The World Green Building Council’s MENA Green Building Awards recognized the venue, currently under construction, for its flexibility and passive design strategies.
The multipurpose arena in Abu Dhabi has been designed to adapt from an intimate 500-seat theater to an 18,000-seat entertainment venue.
The MENA Green Building Awards, organized by the World Green Building Council, honor organizations in the region that demonstrate clear implementation of sustainable design, construction and operation of significant buildings.
Etihad Arena has received a 2 Pearl rating from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. Sustainable strategies focused on passive design include shading features, daylighting and a reduction of U-values in the building envelope to reduce energy consumption.
In addition to the building’s sustainable design strategies, the arena creates the ideal user experience for a diverse set of events, including community gatherings, concerts, performances, sporting events, and meetings and conventions. Premium spaces include a VIP lounge that can be transformed into a grand ballroom for events, hospitality boxes and unique terrace bars for receptions and parties.
Additional amenities, including food and beverage, will be located adjacent to the arena to help form a linear street that stretches down the waterfront promenade. This outdoor concourse will create a festival-like atmosphere and generate year-round activity. The outdoor concourse will provide connectivity to the surrounding district on Yas Bay.
HOK is part of the WSP-led team responsible for delivering the design of Etihad Arena, with support from Pascall+Watson. The project and adjacent mixed-use district is developed by Miral Asset Management. Construction should be complete by late 2019.