Louvre Abu Dhabi features in National Geographic Megastructures programme

The latest Megastructures programme on the National Geographic Channel takes a fascinating look at the creation of Louvre Abu Dhabi

The programme shows how many of the teams involved in the design and construction of this stunning museum solved the challenges posed by architect Jean Nouvel’s unique vision. Including the iconic domed roof and ‘rain of light’ effect created by the multi-layered perforated design.

We need to embrace Jean Nouvel’s original concept in our structural design… the base pattern should become our structure.” _{Al Fisher}

Around a third of the way into the programme, two Buro Happold engineers, Andy Pottinger and Al Fisher, discuss the engineering challenges and how the team worked for months to come up with a solution that used the dome’s patterning as the basis for the structural design.

Sanjay Raina, general manager, National Geographic Abu Dhabi MENA and senior vice president, Fox Networks Group, remarked: “Our work on the making of Louvre Abu Dhabi exceeds, in its significance, the making of a world-class film in our Megastructures series. In creating this film, we are documenting a legacy through chronicling the construction of a project which is not only re-defining the cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates, but is slated to become one of the world’s biggest architectural, engineering and technological masterpieces of the 21st century.”

The programme airs on Saturday the 28th July at 9PM. Find out more about the programme on the National Geographic website. Find out more about our work on Louvre Abu Dhabi on our project page.