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London 2012 Paralympics

A Brand New Venue

A Brand New Venue

Small group of students coming up with ideas during a workship

What does it take to create a brand new venue?

ODA Construction Kit resources provided:

  • Architect’s plans for two venues.

Plan of the Olympic Park - 1767.14kb.
VEL 02 Olympic Plan - 1767.14kb

Compare and contrast the designs for two of the venues on the Olympic Park. They investigate:

  • What decisions has the architect made to reflect the nature of the sport?
  • What materials have been selected and where have they been used?
  • How does the venue design meet sustainable criteria?
  • What features make the venue good for different users; for example, Olympic and Paralympic athletes, coaches, spectators and the media?

Outcome

Write a brief report in which they summarise criteria they think are important for the design of venues at the Olympic Park. Talk about the best sub-headings to include, for example:

  • supporting athletes pushing past their person best and setting new records.
  • achieving sustainability targets.
  • giving spectators an unforgettable experience.

Extension

  • Look at the following list of design values which were the core requirements for each venue. Can you work out what is meant by each value? (Answers in brackets). Now give one example of how each core value has been met in the design of one of the venues.

Design values:

  • Exchange (ensuring the design provides a viable legacy).
  • Use (ensuring the venue is successful, inclusive, safe and secure).
  • Image (deliver designs with innovation, creativity and excellence).
  • Social (designs reinforce social identity, inclusive design and encourage civic pride).
  • Cultural (invokes inspiration and a sense of place).
  • Environment (promotes equity and biodiversity, minimises the consumption of resources and impact on climate change).

After the Games

  • Research the design features which enable the venue to be adapted for alternative use after the Games. For example, temporary seating in the Aquatics Centre and modular units in the IBC/MPC.