MGM COTAI, the 'integrated' resort opened to the public in 2018, has set a new World Record for having its centerpiece, the Spectacle, as “the world’s largest free-span roof (self-supporting, grid shell glazed)”, making it the first architectural and structural World Record title for Macau, China (verified by Guiness World Records). 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 S.A.R.

 

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 m² (equivalent to playing area of 30 tennis courts) free-forming triangulated steel grid shell supported only along its perimeter. MGM challenged SYW to conceive the concept and geometry of this expansive glass canopy. Structurally engineered and designed 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 digital art 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 ambiance 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.