hopkins architects: london 2012 olympic velodrome complete

'london 2012 olympic velodrome' by hopkins architects in london, england
all images courtesy hopkins architects
photographer: richard davies


over 18 months before the start of the games, london-based hopkins architects have completed
the '2012 olympic velodrome', making it the first venue to be officially handed over to the olympic
delivery authority. built on the old home of the eastway cycle track, the 6,000-seat indoor facility
features a distinct, double-curve roof which was the result of an focused study into the performance
and efficiency of the building.



profile


dave brailsford, the performance director of british cycling comments, 'the london 2012 velodrome is
the fastest velodrome ever build and I think that suist our team. the architects have been very clever in
taking all the best bits from the best velodromes around the world and they have come up with a super venue.'

the integrated design team of the project explored the ergonomic nature of the bike and aimed to apply
the same aspect of engineering into the design of the velodrome. the track being the central focus of the facility,
the spectators' zone is split into two tiers by the main public circulation concourse. fully glazed to allow a
360 degree view into and out of the building, the public concourse area serves as the main entry into the arena.



timber finish


designed to be lightweight and efficient, many sustainable elements have been integrated
into the design: strategically placed roof lights allow natural daylight, reducing lighting expenditures;
the porous timber exterior cladding facilitates natural cross ventilation while rainwater is
collected for reuse in the building. 

for images of the project under construction, click here for our earlier coverage of the project.



(left) view of facade
(right) velodrome track



in context



rendered interior view



exterior



outside tracks



3D sectional model


project info:

gross internal floor area: 21,700 m2
total cost: £90m
client: olympic delivery authority
structural engineer: expedition engineering
M&E consultant: BDSP
legacy landscape consultant: grant associates
facade engineering: arup facades
acoustic consultant: paul gillieron associates
BREEAM assessor: southfacing
track designer: ron webb
main constractor: ISG
quantity surveyor: CLM
fire engineering: arup fire
crowd engineering: arup crowd
roofing: kalzip and sarnafil
curtain walling: schuco
light fittings: phillips