Ok, as there doesn't seem to be a specific Velodrome thread, this seems like a good story to start one:


Welcome to the velodrome
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-olympics/article-23552044-details/Welcome+to+the+velodrome/article.do
Laura Clout
08.09.08
Related Articles

Olympic triple gold medallist Chris Hoy today unveiled the design for London's VeloPark, where Britain's cyclists aim to recreate their Beijing success.

The 2012 venue, at the north of the Olympic Park, will include a 6,000-seat velodrome and 400 metre BMX circuit.

Underneath a spectacular "floating" roof will be a glazed concourse, offering views of London's skyline.

The building has been designed by Hopkins Architects, who say it is intended to be lightweight and efficient - reflecting the workings of a bicycle. The venue will also be linked to cycle routes across the capital.

The £80 million budget, one of the Olympic Park's largest, now dwarfs the original bid figure of £28 million.

Olympics chiefs say the concept has since been expanded to house a one-mile road cycle circuit and 6km mountain bike course.

These facilities, to be created after the Games, will form part of the 2012 legacy, catering for cyclists of all abilities. A spokesman for the Olympic Delivery Authority said: "The current budget is for a venue with a much wider range of facilities and the design now includes a road cycle circuit and a mountain bike track to be completed after 2012. It's about providing a permanent world-class cycling facility for London."

Hoy, the first Briton in 100 years to win three gold medals at the same Olympic Games, said he hoped the building would boost the popularity of cycling.

"Becoming Olympic champion simply wouldn't have been possible without the local cycling facilities I used when I was growing up, so I'm delighted to help launch the designs of the London 2012 VeloPark, which will provide first-class facilities for cyclists of all ages and abilities," he said.

The cyclist visited the site this morning with Boris Johnson, Lord Coe, chairman of Games organisers Locog, and ODA chief executive David Higgins. The Mayor said the venue would be an " outstanding iconic landmark"-adding: "I can't wait to see the finished structure packed to the rafters, cheering on Team GB cyclists as once again they go for gold in 2012."

The design team, which also includes Expedition Engineering, sustainability consultants BDSP and regeneration experts Grant Associates, was chosen last summer.

Their initial concept has been tweaked after consultation with local user groups and cycling experts.

The double-curved roof structure, to be clad in 288 exposed timber panels, reflects the geometry of the cycling track. A continuous ribbon of windows underneath will allow a view of the track from outside, and offer spectators-inside a vista of the rest of the Olympic Park.

To make the building as environmentally friendly as possible the design uses daylight to reduce electric lighting and allows natural ventilation. Water saving fittings allow the collection of rainwater for use inside.

Construction is due to begin next spring by builders ISG.

The release of the plans follows the opening of the £4.5 million Redbridge Cycling Centre last month. This replaced the Eastway Cycle Circuit. which was demolished to make way for the Olympic venue.


http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2008/09/welcome-to-the-velodrome-415x275.jpg
http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2008/09/welcome-to-the-velodrome-bmx-415x275.jpg
http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2008/09/welcome-to-the-velodrome-inside-415x275.jpg

JduyxcaePFE

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2838958857_a2cf1f5051_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2838958887_b2773e1420_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2838966655_d92d67877a_b.jpg

The site today:

Looking north
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2838958853_467f0c3038_b.jpg

South-east
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2838958845_19eb6527a0_b.jpg

South
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2838958841_d0581df79a_b.jpg

South
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/2838958831_8df21321ab_b.jpg

Very nice indeed - who says there aren't going to be any iconic structures on the Olympic site?

Very nice, a bit polite, but good!

"The double-curved roof structure, to be clad in 288 exposed timber panels"
So they finally kept wood as the preferred material for the roof?

Well the wood is the facade, not specifically the roof, which is steel. But yes, I imagine now they are keeping the wood.

Love it, elegant, non intrusive, and fits in with the resst of the park and main arenas (aquatic centre).

Can't wait to see all these grow over the next few years :)

This and the Aquatic building (in legacy mode) are both stunning - lets hope Boris doesnt want to demolish them after the games so he doesnt have to pay for their upkeep.

I was originally worried about the new roof, but the whole building looks fantastic! I LOVE it! :D

That is going to be Magnificent. I'm a big fan of Hopkins' work and I've no doubt that the real thing will look ten times as good as the renders.

Looks brilliant, clean, focused design that isn't too fussy or over the top, lets just hope the sky is as blue on the renders in 2012, and not as wet as the photos of the site now!!
We need to increase our carbon output to speed up global warming, and seed the clouds :yes:

If the sky was THAT blue I'd be worried to be honest.

One thing comes to mind, why does Zaha's building have to be mutated with those wings and this building stay in its present state after the games? Which is a far far better situation. I really like the design, a very elegant solution which I'm sure will be executed very well by Hopkins.

One thing comes to mind, why does Zaha's building have to be mutated with those wings and this building stay in its present state after the games?

Hadid blew her budget on too many curves.

Personally if they sorted out the aquatics centres wings or just made the bloddy building bigger to accommodate the seating I really do believe that the complaints about the Olympics being cheapened would just not happen. Was not the swimming the most popular of sports in the Beijing Olympics? so why do we have to have a botched non legacy mode building?

Because it was designed too big for the site it was being built on.

Also a 20,000 capacity (easily filled during the games) is totally unsustainable in legacy mode, so something had to change anyway in the design from games mode to legacy - just she and the ODA have caused it to be a rather inelegant transition.

Excellent, that's really quite beautiful. I'm so glad the wood cladding stays.

Not a bad effort on the outside, looks like a giant curvy wood cabin, but not keen on the interior. Too claustrophobic. Would prefer a lot more natural light.

Very nice! Love the exterior.
Hoperfully they improve on the interior roof. Looks a bit confrence centre-ish.

Although to be honest, if you were there, just finished watching a final between two British teams you wouldn't say 'What an amazing race! Shame about the roof'

The exterior looks wonderful, lovely curves and fits in well with the surroundings, should be great!

Not a bad effort on the outside, looks like a giant curvy wood cabin, but not keen on the interior. Too claustrophobic. Would prefer a lot more natural light.

It would be good if the whole roof was glass.

Still love the design though, it's kinda slick yet understated

£12m deal guarantees 25-year legacy for Olympics velopark
(http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-olympics/article-23557576-details/12m+deal+guarantees+25-year+legacy+for+Olympics+velopark/article.do)Matthew Beard, Sports News Correspondent
19.09.08

The sports legacy of the Olympic cycling complex has been secured.

Games chiefs have agreed a £ 12million plan which guarantees that the velopark facilities will be used by a mix of schools, community clubs and top riders from across London and the South-East for 25 years.

In a major boost to the Evening Standard's campaign for a sports legacy from the 2012 Games, it is the first purpose-built venue to secure its future.

The £80million velopark consists of a 6,000-capacity velodrome and 6,000-capacity BMX circuit.

After the Olympics, mountain bike trails and a mile-long road circuit will be added as the new home for the Eastway Cycle Club which has been forced to relocate for the Games.

