Zaha Hadid has collaborated with the Hamburg-based shipbuilders Blohm+Voss to design a new concept for a family of superyachts: a 128-meter master prototype that will eventually spawn five, fully-engineered, 90-meter “Unique Circle Yachts.” According to Hadid, the overall design is informed by “fluid dynamics and underwater ecosystems, with hydrodynamic research shaping the design of the hull.”
More from the architect, after the break.
“The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness and lend a natural aesthetic to the yacht’s external appearance; evoking the organic structural systems of natural marine formations and connecting the various levels and decks of the ship seamlessly via expressive diagonals.” Departing from traditional yacht design, the prototype’s exoskeleton “creates an intense connectivity between the various decks and elements of the design.”
The 90m JAZZ yacht is the first of the five Unique Circle Yachts that has been technically specified and detailed by the naval architects at Blohm+Voss. Its lineage from the 128m master prototype is evident, with further technical refinements to address the specifications required for ocean crossings.
“As a dynamic object that moves in dynamic environments, the design of a yacht must incorporate additional parameters beyond those for architecture – which all become much more extreme on water. Each yacht is an engineered platform that integrates specific hydrodynamic and structural demands together with the highest levels of comfort, spatial quality and safety,” explained Hadid.
Dr. Herbert Aly, CEO and Managing Partner of Blohm+Voss adds: “The idea of the Unique Circle Yachts allows for variation of a genotype and its phenotypes, offering a range of possible solutions based on an cognate platform. As a result Zaha Hadid’s design is malleable to suit the very individual wishes and needs of a potential customer which lies at the heart of Blohm+Voss’ approach to yacht design. The strength of the design lies not just in its functionality and form, but also its effortless adaptability.”
Architects
Design
Zaha Hadid, Patrik SchumacherDesign Team
Thomas Vietzke, Jens Borstelmann, Daniel Widrig, Sofia Daniilidou, Ben Grubert, Phillip Mecke, Patrick EulerNaval Engineering
Michael Von der Heide, Thomas SperlingVisualization
Moka-StudioL O A
90.0M (295 FT)Beam (Max)
16.0M (52FT)Draught
4.2M (13FT)Speed (MAX)
16.0 KNCruising Speed
14.0KNRange
5000 Nautical MilesClass
Lloyd’s RegisterPropulsion
2X2160 KW, Diesel via gearbox to fixed propManoeuvring System
1 X Bow thrusterPhotographs
Unique Circle Yachts / Zaha Hadid Architects for Bloom+Voss Shipyards
News via ZHA, Blohm+Voss
