MEDIA RELEASE PR42087
Marina Bay Sands and Arup Win Be Inspired Award
SINGAPORE, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
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.
About Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. It features large
and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, the
best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants, a casino, Paiza Club for premium players
and an outdoor event plaza. It will also have a museum and theaters in which "The Lion King" will be the first
About Arup
Arup is a global firm of consulting engineers, designers, planners and project managers. It was responsible
for Marina Bay Sands' infrastructure design, civil and structural engineering, geotechnics, traffic, facade
engineering, acoustics, fire engineering, and security and risk consulting. Aside from Marina Bay Sands, Arup
is also closely involved in several Marina Bay developments including The Singapore Flyer, The Helix, The
Waterfront Promenade and Gardens by the Bay, and in the vicinity, the Singapore Sports Hub. In the last five
years, Arup has won the Bentley Award for the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Singapore's Helix Bridge, the
Beijing National Swimming Centre (Water Cube), and the Sydney Opera House. For more information, please
Marina Bay Sands' media contact:
Tanaka Takaaki
President, Global Marketing, Inc.
Tel: +81-3-5404-8580
Fax: +81-3-5404-8585
Email: tanaka@globalmarketing.co.jp
media@globalmarketing.co.jp
Arup's media contacts:
Jenny Lie
Tel: +65-6411-2684
Email: jenny.lie@arup.com
Judith Knight
Tel: +65-6220-2623
Email: jknight@iconinternational.com.sg
SOURCE: Marina Bay Sands
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