International project:
HBZ Stadium
A
l Ain is the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and has
been inhabited for thousands of years. It is well known for its date
palm plantations. Patternʼs design is inspired by the rotating fractural
geometry of the date palm fronds. The architects used the latest
parametric technology to create an outer facade that reflects this.
This “Palm Bole” facade also acts as a passive cooling device; shading
the building during the heat of the day whilst allowing fresh air to flow.
Within the bowl this creates comfortable spectator conditions and aids
grass growth for the pitch.
The roof for the HBZ Stadium is the first example in the region that is specifically
designed for solar protection. Most stadia in the Gulf are based on the European model
of a drip-line roof that has been developed for wet climates and is therefore redundant
in arid parts of the world. Pattern Architects took inspiration from the Arabic headdress and created a sinuous and gravity-bending parasol roof that shades the pitch
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