Annual running costs of £500,000 have been underwritten by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority which owns a fifth of the land in the 500-acre Olympic Park.

Under a deal struck with cycling's national governing body, British Cycling, the velodrome will become the training base for the region's best riders while the "infield" will be used by novice riders.

Shaun Dawson, chief executive of the authority, said: "After 2012, the velopark will be the cycling hub for London and the South- East. Schoolchildren and families will be able to cycle alongside Olympics champions whether it is in BMX, mountain biking or track racing."

The deal has been agreed with the London Development Agency which will set out the business plan for the velodrome - including ownership of the facility - in its Legacy Masterplan Framework which will be published early next year. The agency has an annual budget of £18million to run a 10,000-acre park which stretches 26 miles from the Olympic zone to Hertfordshire. As the landowner, it will also be responsible for the Eton Manor site in the north of the Olympic park and the £30million white-water canoe venue in Broxbourne Showgrounds.

Eton Manor will stage paralympic archery and wheelchair tennis. After the Games the tennis courts will be retained and a hockey stadium will be built as the likely home for the national hockey federation.

The white-water canoe venue will be created with water from six wells sunk deep into the ground. A 300-metre Olympic course will be five metres from the highest to lowest point with temporary stands for 16,000 spectators. A 150-metre "legacy loop" for hobby paddlers will open in 2010.

The venue will pay its way after 2010 by offering "white knuckle" rides in six-man boats at weekends from April to October. During the week sessions will be available for elite paddlers. A clubhouse for Games officials will be turned into classrooms and a café. The venue was confirmed this year after the previous site six miles away was deemed too expensive to decontaminate.

I love the way the ES is somehow trying to take credit for this legacy with their campaign for sports legacy.

When they are not writing negative articles on the Olympics they are trying to claim credit elsewhere.Classic!!

Could someone please tell me exactly where this Broxbourne white water site is - is it on the site of the park or a few miles away?

Broxbourne is a good 10-15 miles to the north/north-west of Stratford. Close to the M25.

A pointer, the Canoe Course is actually not going to be built in Broxbourne as it's name would suggest, it will infact be built in Waltham Cross. The original site was in Broxbourne, but due to contamination the venue was relocated a few miles south.

New photos on the 2012 site:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/3062878197_fe902b7437_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/3063727938_52b73ede04_b.jpg

Construction proper is due to start around Feb.

http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/6.jpg
http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/ovp_model_view_interior.jpg
http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/ovp_sectional_model_facade_view.jpg
http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/ovp_sectional_perspective.jpg
http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/080904_ovp_vw3_approach.jpg
http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/080904_ovp_vw4_cricket.jpg
http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/080904_ovp_vw6_piazza.jpg
http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/080904_ovp_vw5_bridge.jpg
http://www.hopkins.co.uk/usr/images/projects/131/project_page/thumbs/h_456/080904_ovp_vw7_stratford.jpg

Clean-up hits velodrome
(http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23595012-details/Clean-up+hits+velodrome/article.do)Matthew Beard, Sports News Correspondent
01.12.08

The cost of the 2012 velodrome could rise above its budgeted £80 million as workers remove hundreds of tonnes of rubbish from the site.

The unexpected contamination was discovered by the Olympic Delivery Authority as it prepared to lay the foundations of the 6,000-seat track cycling venue. Now up to 500 tonnes of domestic and industrial waste is being removed from the site per day.

The velodrome will be built in the north of the Olympic Park in Stratford on the site of a 100-year-old tip.

A spokesman for the ODA said complications with earthworks had caused "cost pressures" which did not necessarily mean the velopark, which includes the BMX venue, would break its £80million budget.

The cycling stadium is being designed and built by ISG as part of a package of works which includes transforming the site afterwards to include an outdoor cycle speedway circuit, a 1.6 kilometre road racing circuit and a mountain bike course. A design competition was judged by leading names from the world of architecture and design, as well as Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Chris Hoy.

In April this year the ODA confirmed that the cost of the facilities had almost tripled from the original bid figure of £28 million.

The ODA spokesman said: "Difficult ground conditions and detailed foundation design have put pressures on the budget for the velodrome.

"We are working closely with the contractor to manage these projected cost pressures and continue to maximise savings right across the project."

Construction of the velodrome is due to begin in 2009 and finish in early 2011, to allow for test events before the Games.The budget concerns with the cycling venue come as Boris Johnson confirmed that funds from the Homes and Communities Agency will be allocated to the Olympic Village.

The public money will be used to plug a funding gap after money from developer Lend Lease dried up.

A spokeswomen for the Mayor said: "The accommodation in the Olympic Village will be converted into permanent housing. A proportion of these homes will then be sold or let as affordable housing.

"Funding from the Homes and Communities Agency budget is being made available, on the same basis as funding for any affordable housing, to meet the costs of these homes." The details of the funding will be agreed next month.

This is Omnisport Apeldoorn and the similarities are scary.

Grass embankment around the venue with access via stairs.
Glass concourse.
Similar facade shape.
Similar roof shape.
Similar stadium bowl with vomitories in similar positions

http://www.apeldoorn.nl/data/TER/docs/leven/bouwen/omnisportcentrum/webalbum/BouwOmnisportcentrum2008/photos/photo69.jpg
http://www.apeldoorn.nl/data/TER/docs/leven/bouwen/omnisportcentrum/webalbum/BouwOmnisportcentrum2008/photos/photo64.jpg
http://www.apeldoorn.nl/data/TER/docs/leven/bouwen/omnisportcentrum/webalbum/BouwOmnisportcentrum2008/photos/photo67.jpg

That is very similar indeed. And the good thing is it looks great!

Our roof is concave, whilst theirs is convex. And I'm fairly certain ours won't have a tennis court in the middle of it! :)

The biggest difference though, of course, are the surroundings. London wins hands down there! ;)

Our roof is concave, whilst theirs is convex. And I'm fairly certain ours won't have a tennis court in the middle of it! :)


True.

Planning documents for the velo.

http://planning.london2012.com/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=K70RG8SZK0000

Construction photos from the 2012 website:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/3098477182_9475c9ddba_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3098477176_0013d0418b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3098477172_1d28aabbb1_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/3098477166_615ffec080_b.jpg

...that's a nice big circle to cycle around. Why waste money on the actual building?

Getting up to speed with London 2012 Velodrome
(http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=453&storycode=3129774&c=2)12 December 2008
By Catherine Croft

Hopkins Architects’ Mike Taylor and Expedition Engineering’s Andrew Weir talk to Catherine Croft about the challenges of designing with bikes in mind

Architect Hopkins Architects
Location Stratford, east London

“The bicycle is a model of efficiency,” says Mike Taylor, director at Hopkins Architects and a keen cyclist. The roof of the Beijing Velodrome made a direct, formal reference with its spoke-like form, and while he takes the same starting point, his is a less literal approach.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/v/y/k/VeloPark_layout_ready.jpg

Taylor argues that a roof is doing a very different job to a wheel. But, like a modern racing bicycle, the roof for the London 2012 Velodrome he has developed with Andrew Weir, an associate director at Expedition Engineering, has been engineered down to become an “elegant, efficient diagram”.

