erect architecture: queen elizabeth olympic park

‘queen elizabeth olympic park’ by erect architecture, london, UK all images courtesy of the olympic park legacy company

london-based firm erect architecture‘s proposal for the north hub of the ‘queen elizabeth olympic park’ for the summer 2012 olympics in london celebrates the ecological heritage and native landscape palette found within the region. positioned within the sculptural parkland north of the main events, the integrated hub and playground will explore the theme of life cycles. three generated landforms will respond to the natural topography, resembling an unfurling leaf which reveals the hub as the site’s focal element.

placed between two earth mounds, the timber structure will reveal itself to visitors across the luscious meadows which will eventually spread and grow upon the roof of the building. the cafe’s outdoor seating area looks towards the south towards a birch tree woodland and olympic venues. a hardwood lining forms outdoor seating and blends into the interior while the cladding’s vertical detailing creates a dialogue with surrounding trees. a large grass area will provide space for family picnics and gather.

view of hub from south

points of interest within the site include a hazel copse which will be selectively harvested every seven years to maintain the species along with a den making and bug hotel area for children to play within the environment and explore in nature. large-scale timber and stone seed heads will be dispersed throughout the grounds with phrases and facts. a sand and water element will let visitors become water engineers, damming and manipulating water flows to irrigate plant beds. robust swing installations will accommodate groups of individuals while a skate park brings interest to the area after the games come to an end.

view of hub building from north play area

entering the hub

view through the multi purpose room towards hazel woodland

view of water play area

view of rock landscape

view of pine forest play structures

landscape master plan 1. hub building 2. events lawn 3. hazel copse 4. den making & bug hotel 5. movement area 6. seed heads play 7. sand & water play 8. life cycle story of plants 9. the pine forest 10. large scale swings 11. rock landscape 12. skate park

floor plan / level 0 1. cafe 2. cafe covered external space 3. kitchen 4. reception 5. foyer 6. admin 7. staff accessible WC and shower 8. security 9. teapoint 10. prayer room 11. part M WCs and baby change 12. female WCs 13. male WCs 14. services 15. storage 16. multipurpose room 17. mp r covered external space

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