BADGER EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Mike Lewis, Architect at Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

F1 Badger recently posed some questions to Mike Lewis, of architectural company Benoy who are currently working on the amazing Ferrari World theme park on Yas Island, described as a collection of 20 high octane attractions for the whole family! It’s the world’s first, Ferrari fans! Benoy also had the mammoth task to create the masterplan for Yas Island, the location of this year’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Yas Island is a superb leisure oasis formed from 75km² of dry, featureless desert into a state of the art F1 race track, a stylish shopping mall, two marinas and several futuristic hotel and leisure complexes, and the centrepiece that is Ferrari World. Benoy have offices all over the globe and have worked on many spectacular projects including the HCMC Tower in Vietnam, the Wintergarden Retail Centre in Brisbane Australia, and the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, England.

Mike, what’s your job title, and what do you do on a day to day basis?

I work for Benoy Architects as the Concept Designer and Project Director for Ferrari World at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Benoy is the visionary masterplanner behind the overall concept for Yas Island and subsequently took on the role to design Ferrari World and the adjacent Yas Retail Mall in 2006. Day to day I guide the design process on Ferrari World to ensure the delivery of the overall project.

How long have you been an architect, and what does it take to be one?

I have been working in and around Architecture since I was about 19 years old, 9 years at my previous practice, and 12 years at Benoy, so that pretty much makes me an old hand. I was traditionally trained (card models and a drawing board!) and then discovered the world of 3D design about 13 years ago which opened up a seemingly unlimited design resource. We still work traditionally with models and sketches, and use the 3D as a tool to help explain and communicate the ideas to clients and fellow team members. Ferrari World is a very complex project and is a product of the understanding I gained in spatial awareness 3D sculpting during my time with Benoy Architects.?I think, like most things in life, it is important to find your inner passions and goals. You need to understand what makes you tick inside, and work at those passions, and if they become part of your work life as well, then you will be enthusiastic about your work. For me Architecture is my passion, and I was lucky enough to find that early on, and continue to work hard to leave a legacy that I can be proud of and will be part of Benoy’s legacy for Abu Dhabi.

When did you personally become interested in motorsport; did you have a Scalextric, or build Airfix models as a child?

As I was growing up I was fed a healthy diet of the Isle of Man TT, F1 from Brands Hatch and Silverstone in the days of Mansell, Senna and Prost and even some truck racing by one of my uncles, so I was pretty much hooked from an early age on the sounds, smells and emotion of racing. ?In terms of obsessions as a child I have my father to thank for handing down to me a vast amount of rusty old Meccano that I seemed to spend most of my childhood building all sorts of machines, bridges and structures, experimenting with the forces of nature.?I have had a passion for drawing, design and building things from an early age, and at 40 the desire is still as strong as ever. Ferrari World is just one very big Meccano kit! I guess if I could add up I would have become a structural engineer, since I can draw Architecture beckoned!

What is your favourite part of Yas Marina?

Within the Benoy Yas Masterplan, the Tilke F1 Circuit, The Yas Hotel and Ferrari World are all great events and buildings within their own context, and all complement each other well to create a stunning setting. One of my favourite views is looking from the South of the Island along the main race track straight, back to Ferrari World in the distance. At 6pm as the sun starts to set the buildings and sea seem to light up. Actually I am more excited by the future, there is one thing for sure, and that is there is no great plan, things change fast, particularly in the middle east, and that keeps it interesting.

Where did you watch the race from, and was your choice based on an architectural viewpoint?

Actually I managed to watch the action from 3 different locations over the race weekend. I started off in the paddock club above the pit garages, and in particular over the Ferrari pit crew, then the south grandstand for some of the support races and finally the centre of the north grandstand for the main race itself. In terms of location I favour the view from the south grandstand across the marina. This is at the end of the second main straight where there are good overtaking opportunities.

Have you spent a night in the hotel that straddles the track, and if so, how good is the service?

The Yas Marina Hotel is stunning in its concept and provides Abu Dhabi with a great tourist spot. I have not personally stayed there, but have sampled the numerous eating venues in and around the hotel, which are all good. The hotel is futuristic both inside and out and is representative of the modern approach of the region. The service is part of the legendary Arabic culture. They have a very warm approach, they may not be forthcoming, but when asked for help, or advice they will talk with enthusiasm, passion and a willingness to help.

Did you study other Middle-Eastern circuits like Sakhir in Bahrain and the Dubai Autodrome, before starting on Yas Marina?

The Masterplan for Yas Island was the vision of our Executive Director Simon Bee, and we spent some time looking at the tracks in the region, and in particular the facilities around the tracks to get a feel of the right mix of the components, such as hotels, restaurants, marina facilities, etc…

How closely did you work with track designer Hermann Tilke?

Herman Tilke were involved from the start to look at the overall layout and develop a strategy for the circuit that would provide a challenge for the drivers, but also be exciting for the spectators. It was important that the circuit and its facilities are integrated into the surrounding masterplan early on due to the tight timescales for delivery.

Have you driven round the circuit, and if so, what car were you driving, and did you post a respectable lap time?!

I have not driven the circuit in race conditions yet, waiting for the chance! However I have been around the circuit in a site vehicle, Toyota Landcruiser V8, which is the car of choice for most locals who head into the dessert at the weekends, not a lap time that will be on any stop watch!

What are your views on the unusual underground pitlane exit?

The entry and exit from the underground pit lane is tight and adds an air of excitement and an opportunity for the brave! This element was clearly necessary due to the location of the pit buildings, the shortness of the main straight into the first corner and the configuration of the anti-clockwise circuit.

Join us for Part Two of this interview in a few days time, and hear more about the multi-sensory experience at Ferrari World, why Mike misses the rainy old English weather, and what tunes are on his car stereo whilst driving about on Yas Island!