Despite it being inevitably dubbed the Giant Pringle, he anticipates that it will be “a beautiful thing”. He and Weir are both proud of the fact that while the Beijing roof, which was for a stadium with a similar number of seats, used 65kg of steel per sq m, theirs will need only 30kg per sq m. It will also be very well insulated.

A similar efficiency ethos has been applied to the overall building envelope. Weir says that they wanted to create a building “shrink-wrapped onto the form of the track”, an analogy which recalls super-tight cycling clothing. And of course, the steeply banked track itself is an exciting object. “We wanted to reflect the geometry and drama,” says Taylor.

It was Hopkins Architects that assembled the team which won the high-profile competition for this project, drawing in engineer BDSP to ensure services were fully integrated, and landscape architect Grant Associates.

What especially appealed was the challenge of working on a building type of which there is no other indoor example in London.

Also, unlike many of the other Olympic structures, this one will not change radically after the games — it will retain all 6,000 seats, although changes will be made to the surrounding Velo Park.

Both Weir and Taylor emphasise that a key point of their pitch was that this was to be “legacy velodrome”. The use to which it will be put after the Olympics was as important to them as the staging of the event.

Central to this was transparency at concourse level. Most velodromes are solid, and you can neither see what is going on inside from the exterior, or have any awareness of surrounding activity when you are inside. By splitting the seating into two tiers, a 3m-high band of clear glazing will be run around the entire perimeter, helping to draw visitors in even when no big event is being staged.

Doing this will mean that an empty upper tier will be less dominant when only a small number of spectators are present. Even with the increase in British cycling after success in Beijing, there will still only be about four potential sell-out events a year.

That sweeping roof form is also explained in practical terms — the most expensive seating at cycle tracks is beside the start/finish line rather than with vertiginous views of the banking at each end. Stacking up seating at these points, as well as the double curvature, gives structural stiffness.

Work on the velodrome, which will be sited in the northern half of the Olympic Park, begins early next year, with completion expected at least a year before the games open, allowing time for test events to be held.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/r/d/h/Velodrome_3Approach1_ready.jpg

Roof Structure
The basic structure of the roof is a cable net, a criss-cross of tensile members held at the perimeter. Engineer Andrew Weir draws an analogy with the taut strings of a tennis racket. This solution was chosen in large part because it will be fast to erect, but it will also be light and efficient.

While some cable net roofs require pyramid supports or masts, this one will be less flamboyantly anchored to a ring beam. The double-curve form means this horizontal truss will have a complex form, like “steelwork off a roller coaster,” says architect Mike Taylor.

It is fixed to a ring of 48 individual ribs. These steel trusses cantilever off fair-faced in-situ concrete piers at the base. Critically, the net has been designed so that it can be laid out on the ground for each node to be clamped in place at a pre-marked position before the whole structure is raised into position and tensioned. The cables have already been ordered and, with a diameter of 36mm, will be the largest spiral-strand galvanised steel cable available — any larger and the only option would have been locked coil cables, which require more complex fittings.

In order to minimise the problem of off-centre loading, pairs of cables about 150mm apart in each direction are used to form a tartan grid, with 3.6m between each pair, or a 2m gap where a rooflight will be inserted. The nodes are to be detailed by the contractor, but it is assumed they too will be galvanised steel, and will each weigh about 60kg. They will carry all bolt-on service elements such as lighting, a public address system and fire detection equipment.

Low-impact materials have been chosen where possible, and passive strategies adopted. The void between the seating and the cassettes will house air-handling equipment. Taylor describes this area as “the lungs” of the building and the ventilation louvres in the timber classing as its “gills”.

The rooflights minimise the need for artificial light, while the building will be heated for events as warmer air helps competitors go faster.

A roof this big will collect a huge amount of water, and there is a rainwater harvesting system. There are only two internal downpipes, one at each end, fed by a gutter attached outboard of the ring beam.

The anticipated volume exceeds anything on standard computational fluid dynamics scales and hoppers about 3m wide will be needed — a scale model of the hopper to downpipe connection is being made to make sure this crucial detail will perform.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/n/j/m/BD_Dec_12__17.jpg


Roof Covering and Cladding
Cable net roofs are not new, but to date most have supported little more than a fabric skin. Here, a high level of insulation was required. The roof will be formed of panel units or cassettes, to be detailed by the contractor. For structural reasons and to allow for differential tolerance levels, panels must only rest on the nodes at each corner and must not impose direct loads along the cables between. Most will be 3.6 x 3.6m solid units, plus strips of narrower rooflight units made up in a similar way.

Four cranes will drop the panels into place, while the roof will be temporarily weatherproofed with fold-over strips between the cassettes. On top of this, a vapour membrane and Calzip aluminium cladding will be placed. The Calzip will be extruded on site to minimise onsite welding — each 130m span will come in a single piece 400mm wide and will be fixed to T sections screwed to the cassettes.

The upper portion of each rib will also support the exterior cladding in the form of 288 long, tapered timber cassettes. Six vertically stacked cassettes will span each bay — a width of about 8m — and these will be overclad with timber rainscreen panels.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/r/a/j/Roof_photo_ready.jpg

Each panel unit will be highly insulated.

Track design
The Olympic events require a 250m-long timber track with banking up to 42 degrees. The ODA, with British gold medal winner Chris Hoy as an adviser, called in former Australian cycling champion Ronald Vincent Webb.

Webb, who now lives in England, is expert at designing tracks where speed records can be spectacularly broken. Since 1970, his consultancy has constructed over 60 tracks worldwide. Most have been temporary installations at indoor arenas, but he has also had design-and-build contracts for the centenary rebuild of the Herne Hill track in south-east London, the British National Cycling Centre track in Manchester, and the Welsh National Cycling Centre at Newport, as well as others in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand and Taiwan.

His designs have been credited with playing a key part in the recent British Olympic cycling successes, and he contributed to a comprehensive guide to the design of cycling facilities launched by Sport England and British Cycling in 2003.

The London 2012 track will be the latest refinement of the ever-evolving Ron Webb approach, and as such will be a precision machine aimed at shaving a further fraction off the records.

Go-ahead for Hopkins Velopark (http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=426&storycode=3129756&c=1&encCode=00000000018af460)
12 December 2008
By Marguerite Lazell

Hopkins Architects’ 2012 Velopark was approved by the Olympic Delivery Authority planning committee on Tuesday night, the last of the permanent Olympic sporting venues to get the go-ahead.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/k/c/g/velopark_59_ready.jpg

The approved design will see the centrepiece of the scheme — the “Pringle-shaped” velodrome — partially sunk below ground level, so the building is only 22m high.

Previously, the building would have stood almost 60m tall but the design team opted for the sunken approach to reduce the impact of high winds and help create a more shallow valley profile in the northern end of the Olympic Park.

Earth dug up to make way for the velodrome will also be used in the construction of the BMX venue, reducing the amount of material being transported on and off the site.

