RP Aero Systems

This 3 dimensional diorama depicting the moving phases of the moon before a galaxy of stars and sculptured mode l of the Globe is the central feature in the futuristic looking 26 storey, 5 Star luxury complex and 600 bedroom Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. The project took 18 months from start to finish. The diorama, conceived by London based KCA and Rob Olins, was engineered and fabricated by RP at Littlehampton before being shipped out in sections in refrigerated containers for final assembly in July 1997.

The earth is accurately modelled in 3D from geographical survey data from the ground to the 14th floor (45 meters up), this includes reflective lacquered sea panels. Over this section span the nine Orbits made from 90mm diameter curved stainless steel tubes which represent the trade and technology exchange which is centred on the UAE. The Sky then continues up to the 25th floor (90 metres up) and contains more than 800 fibre optic lights accurately positioned depicting stars in the galaxy, they provide a true life picture of the sky at night. The sun at the top is modelled in 3D and is nine metres wide, theatrical projectors throw an animated flame effect onto its surface.

The curved stainless steel pole on which the Moon ascends and descends in real time, is 32 metres long and weighs 3 tons. The accurately modelled Moon (2.6 metres in diameter) travels the length of the pole, rotating slowly every seven hours. The Map, Moon, Sun and backdrop were sculptured in lightweight glass fibre and other composites.