MACAO, April 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM COTAI, the integrated resort opened to public in 2018, has achieved a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title on January 19, 2019. The Spectacle at MGM COTAI, is the record holder of the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting), making it the first architectural and structural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for Macau, China. The announcement also makes this engineering marvel a new 'go-to' attraction that puts the icing on the cake at the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR.
The Spectacle is an immersive space of creative and dynamic design, merging nature and cutting-edge technology. Costed over US$37 million to build, the Spectacle Roof is 37m high and is covered by 8,073.1 meter square (equivalent to playing area of 30 tennis courts) free-forming triangulated steel grid shell supported only along its perimeter. MGM challenged Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates who collaborated with ARUP to conceive the structural concept and geometry of this expansive glass canopy. Engineered by Siu Yin Wai & Associates Limited (Hong Kong), this meticulously engineered steel diagrid structure spans over the podium space with a clear longitudinal span up to 138.5m, without being supported by any internal columns. Consisted of 4,365 beams and 1,531 beam nodes, the roof structure weighs approximately 2,000 tons (around 1,000 cars). The essence of this impossible engineering marvel is with its unconventional dramatic, flowing, multi-vaulted form results from an efficient structural shell, maximizing the volume of space within the podium area, while minimizing the obstruction of views to the exteriors. In addition to achieving this long span in a single layer structure, the roof design allows maximum flexibility in locating hanging points for exhibition purposes.
The Spectacle is an immense 360-degree digital canvas with 25 LED screens in varying sizes, showcasing an exclusive array of ** collected from around the globe day-and-night. It is also a state-of-the-art indoor vertical garden with more than 100,000 plants, offering a relaxing ambience for dining and leisure. Beneath the expansive glass canopy, the Spectacle seems to be alive, continually evolving and responding to changing conditions such as visitor behaviors, weather, time of day or season, which redefines the way people experience art, entertainment and dining through seamlessly integrated technology.
Ms. Pansy Ho, Co-Chairperson & Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, "Driven by innovation and inspiration, two values which MGM holds dear to its heart, the construction of the Spectacle is a seemingly impossible architectural feat that embodies our commitment to connecting guests to the nature through a biophilic design approach. This effort has gained Macau's first architectural and structural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title, conferred to the Spectacle in recognition of its status as one of the world's most prominent landmarks. It is as much an enviable laurel as a symbol of our innovative spirit that spurs us on pushing the envelope of traditions and scaling new heights in innovation and excellence."
In its first year of operation, MGM COTAI already swept six honors at the Asia Property Awards, including Best Hotel Development (Asia), Best Hotel Architectural Design (Asia), and Best Universal Design Development (Asia). With environmental sustainability at its heart, MGM COTAI is also the largest property and the first mega-size complex project in Macau to achieve the China Green Building Design Label Three-Star Certification.