Cabe’s design review panel praised the velodrome, but criticised the landscaping strategy to transform the venue from Olympic to legacy use, describing it as “particularly worrying”.

Evaluating the potential legacy of the site, the panel said: “We are concerned the same degree of critical thinking [as applied to cycle circuits] has not yet been given to how this challenging technical environment will be opened up to pedestrians, everyday cyclists, and to those with physical disabilities.

“We would strongly object to a landscape masterplan based on the illustrative material provided, given its apparent lack of appreciation of this issue. Its failure to either suggest key pedestrian routes or create convincing spaces out of the landscape is particularly worrying.”

Responding to Cabe’s concerns, the ODA said: “Getting the legacy park right is of paramount importance… this will be subject of a separate planning application… submitted in due course.”

sometimes CABE needs to shut up.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/Graphic/d/f/k/BD-Dec-12;-16.gif

1. Safety zone
2. Track
3. Arena lower tier seats
4. Arena upper tier seats
5. Air handling unit
6. Glazed perimeter
7. Concrete pier
8. Landscaped berm
9. Wood-clad perimeter bowl
10. Ring beam
11. Catenary cable
12. Insulated roof panel approx 3.6m x 3.6m
13. Rooflight
14. Hold-down cable

sometimes CABE needs to shut up.

Why?

The approved design will see the centrepiece of the scheme — the “Pringle-shaped” velodrome — partially sunk below ground level, so the building is only 22m high.

Previously, the building would have stood almost 60m tall but the design team opted for the sunken approach to reduce the impact of high winds and help create a more shallow valley profile in the northern end of the Olympic Park.

Eh, this is a dramatic change isn't it? How will that affect the transparent facade?

How can it just drop two thirds in height? Am I missing something?

Or is this old news and merely highlighting the differences between this:

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/468xAny/a/y/d/Velodrome_hopkins_HP.jpg

and this?

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/r/d/h/Velodrome_3Approach1_ready.jpg

Yes.

Why?

they make good suggestions but at times they find something to moan about like a bunch of grannies

CABE Design review
(http://cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=2895)Velopark
Velodrome and permanent BMX track for the London 2012 Olympic Games with seating for 6,000 spectators.

Review date: 21 November 2008
Lead designer: Hopkins Architects
Client: Olympic Delivery Authority
Local authority: Olympic Delivery Authority
Location: Velodrome, Olympic Park, London
Region: London
Categories: Sport

Summary
We think the Velodrome has the potential to be an elegant landmark marking the northern edge of the Olympic Park. It will be important to ensure the elegance of the design is achieved in the specifics of the architecture. We also encourage the application of the same rigour and commitment demonstrated in the design of the building to create an appropriate landscape setting of similarly high quality to allow the building to shine. It will be essential to develop a landscape strategy for the Velopark in Legacy that defines how the wider landscape will function for all users of the Park, not just for cyclists.

Architectural expression
We understand the reasons for simplifying the complex roof shapes of the competition scheme, especially in the light of the overrun on the budget. We are encouraged that the design of the Velodrome successfully recaptures the spirit of the original. However, the success of this design will depend on how effectively the building form is expressed in the detail, for example, by ensuring that the timber cladding is articulated so that it is integral to the bowl form to heighten its impact. We would also encourage the design team to ensure that the internal volume is detailed to achieve an impressive spectator space comparable in impact to that imagined for the original double curved design. It would be unfortunate if elements such as plastic seating in the upper bowl detracted from the potential wonder of this space. We welcome the principle of providing views in and out of the building at concourse level and we welcome the measures to mitigate the impact of low direct sunlight.

We continue to support the concept of the floating roof form. We welcome the evolution of the roof from a steel to a hybrid cablenet/glulam structure which reduces the prominence of the piers supporting it so that it appears to be held up by a ribbon of glass, as originally intended. The impact of the roof detailing and the quality and durability of the roof finish will be critical. We would expect the Kalzip standing seam aluminium roof system to have been fully tested to ensure the implications of using this material are fully understood. The form of the roof lights will be an essential element in the roof design, both in terms of structure and cladding. We are pleased to note that the rooflights will sit flush with the roof itself.

We acknowledge the reasons for not making use of photovoltaic panels in this instance.

The handling of the interface between the timber bowl, gutter, and the roof edge will need careful consideration both in terms of visual impact and in respect of the detailing of the gutter. We are pleased with the resolution of the continuous gutter set behind the roof edge which should help manage water run off effectively. However, it will be important to anticipate the degree of shelter offered by the bowl to visitors on rainy days and how the timber will weather, having particular regard to the potential for staining around the panel fixings. It will be critical for all aspects of the roof and bowl design to be conditioned appropriately.

Landscape setting
It is essential to consider how the Velodrome relates to its immediate landscape setting, as well as how people will use the Velopark both during and after Games. The building should be seen to integrate fully into the site’s varied topography and the anticipated route network for Legacy. In terms of the sectional relationship, it will be important to achieve a sculptural landscape that responds to the building form. As proposed, the immediate landscape setting is a formal set piece. Therefore, the formal berm structure requires a clear idea of how the transition from ground level to level +17 (concourse level) is resolved, including the handling of the edge conditions. We understand that the slopes that define the berm structure are to be planted. This could play well against the building, and help one understand the distinction between the building and the landscape. However, this will only work if robust planting, such as the ivy suggested, is chosen; grass, which would require continued upkeep, may not achieve the desired effect. We acknowledge the use of a balustrade at concourse level. We advise that this is consistent with the palette of streetscape materials proposed for the Park at large.

The local authority should also assure itself that the ramps and steps cutting across the berm structure reinforce its form and ensure ease of access to the venue and routes passing the venue. The transition in levels from landscape to berm and venue will need to be handled effectively to ensure that access to and within the venue is intuitive, legible and functional for all users both in Olympic and Legacy modes. The local authority should satisfy itself that the proposals comply with current access regulations. The resolution of all these details will be critical in defining the relationship between the berm, stadium bowl and the roof structure above. Achieving the right solution will add strength and clarity to the roof form and ensure that it ‘floats’ over the landscape, as envisaged in the competition scheme.

The local authority should also assure itself that car parking is integrated into the landscape to respond sympathetically to the geometry of the building and site. Travel distances from the disabled car park to the venue will also need to be taken into account.

Velopark layout in Legacy
We recognise the challenge faced by the design team in proposing a solution for the wider Velopark without the benefit of a finalised plan for the Olympic Park agreed by the Lee Valley Park Authority, ODA and LDA. We also acknowledge the effort in resolving the mechanics of accommodating the cycle circuits and trails on the south side of the road within the Velopark. However, we are concerned that the same degree of thinking has not yet been given to how this challenging technical environment will be opened up to pedestrians, everyday cyclists, and to those with physical disabilities. We would strongly object to a landscape masterplan based on the illustrative scheme provided in the planning application given its apparent lack of appreciation of this issue. Its failure to either suggest key pedestrian routes, or create convincing spaces out of the landscape is particularly worrying. Unless this is addressed, there is a risk that the landscape could alienate local communities and visitors seeking to use the Velopark and the key links in this part of the wider park network.

