027 eye opener Observation Tower, Circuit of The Americas Formula 1 Grand Prix, Austin, TX, USA


Austin-based Miró Rivera Architects have designed the signature buildings at the Circuit of The Americas, the first purpose-built Formula 1 Grand Prix facility in the United States. The architectural features of this new world-class motorsports and entertainment venue include the Grand Plaza, the 6,500-seat Tower Amphitheater, the Main Grandstand, a 75-metre tall Observation Tower, ticketing buildings, concession areas and two bridges over the track. As the designers of the main public spaces and buildings around the 3.4- mile track, Miró Rivera Architects are responsible for the aesthetic and much of the experiential qualities of the site. The Observation Tower serves as the centrepiece of the complex and can hold up to 75 people and features glass railings and a glass floor. Inspired by the image of red streaks of glowing light that racecar tails leave behind in the dark, the Tower is built from steel and is composed of a white shaft with two sets of stairs wrapping around a high-speed elevator and a red “veil” formed from pipes measuring eight inches in diameter. New York based ARC Light Design was responsible for the lighting design of the tower. Using Philips Color Kinetics Powercore LED strips installed along the double helix stairs, the designers were able to light the core of the elevator shaft transforming the tower into a beacon of light at night. Using a Pharos controller, ARC Light Design was able to create a number of scenes with spiral, stripe and wash patterns including the winning team’s colours. The scenes can be remotely controlled over the internet. The team also specified Philips Color Kinetics burial lights for the deck and the emergency lighting that directs the power supply to white light. Due to the tower’s height, the lighting also blinks as an aviation warning system. Circuit of The Americas hosted the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix on November 16-18. www.mirorivera.com


Pic: Paul Finkel


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