Wins nod for excellence in planning, design and building
Singapore's newest integrated resort, Marina Bay Sands, has won another international award for its innovation in structural engineering.
Since its opening six months ago, Marina Bay Sands has quickly become one of the world's "must-see" spots, capturing the imagination of travelers from around the world with its unusual and stunning building design and architectural features.
The US$5.7 billion Marina Bay Sands, conceived by Sheldon Adelson, Chairman and Chief Executive of Las Vegas Sands Corp, and designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, has recently emerged as the winner in the "Innovation in Structural Engineering" category of the recent Bentley Systems' 2010 Be Inspired Awards.
The award recognizes projects that have demonstrated excellence in planning, modeling, analyzing, designing, or delivering structures. Selected from a pool of 20 other entries, Marina Bay Sands and its consulting engineer Arup shone for their use of technical innovation to deliver the stunning structure that stands in the heart of the new Singapore downtown.
The Be Inspired Awards program has recognized over 1,000 of the world's most outstanding infrastructure projects since its 2004 inception. An independent panel of jurors, which included accomplished Bentley users and distinguished industry experts, selected the 19 winners from 320 nominations submitted by 249 organizations in 45 countries.
Said Mr. Thomas Arasi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marina Bay Sands: "We are extremely proud that Marina Bay Sands has garnered yet another award for our spectacular design. Much thought, expertise, and engineering firsts have gone into the design and building of Marina Bay Sands, which has redefined the Singapore city skyline. We are very pleased that our awe-inspiring design has won recognition on all fronts, from leisure visitors to experts in the architectural field."
Arup has had to overcome a number of structural challenges in the project, which is characterised by three cascading hotel towers topped with a 1.2ha Sands SkyPark; two crystal pavilions and a lotus-inspired museum. Notably, the most challenging aspect of the project was the SkyPark cantilever, the longest of its kind in the world. Arup designed the structure to withstand strong winds and vibration caused by people movement; and to provide optimal comfort for guests.
The design was formulated to allow for safe and easy construction at 200 meters above ground -- the height of the SkyPark -- and in the deep marine clays at basement level was needed. Arup achieved this successfully with a combination of innovative engineering approaches. It also adopted innovative 3D modelling technologies, which were especially beneficial in the engineering of the project's complex structural steelwork in a short time frame.
"At Arup, every project is designed using the best tools and technology available in the industry. The Bentley award is a clear recognition of our leadership, technical excellence and strong multidisciplinary capabilities, which have enabled us to transform the idea of Marina Bay Sands into reality within a short time frame. It also re-affirms our significant contribution towards Singapore's long-term vision to be one of Asia's fastest growing hubs," said Brendon McNiven, Director at Arup Singapore.
Earlier this year, Marina Bay Sands -- through Arup -- also received two awards at the 2010 Singapore Structural Steel Society (SSSS) Steel Design Awards for its design of the project's podium roof, canopy structures and Sands SkyPark.
The construction of Marina Bay Sands, a monumental feat involving 15,000 construction workers at its peak since 2007, has drawn keen interest from broadcasters from all over the world. No fewer than 25 documentaries have been produced so far, detailing the process of building Marina Bay Sands, which has been called a city under one roof.
One particular construction milestone involved the hoisting of the Sands SkyPark in one of the highest strand jacking operations ever undertaken in the world. This involved 14 individual lifts, with each component weighing up to 790 tonnes. The 340-meter superstructure, which weighs more than 7,000-tonnes, was designed using a unique combination of bridge and building technology. Since its opening on 24 June, the Sands SkyPark, which boasts an infinity pool, landscaped gardens and signature restaurants, has welcomed over 350,000 visitors to the Public Observation Deck alone.