In order to address these shortcomings, the Velopark landscape plan will need to use the technical requirements for the circuits to determine the optimum physical dimensions for spaces within the Velopark. This would assist in reconciling the technical requirements of the cyclist with the everyday needs of the pedestrian while keeping restricted fenced areas to a minimum. While these aspects are being resolved, operating principles for the site could be established. These principles should define key pedestrian routes, (for example, from Stratford City, via the Velodrome north over the A12, or along the river) and the character and function of spaces within the Velopark, differentiating between the busy cycle tracks, and the safe and quieter through paths. This work should also address management and maintenance strategies for the landscape ‘islands’ created within the cycle circuits which, as illustrated, would be isolated and neglected over time. It should also ensure that hard surfaces remain free of street clutter. In the case of the piazza space to the south of the Velodrome, as the connection to Stratford City and the key southern entrance into the site, this route should be as obvious and straightforward as possible.

It will be essential for this plan to demonstrate how pedestrian and cycle routes will work with the topography and weave between cycle tracks, to anticipate desire lines to the northern parts of the Park from the Stratford area and the southern part of the Park. This should define the degree of higher level planting to be established as part of the choreography of the circuit. There should be a particular focus on defining the experience of crossing the bridge over the A12 from Eton Manor and bridge C01 to the Velodrome, which will function as the main entrance into the Olympic Park from the north. The design team should work closely alongside the landscape and Legacy Masterplan design teams to develop a co-ordinated approach to resolve this, as well as a comprehensive strategy for the function and character of the bridge crossings identified over the River Lea. These discussions should consider the design and layout of fencing and lighting for the circuits to understand their impact on the character of the Park, the implications for pedestrian movement and disabled access, and the continuity of free public use.

Furthermore, the proposals for the Park and Public Realm and the Legacy masterplan will need to recognise the importance placed on the key views both from and towards the Velodrome highlighted by the Velopark submission. Unless these are secured, the experience of this impressive venue could be substantially diminished.

Conclusion
The design team should continue its dialogue with the Lee Valley Park Authority, the ODA and LDA to create a landscape setting that respects the integrity of the Velodrome as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Olympic Park and which creates the circumstances for it to shine. We are confident that the landscape approach identified for the berm structure can be secured through conditions. However, questions remain over how the Park landscape will work beyond the immediate confines of the Velodrome, who will be charged with delivering and maintaining it, and how it will integrate with the landscape proposals outside the red line boundary. The local authority should be confident that during the Games and Legacy the Velopark will promote ease of movement for all and secure the creation of an environment that functions as an inspiring venue for cyclists and welcoming park for everyone.

I love it, and I really like how they have the BMX track in the foreground so that it gives us something nice in the background when we're watching.. it is very polite, as already mentioned.. but its very 'green' looking, very natural and organic.. what these Games are all about, I'm gaining more and more faith in the development.

I can see what they are doing with the design... Looks like a Velodrome track

They will be stating construction later on this month.

Jowell blames contamination for velodrome budget hike
(http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=284&storycode=3134123&c=1)17 February, 2009
By Olivia Boyd

Olympic minister says £25m rise was caused by 'poor ground conditions'

The £25m rise in the budget for the Olympic velodrome was caused by “poor ground conditions”, Tessa Jowell has said.

In answer to a parliamentary question from shadow Olympics minister Hugh Robertson, Jowell said contamination levels were more extensive than originally assessed.

The problem had been exacerbated by a decision to move the velodrome slightly to the west as part of a masterplan review in 2007.

She said: “The level of contamination on this site was more extensive than originally assessed and this contributed to the overall increase of £25m in the Velopark budget to £105m.

“Once the full extent of the ground conditions was known, design and ground modelling studies were undertaken which produced an accurate estimate of the potential costs.”

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=437&storycode=3136644&c=1


More velocity

Boris Johnson’s grasp of the 2012 Olympics has surprised some of the architects actually building the venues. Having introduced themselves as the designers of the Velo Park at Mipim last week, staff from Hopkins were slightly alarmed when the mayor asked them if the building was finished. In fact, the project goes on site next month.

:bash::ohno:

My conscious is clear. I didn't vote for this man and never will.

At least he is the best joke Londoners have produced lately. :D

Looks good to me.

http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=284&storycode=3136969&c=1

ISG starts work on 2012 velodrome

25 March, 2009

By Olivia Boyd

Pile driving opens construction phase on Hopkins' design for world's fastest cycling track

Construction has begun on the Olympic velodrome, which the government hopes will be the fastest cycling track in the world by 2012.

The 6,000-seat venue, designed by Hopkins Architects, is being built by contractor ISG on the site of the former West Ham tip.

It will host the Olympic and Paralympic indoor track cycling events during the Games and become an athletes' and community sports centre afterwards, including a café, bike hire facility, and cycle workshop.


Hopkins' design for the velodrome
Hopkins' design for the velodrome

Workers have started to install a network of around 900 piles driven up to 26m underground to form the venue foundations.

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said: “Today we've witnessed the start of construction of what, with the help of Sir Chris Hoy who helped design the velodrome, we hope will be the fastest track in the world for London 2012, helping Olympic and Paralympic cyclists better their awe-inspiring performances last summer.”

ISG chief executive officer David Lawther added: “After months of thorough planning, the construction team is delighted to now be focused on the physical delivery of the world's fastest velodrome. We all look forward to seeing the velodrome take shape as each programme milestone is reached in the run-up to 2012.”

Thats good news but a shame about the capacity. As an olympic sport Britain has fallen in love with cycling due to its success. In 2012 I wouldnt be suprised if its the hottest ticket in town. I think 10,000 would've been more appropriate.

2012 track 'will be the fastest in cycling history'
(http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23666684-details/2012+track+%27will+be+the+fastest+in+cycling+history%27/article.do)Matthew Beard, Sports News Correspondent
25.03.09

THE 2012 velodrome will have the fastest track in cycling history, Olympics chiefs pledged today.

As construction work began on the venue, the Olympic Delivery Authority forecast world records would tumble in the cycling arena.

http://www.building.co.uk/Pictures/web/d/k/x/Velodrome_2012_piling_main.jpg

It has ordered designers Hopkins Architects to build the steepest possible gradients on the curves of the track made of spruce to induce speed. Underground heating will also play its part by thinning the air thus allowing sprinters to shave fractions of a second off each lap at the 6,000-seater venue.

The velodrome in Stratford will also minimise draughts at track level, a requirement proposed by triple Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy who was consulted during design development.

However, designers must balance sprinters' track demands against those of the endurance riders who prefer a rounder, flatter track.

Track specialist Ron Webb - who created the velodromes for the Sydney Olympics and the Manchester Commonwealth Games - is overseeing the design. ODA chairman John Armitt said: "The success of our cyclists in Beijing and the growing popularity of cycling in the UK will help give us real momentum as we start construction work on the 2012 velodrome. The start of construction work is a milestone in our plans to create a world-class cycling venue with a record-breaking track for events in 2012 and the legacy of first-class facilities to help create the next generation of Olympic champions."

