zaha hadid among shortlisted candidates for crystal palace rebuild

zaha hadid among shortlisted candidates for crystal palace rebuild
image courtesy of arup / zhongrong group

six high-profile names have been announced as the shortlisted practices charged with developing proposals to rebuild joseph paxton’s crystal palace in london. the new structure will be a major cultural attraction on the site of the original victorian building, which burned down in 1936. the shortlist in full includes: david chipperfield architects, grimshaw, haworth tompkins architects, marks barfield architects, rogers stirk harbour + partners and a collaboration between zaha hadid architects and anish kapoor. up to three teams from the shortlist will be invited to prepare initial concept designs in the final competition stage.

funded by the chinese zhongrong group, the selected practice will work alongside lead consultants arup in finalizing the scheme. over the coming months, arup will look to stimulate discussion regarding the project, determining the form and role of the new palace. the development will also include the restoration of the surrounding park, part of an wider masterplan for the area that involves the landscaping and planting and a central tree-lined boulevard, alongside improved access, lighting and facilities. the scheme will incorporate italian style terraces and other victorian heritage within the park. the £500 million development is expected to create more than 2,000 permanent jobs boosting the local economy.

image courtesy of arup / zhongrong group

the selection panel includes the zhongrong group; president of the royal institute of british architects, stephen hodder; chair of new london architecture, peter murray; london borough of bromley councillor, peter morgan; hank dittmar; sir tim smit; sir john sorrell cbe; and deputy mayor of london, ric blakeway. the selection process is being run by colander associates.

‘this is a positive step forward for the project. the expressions of interest and outstanding shortlist demonstrate the wealth and diversity of design talent inspired by the challenge of rebuilding the crystal palace in the spirit of the magnificent original,’ commented chairman of the zhongrong group mr ni zhaoxing.

‘this is a stellar lineup of talent demonstrating the worldwide interest in this unique and challenging project. the rebuild of crystal palace is set to produce an extraordinary new landmark for the capital, which will support the rebirth of this historic park and catalyse jobs and growth in the local area,’ explained boris johnson, mayor of london.

finalized plans for the site will be submitted by fall 2014.