The sculptural form of a master prototype that was designed for a 128-meter yacht serves as the inspiration for the design concept that was presented at the most recent exhibition of Zaha Hadid’s work at the David Gill Gallery in London.

In addition, the Unique Circle Yachts are a family of five distinct 90-meter yachts designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for Blohm+Voss. These vessels creatively explore the design concepts of the master prototype while adhering to the mechanical requirements of a fully-engineered yacht design.

Research on hydrodynamics was used to shape the design of the hull, which was influenced by the overall design, which was guided by fluid dynamics and underwater habitats. The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness and lend a natural aesthetic to the exterior appearance of the yacht; evoking the organic structural systems of natural marine formations and connecting the various levels and decks of the ship seamlessly via expressive diagonals. The structure also lends a natural aesthetic to the interior of the yacht.

This exoskeleton generates an intense connectedness between the various decks and features of the design, in contrast to the rigorous horizontal order that is adhered to in typical yacht designs.

The flowing design language of the original prototype has been applied to the five successive 90-meter variations of the Unique Circle Yachts. This has resulted in the creation of a design that has the highest correlation possible between the many available alternatives.

The naval architects at Blohm+Voss have begun the process of technically specifying and detailing the five Unique Circle Yachts, and the first of these yachts to be worked on is the 90-meter JAZZ boat. It is clear that it descended from the 128-meter master prototype, however, additional technical improvements have been made to suit the requirements for transoceanic travel.