With the success of Britain's cyclists at last year's Olympics and this week's Track Cycling World Championships in mind, 2012 chairman Lord Coe said: "Britain leads the way in world cycling and deserves a world-class stage in 2012 so the start of work on time on a landmark new cycling venue for London is a significant milestone."

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: "Today we've witnessed the start of construction of what, with the help of Sir Chris Hoy, we hope will be the fastest track in the world for London 2012, helping Olympic and Paralympic cyclists better their awe-inspiring performances last summer."

The budget for the velodrome has been pushed to £105million by "more complex foundations and ground conditions", according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's annual report on the £9.3billion Olympic project.

Construction is due to finish Feb 2011. Plenty of time for test events and so forth.

From the london2012 website, taken April 15th.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3462574434_5a68459ebf_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3462574438_2c7b08eb1c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3462574446_77a563d51d_b.jpg

...Shouldn't the thread title read U/C by now?

Work on 2012 Olympic Velodrome progressing

The foundations of the 6,000 seat London 2012 Velodrome, which is being constructed by ISG, are now complete.


More than 900 piles have now been driven up to 26m beneath the ground to complete the foundations of the venue.

Work to construct the Velodrome’s concrete base structure is also now a third of the way through and the first above-ground columns are scheduled to appear in late June.

The venue, which is being built on the site of the former West Ham tip, will host the Olympic and Paralympic indoor track cycling events in 2012.

After the Games the Lee Valley Park Regional Authority will own, manage and fund the VeloPark, to be used by elite athletes and the local community.

http://www.cnplus.co.uk/technical/2012-olympics/work-on-2012-olympic-velodrome-progressing/5202654.article

...Shouldn't the thread title read U/C by now?

Indeed. It seems the thread title is slightly out of date...:lol:

i thought this would be a busier thread since its one of the better looking constructions, maybe its a bit early, looks like things will soon get going now though.

2012 Olympic Velodrome foundations complete

http://www.nce.co.uk/major-projects/london-2012-olympics/2012-olympic-velodrome-foundations-complete/5202732.article

http://i44.tinypic.com/r1zg3k.jpg

i thought this would be a busier thread since its one of the better looking constructions, maybe its a bit early, looks like things will soon get going now though.

I think the problem is that we haven't really got anything to get excited about in terms of images, plans etc. I think all we have is 1 flimsy watercolour design that doesn't really give us a great impression of whats going on in terms of specifics. It better be good otherwise it will be a real wasted opportunity.

This will be the best venue in terms of balance and pure aethetics imho. The stadium, being temporary was never going to be the most beautiful of venues and the impact of the aquatics centre will be lessened by its wings. This will probably look like the neatest whole venue, if you see what I mean. Hopkins do some great stuff and I'm confident this will really look good when it's done.

Can we get the thread title changed to U/C please?

The stadium, being temporary was never going to be the most beautiful of venues a

Not true. Temporary does not imply bland.

That's not what I said and I'm not disputing that.

What I did say was even the best temporary design will not look as good as the best permanent design, and what we have in the velodrome is a very, very good permanant design. A wood clad, organically shaped, glass fronted veldrome was always going to be aesthetically more pleasing than whatever temporary stadium concept was drawn up.

If the temporary stadium did turn out to be more beautiful than the velodrome or the aquatics centre there would be something wrong with the designs of the two smaller venues as there's no way a 2/3rd temporary stadium should outshine two permanent venues.

The London2012 website has now given the Velodrome its own webcam.

http://i28.tinypic.com/o7ttz9.jpg

I look forward to seeing this one evolve. And by the rate that all these buildings are going up it should be finished in under 18 months. Given the two opposite construction methods of the aquatics centre and the velodrome, I suspect we won't be seeing the roof structure emerging for a while yet.

You can also see the media centre u/c in that webcam.

The London2012 website has now given the Velodrome its own webcam.


I look forward to seeing this one evolve. And by the rate that all these buildings are going up it should be finished in under 18 months. Given the two opposite construction methods of the aquatics centre and the velodrome, I suspect we won't be seeing the roof structure emerging for a while yet.

This is supposed to complete around Feb2011

Can we get the thread title changed to U/C please?

*Cough*Cough*Mr Moderators - can we get the thread title changed to U/C please? As it's most definately under construction.

What makes you think this is U/C? - I still need a little more evidence! :):)

The London2012 website has now given the Velodrome its own webcam.

http://i28.tinypic.com/o7ttz9.jpg

.
looking good

Some of these threads need their titles updating.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3813973203_debe47a31b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3813973207_98afa8b4bf_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3813973211_29cc82a536_b.jpg

Wow.. when did this happen? I am still shocked at the speed of construction on the whole Olympic site, its fantastic, and I really like the design of the Velodrome.

Don't be fooled though, it's still in pre-planning apparantly!

^^ Yep, it's great how they're giving us such realistic renders of the construction phase isn't it? :)

Does anyone know when they're going to start building the thing though?

First roof column support appears to be in place.

Some rough drawings I created of the velodrome.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Vel1.pnghttp://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Vel2.pnghttp://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Vel3.pnghttp://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Vel4.png

Yum!

They really are going to call it the Pringle, though, aren't they :)

Very good drawings Mo :)

I'm worried about the windows in the roof making strange shadows on the track...

Yum!

They really are going to call it the Pringle, though, aren't they :)

Pringle? Mmmm. At least that's better than what many are calling the Aquatic Centre; it does look a bit like a tampax I have to admit. I think it's those wings.

just a polite note to inform you that tampax are infact of a slender cylindrical shape in the style of maybe a lipstick or even a mini pritt stick! what you are referring to is a sanitary towel which often come with wings and yes the aquatic centre is rather akin to the aformentioned feminine hygeine item.

Only got the one crap photo on the tour of this, but nothing much to see above ground anyway. Apparently this will be the fastest veldrome in the world with some kind of super duper new underfloor heating or something. Even the ODA call it the Pringle, so I guess the name will stick.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3934726628_05765b7c72_b.jpg

Looking at the webcam, looks like the metal roof supports are going up on the Velodrome, can now get a better idea of its shape, and yeah it still looks like a Pringle:lol:

Looks like you're ahead of Delhi 2010
http://www.london2012.com/plans/olympic-park/webcams/images/original/velodrome.jpg

Looking at the webcam, looks like the metal roof supports are going up on the Velodrome, can now get a better idea of its shape, and yeah it still looks like a Pringle:lol:

Roof supports due to be complete around mid November with the roof then being jacked up which should complete around the end of January.

No-one going to change the thread title? SHurely it's beyond pre-planning at this point no?

London 2012 Velodrome races ahead as North-West steel helps structure take shape (http://www.london2012.com/news/media-releases/2009-10/london-2012-velodrome-races-ahead-as-north-west-steel-helps-structure-take-s.php)
8 October 2009
london2012.com

New images released by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today show the construction of the London 2012 Velodrome racing ahead with work well underway on the structural steelwork that will help form the distinct double-curved shape of the venue.

