European Steel Design Awards 2011

Description: The new Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi seeks to offer optimum comfort conditions for the spectators. Emerging from the sands of the desert, seven grandstands accommodate 40,000 air conditioned seats. The design of the membrane roofing is a reference to the traditional tents of the desert Arabs. This is supported by a two dimensional framework comprised of 19 kilometres of tubular sections. Together with other cultural and leisure facilities, this complex is emblematic of the rapid and dynamic development of the Gulf countries.

Description: This spectacular extension of Budapest international airport offers an aerodynamic large canopy to accommodate passengers more comfortably, a completely column free " sky court ". This appearance is achieved through a geometry of 14 truss girders made of steel tubes spanning 68 metres with varying radius of curvature and supported on the airside by a vertical 'V' shaped row of slender columns. A 15 metres cantilever overhanging enhances this dynamic aspect. The facade is fully opened towards the airfield through a suspended glass wall. All entire process was carefully controlled from engineering to erection, thus allowing the terminal to be delivered well within the tight schedule.

Description: The historic glories of Lansdowne Road Stadium have been replaced by a futuristic new one: the Aviva Stadium. Its shape, dimension, materials and aspect are all dictated by the site and its surroundings. The smooth curves of variable height relate to organic forms and allow a minimizing of the stadium impact on the urban neighbourhood. The shimmering and transparent horseshoe shaped roof supported by a large but light steel lattice structure resting on spherical bearings is designed to maximize sunlight onto the turf. It also draws dramatic attention to the stadium at night. This impressive cocoon provides the 50,000 spectators with an intense and collective experience.

Description: In the heart of the old city of Luxembourg, this office building is part of a rehabilitated industrial area. It achieves an integration to the site that is both discreet and masterly. The difficult conditions for the delivery of the materials to this location combined with the many advantages of dry construction and the necessity of mastering the schedule favoured the use of steel as a structural material. The calculation of the structure based on the natural fire concept has allowed a very significant cut in the tonnage of materials required. The cladding, combining glass and metal panels, either plain or perforated, fixed on stainless steel frames, combines harmoniously with the structure in H-sections. The solid volumes play with the lower parts to fully integrate this building in its surroundings.

Description: Built for the 2011 World Championship, this spectacular ski jump is a new attraction and landmark in the vicinity of Oslo, and is visible even from out at sea. The lightweight steel structure cantilevering upwards and backwards some 80 metres and sloping 36° integrates the judges’ booths and the royal pavilion. Wind shields clad with stainless steel mesh protect from the wind without generating turbulences. Ten prefabricated modules weighing between 80 and 150 tons were erected on site using large mobile cranes and connected using high strength bolts. To reduce the overall weight, the welded box sections and H sections used 1,000 tons of S460 high grade steel over a total of 1,400 tons.

Description: Largest commercial centre in the Iberian Peninsula, this outstanding shopping area accommodates 44,000 square metres of retail space. It is covered in its entirety by inflated ETFE membranes, forming a roof of translucent cushions. The steel structure of the roof of the mall area is formed by a grid of 10x10 metres with rectangular hollow sections supported on columns. The roof structure of the Plaza is formed by 15 arches spanning between 35 and 95 metres. The use of steel has made it possible to dispense with supports and it is one of the biggest covered areas in Europe.

Description: Built in a seismic active area, this new terminal of Bucharest airport is a sophisticated combination of a 3,500 tons steel structure and concrete bracing walls. The upper level is covered with 41 metre span undulating box section girders supported by tubular volutes resting on solid steel columns. The rapid implementation rhythm achieved with precise works prefabrication of the large components permitted completion of the entire structure in less than four months. The design clarity of this white painted structure provides a calm and friendly atmosphere at this busy location.

Description: Former monastery founded in year 1000 and popular place of pilgrimage, the sanctuary of Vall de Nuria is now a spiritual oasis as well as a small ski and mountain resort in the Pyrenees, near Girona. One of the four stone buildings around the church erected in 1930 has been thoroughly renovated. A four storey steel structure including a new roof has been inserted within the carefully preserved existing facades. This allows an extension of the accommodation and restaurant facilities. Thanks to the lightness of the prefabricated steel elements, all the materials were easily brought on site using the existing rack-and-pinion railway, which is the only transport access to this remote location. The character and environmental quality of this beautiful site has thus been completely preserved.

Description: Seen from outside, the disc filter building for this large water treatment plant has the appearance of a simple volume with a harmonious curve. Two glass facades 120 metres long are linked together into an oval shape by a sweeping roof. Changes in shade and daylight conditions work together with the forest in the background to create different perceptions of the building, both internally and externally, in the course of the day and year. The technical facilities are carefully integrated within the building, which takes its place as a quiet and transparent object in its setting. The character of the nearby national park is echoed by the contrast between the concrete water basins and the light, translucent materials of the building.

Description: This school in the middle of an old industrial area near Zurich is strikingly bold and innovative in its structural concept. Three superimposed blocks supported by V-shaped truss girders on its perimeter house the different parts of the program, thus reducing the impact on the ground. The upper volume is dedicated to the open space gymnasium, which is completely opened to the landscape. The structure combined with glass walls is everywhere visible, giving a strong expression to the building. It also allows for fluidity of the interior spaces, where classic corridors are being replaced by open halls accommodating various uses.

Description: The ambitious extension of the second Istanbul airport, with a capacity of some 40 million passengers a year, was the motivation for the construction of a new international terminal. The main building is comprised of a series of large and small vaults harmoniously linked to each other, and with their form emphasized by copper coloured awnings. The elegant lightweight three-dimensional arches of the structure span 48 metres. The steel structures of the floors rest on the concrete pillars and foundations with high performance seismic isolators. The architectural idiom is derived from the local geography and context and possesses a distinctive character while complying with contemporary international architectural values.