For Formula 1 fans and lovers of design and construction, this 3D printed facade will surely be of great interest. For the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, a geometric, flowing 3D printed facade welcomed racing fans to the prestigious Paddock Club™ venue inside the Yas Marina Circuit. It is one of the leading sports and entertainment facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Located on Yas Island, the circuit hosts the annual Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix amongst other major events. Inside, the luxurious Paddock Club™ lounge overlooks the track and allows fans to enjoy the race up close. To make it even more unique this year, the 3D printed decoration that adorned the club captivated the imagination almost as much as the race itself.

The work was made in collaboration between Abu Dhabi-based design studio 4SPACE Design and Dubai-based 3D printing service Proto21. The most striking thing about the decoration is its design, which is the result of the integration of parametric design and 3D printing that enabled the creation of innovative decorative elements on the ceiling and walls of the building. Not much information has been disclosed concerning the materials and manufacturing method used, but this is certainly a remarkable project and one that required close teamwork among the companies involved. Impressively, the structure was built and installed in just over a week. Pir Arkam, CEO of Proto21 commented on LinkedIn following the construction, “An [extremely] challenging project for Proto21 to produce such a complex structure in a [short] time. A massive thanks to Blue Camel Design LLC for supporting our team to install with a record 7-day build period!“

The decorative 3D printed structure in white features a lattice design and seems to wrap like a net around the entire venue, from the bar counter to the relaxation area where spectators can gather to watch the Formula 1 race. Striking in its simplicity, it certainly demonstrates the potential of additive manufacturing and the possibility of achieving high-quality results in terms of style, design, and customization with results in a short period. We would certainly love to be among the lucky ones who get to see it up close! You can learn more about Proto21, who worked on the project HERE.

What do you think of the 3D printed facade for the Abu Dhabi Paddock Club™? Let us know in a comment below or on our Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

All photo credits: 4SPACE Design/Proto21