The 6,000 seat Velodrome will host the Olympic and Paralympic Track Cycling events in 2012. The Velodrome design features a lower tier of 3,500 seats and an upper tier of 2,500 seats with the seating tiers divided by a 360 degree concourse level offering views over the Olympic Park and out to the London skyline.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3993054494_0064c20a3b_b.jpg

Construction work on the Velodrome began on schedule in March and the 360 degree concourse level is now nearing completion. Work is also now well underway to lift the first sections of structural steelwork into place to form the Velodrome roof structure and support the upper tiers of seating.

More than 2,500 sections of steelwork will be installed altogether to complete the roof structure and upper tier of the Velodrome. The steelwork sections rise in height by 12 metres from the shallowest point to the highest part of the structure, helping form the distinct double-curved roof structure which has been designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/3993054170_ffcb199207_b.jpg

At the track level of the venue, several sections of steelwork have already been installed in the lower tier of seating with the first pre-cast concrete terracing units now in place. Work on the steelwork that will support the cycling track is also now underway and due to be completed early next month.

Bolton-based company Watsons Steel is supplying the fabricated steel for Velodrome structure to the construction contractor in a deal worth over £3m.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3992295781_3178bcf866_b.jpg

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: 'The Velodrome will be another landmark new venue in the Olympic Park and with work underway on the structural steelwork we can begin to see the striking architecture of the Velodrome take shape. The good progress we are making on site keeps us on track to deliver a world-class stage for elite athletes in 2012 and the legacy of first-class facilities for a new generation of cyclists.

'Steel fabricated in the North West is playing an essential role in shaping the Velodrome and demonstrates the role that companies across the UK are playing in helping deliver the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games.'

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3992295413_32e66c41cf_b.jpg

After the 2012 Games, the legacy Velodrome will be used by elite athletes and the local community and will include a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities. A road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added to the Velodrome and BMX circuit to create a legacy VeloPark that will combine cycling facilities across all disciplines in one cycling ‘hub’.

The legacy VeloPark will be owned, funded and operated by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. The construction of the VeloPark facilities includes funding from Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), Sport England, Transport for London (TfL), and the London Marathon Charitable Trust (LMCT).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3993053118_dcd1b2a9e6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/3992294735_4bec74a6ab_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3993052336_4a4119105c_b.jpg

The abbatoir for all foreign opposition ! *Evil Grin*

Good work! It's getting built at a good pace.

The abbatoir for all foreign opposition ! *Evil Grin*

:D haha! They should addorn the ceiling space with the Gold medals of team GB! I hadn't realised that the Velodrome was so far advanced :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/4051995187_3e83d3f214_o.jpg

I love the design of this with the lower tier and upper tier split by a 360 degree band of natural light.

The steel supports are still on course for the end of November and hopefully, if goes to plan the roof supports start to go up.

http://i34.tinypic.com/fu82ed.jpg

Another crane is going up this morning as well as more steel. They really have picked up the pace here the last couple of weeks.

From East of England Development Agency - EEDA on flickr:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/4133418140_07412af498_b.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/3biens/Total%20Team%20Day/Velopark-VelodromTotalTeamMeeting28.jpghttp://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/3biens/Total%20Team%20Day/VeloparkdisplayTotalTeamMeeting28Ap.jpg

It says Account inactive. Can't see those images Mo.

I love the design of this with the lower tier and upper tier split by a 360 degree band of natural light.

Only after the Games though.

Only after the Games though.

How so?

How so?

The windows will be blacked out during the Games. As with any of the other venues with windows.

andywilkes on flickr:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/4188296043_08f6afbb82_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/5/buddyicons/73422480@N00.jpg?1110822865#73422480@N00 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/) Uploaded on December 25, 2009 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/archives/date-posted/2009/12/25/)
by tompagenet (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4213251080_b2a990c63f_b.jpg

Fastest in the world: the 2012 velodrome
(http://www.nce.co.uk/major-projects/london-2012-olympics/lifting-the-lid-on-the-2012-velodrome/5212729.article)14 January 2010
By Andrea Klettner

Construction of London 2012’s Velodrome is surging ahead with preparations for lifting the 5,000m² cable net roof well underway. Andrea Klettner reports ahead of this month’s big lifting operation.

Ask anyone to think of the London 2012 Olympics and what image is most likely to spring to mind? The controversial logo, of course, the main stadium and most probably architect Zaha Hadid’s wave-shaped Aquatics Centre.

“Everything is being done so that cycling is at the heart of it. We spent a lot of time talking to British Cycling.”Richard Arnold

But nestled in the northern end of the park is the true gem of the games − the Velodrome. Not only is it the most sustainable building on the East London site, but it also demonstrates an ingenuity of engineering and design that is rare in the UK.

The entire construction is centred on the track, which carries no light weight on its shoulders, with Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) officials declaring that they want it to be “the fastest in the world”.

“Everything is being done so that cycling is at the heart of it. We spent a lot of time talking to [UK cycling body] British Cycling and found out what is important,” says ODA project manager Richard Arnold.

Sound engineering

One of the main issues raised − and what gave the stadium its unique “Pringle” shape − is the need to have continuous crowd noise the whole way around the track.

Main contractor ISG divisional director Dean Goodliffe explains that the geometry of the building was heavily influenced by this fact.

“Professional cyclists say it can be distracting if there is a lot of noise on the straights.” Dean Goodliffe, ISG

“Professional cyclists said it can be very distracting if they’re cycling and there is a lot of noise on the straights but when they get to the bends it stops, and starts again when they exit,” he says.

“To ensure continuous noise we have built two or three rows of seats all the way around the lower tier, but the upper tier stops [at the bends]. This idea has influenced the shape of the whole building, especially the shape of the roof − it had to be pushed up at each side to make room for the seating.”

Creating “The world’s fastest track”

Before any work can start on the track the Velodrome needs to be conditioned environmentally It will be the first venue on the park to be hooked up to the on-site energy centre.

The velodrome will be fuelled by biomass wood chip, and heated to a constant temperature.

“The timber comes at a certain humidity, so the track needs to be installed once the temperature is settled at around 26oC,” explains Goodliffe.
“We’ve worked very closely with a world class track designer and we are currently going through an assessment of what wood to use,” says Goodliffe.
No company has been appointed to do the joining, which will be at its steepest and most complex on the banked ends of the Velodrome sitting at an angle of up to 48°.

The straights of the track measure 12° in comparison.

Work on the project began on schedule in March 2009, with the first stage seeing more than 900 piled foundations sunk up to 26m into the ground.

The continuous auger piles around the perimeter of the stadium make up the 48 radial grids forming the arena. Installing them took five weeks, with the geometry reflecting that of the track.

Taking shape

In September 2009 work started on the structural steelwork that will help form the distinct double-curved shape of the venue and support the upper tiers of seating. At its tallest this will rise in height by 12m to the highest part of the structure in the middle of the stadium.

