The incredible spherical structure that changed the Las Vegas skyline stands for have a twin. Sphere Entertainment Co. and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) have in fact reached an agreement for the construction of a new Sphere in the capital of the United Arab Emiratesthus marking the beginning of the global expansion of this revolutionary architectural concept.
An ambitious project that looks to the future
The Sphere in Las Vegasinaugurated in September 2023 with a memorable U2 concert, has redefined the very concept of an entertainment venue. With his 111 meters high and 157 meters widethe structure represents an unprecedented technological masterpiece. Its most distinctive element is certainly the mammoth LED display that covers both the interior and exterior of the building: the internal surface boasts a 16K resolution (16,000 x 16,000 pixels), while the external one extends for over 50,000 square meterscreating a breathtaking visual spectacle thanks to approximately 1.4 million LED “disks”.each containing 48 diodes.
Technical specifications yet to be defined
Although the precise details of the Emirati version have not yet been revealed, including the exact location within the capital, the agreement stipulates that the new Sphere will be based on the features of the Las Vegas original. It is not yet clear whether this will be an exact replica or whether specific changes will be made to adapt it to the local context. The Las Vegas facility can accommodate 17,600 seated spectatorsof which 10,000 seats equipped with haptic feedback, plus a further 2,400 standing rooms.
James Dolanpresident and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, underlined how this agreement represents a crucial step in realizing the company vision: create a global network of Sphere facilities. Under the terms of the agreement, Abu Dhabi DCT will pay construction costs and pay a franchising fee to Sphere Entertainment for the use of its design, technology and proprietary content.
The London precedent
Interestingly, this is not the first attempt at international expansion of the Sphere project. In 2023, a similar proposal was presented for London, but was rejected by Mayor Sadiq Khan. The reasons for the refusal were linked to environmental and urban planning concerns: the light pollution that the structure would have generated, the high energy consumption and the impact on the architectural heritage of the eastern area of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in the Stratford district.
The choice of Abu Dhabi as the second location for a Sphere is not surprisingconsidering the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for entertainment and innovation. This new structure promises to become not only a leading tourist attraction, but also a symbol of the region’s technological and architectural progress.
Source: www.hwupgrade.it