At track level contractor Watson Steel Structures has installed several sections of steel with precast concrete terraces on the lower level of the track, giving a capacity of 2,600 when complete.

This work forms the base for the most spectacular part of the Velodrome − its cable net tension roof.

So far 16km of the 36mm cable, similar to that used on ski lifts, has been ordered. “The whole process for assembling the roof starts this month, says Goodliffe. “The cables are on a rotating drum and a tower crane is used to run them out. They are laid on the floor, which includes the central section of the track and the precast terracing in their final shape.”

An intricate process

There are roughly 3.6m between the junctions of the cables and at each crossing there is a forged steel node bolted around the twin cables. The node will allow movement of the cables, as well as providing support for the timber that makes up the top roof layer.

Lifting the roof, which reaches 136.5m at its widest span, will be one of the most complex and risky parts of the process and also starts this month.

“First the roof will be lifted to head height, where a safety net will be clipped on that covers some 60% of the area,” says Goodliffe. “The lift then carries on up to the final position.”

To date, three of the four tower cranes needed for the lift have been set up and 29 containers of equipment have been shipped over from Germany.

“The German manufacturers stretch out each of the cables, that are 250m long each, to their working load five times to pre-stress them,” saysGoodliffe. “Then they mark all the positions of the nodes to ensure installation is correct.”

Once the cable span roof − which can move 500mm under the most extreme weather conditions − is in place, 5,000m2 of western red cedar timber will be installed, followed by waterproof covering, a vapour barrier and an aluminium standing seam.

Sustainability

The Velodrome is set to be the greenest and most sustainable on the Olympic Park, embodying all of 2012’s ideals of becoming the greenest Games ever.

There is a high degree of rainwater harvesting from the roof, allowing use of grey water for toilets, and the building is naturally ventilated. Inlets allow air to come in just above the track, through holes in the precast concrete under the upper tier seating, and leave through high points near the roof. “We had to minimise drafts on the track, so the air is mixed at a high level,” says Goodliffe.

As the track has to remain at a constant temperature, the air inside the arena will have to be heated during the coldest part of winter.
But no mechanical cooling will be required for the warm summer months.
The design is lightweight, with the average weight totalling just 30kg/m2 − roughly half that of other typical covered Velodromes.

When complete, one of the most distinct features of the building will be the glazed entrance level, which separates the roof from the concourse. Visitors will come up manmade slopes to the glazed level, where they will be able to see into the stadium and down onto the track.

The external bowl structure is set to be clad in 288 prefabricated exposed timber panels incorporating ventilation grilles.

“The plan is that the building will be watertight by early summer and the Velodrome the first building on the park finished on 7 January 2011.”
Richard Arnold, ODA

“The plan is that the building will be watertight by early summer, and the double curve shape will be complete,” says Arnold. “Then the Velodrome is set to be the first building on the park finished on 7 January 2011.”

Work will then start on the area surrounding the stadium, which includes a BMX circuit.

But the building will really come into its own in legacy, when a 1.6km road cycle circuit and a mountain bike course are added. Then local athletes, aspiring cyclists and community groups can enjoy this pioneering structure.

seats all the way around the track...for real?cannot believe it.

Every Olympic host city wants to create the world's fastest cycling track. That so-called "record" will always get surpassed by the next Olympic host city's velodrome, if that host city creates a new velodrome or completely reconstructs an old one.

Indeed. But it's still a good aim.

From andy wilkes on flickr:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4288808505_18c2964885_b.jpg

London 2012 Velodrome steel structure complete as huge roof lift begins (http://www.london2012.com/press/media-releases/2010/01/london-2012-velodrome-steel-structure-complete-as-huge-roof-lift-begins.php)
28 Jan 2010
london2012.com

Work has been completed on the steel structure of the London 2012 Velodrome, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) announced today, keeping it on track to be the first venue to be completed in the Olympic Park in early 2011.

Cycling facility on track to be first Olympic Park venue finished

The 6,000 seat Velodrome will host the Olympic and Paralympic track cycling events in 2012. After the Games, the legacy Velodrome will be used by elite athletes and the local community and will include a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities.

Construction work started on the Velodrome in March 2009, making it one of the last of the ‘big five’ Olympic Park venues to get underway, but with the Velodrome steel structure complete and work now underway to install the distinctive double-curved cable-net roof, the venue is on track for completion in early 2011 to make it the first Olympic Park venue to be completed.

The Velodrome site was visited this week by British cyclist Jamie Staff, gold medallist in the Team Sprint event at the Beijing 2008 Games. A video blog of Jamie Staff’s visit can be viewed at london2012.com. The latest Velodrome images can be downloaded from http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/locog?nav=pr132721722

Jamie Staff said: 'It was great to visit the London 2012 Velodrome site and I was hugely impressed by the progress being made. It was good to see at first hand how the venue is being designed and built to create a great crowd atmosphere and deliver the best possible conditions for track cyclists and I’m sure this will be a perfect venue for Team GB to continue to hit gold in 2012.'

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: 'The completion of the Velodrome steel structure gives us an exciting glimpse of what will not only be a world-class venue for the Games and legacy, but another striking piece of architecture for the Olympic Park.

'The Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre are already firm fixtures on the east London skyline but the Velodrome taking shape has created a new focal point in the north of the Olympic Park. This year will be the toughest so far across the site, and we now turn our attentions to the lifting of the huge cable-net roof of the Velodrome, a key engineering challenge which will help crown this spectacular venue.'

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), said: 'It is very exciting to see the Velodrome taking shape. It will enhance cycling facilities within the UK and adds another world-class Velodrome to the country for use in the south east and London. This is an example of hosting the Games leading to the provision of more sports facilities for elite and community usage.

'LOCOG as an organisation has worked alongside the ODA in designing the venue and we are looking forward to the opportunity of using such a thrilling venue to stage one of Britain's favourite sports and winning more British medals.”

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority who will own, fund and manage the Velodrome in legacy, said: 'While the construction work has been racing ahead, we’ve been working closely with our partners to develop a legacy programme that will enable everyone from schoolchildren to local clubs to elite cyclists to get the most from this stunning building.

'As the owners, funders and managers of the whole VeloPark in legacy we’ll make sure this first rate centre will be truly world class, welcoming cyclists of all levels and disciplines to train, race or just simply cycle for fun. It will be an integral part of the chain of sporting excellence we are creating through the 26 mile long, 10,000-acre Lee Valley Regional Park.'

The Velodrome is being constructed by contractors ISG and more than 2,500 sections of steelwork were installed to complete the steel structure of the venue. The steelwork sections rise in height by 12m from the shallowest point to the highest part of the structure, helping form the distinct double-curved roof structure which has been designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track. Bolton-based company Watsons Steel supplied the fabricated steel for the Velodrome structure in a deal worth over £3m.

With the Velodrome steel structure complete, work is now underway to install the venue roof in what is one of the largest cable-net roof lifts in the UK, using some 16km of cable. The Velodrome is one of the most sustainable venues in the Olympic Park and the lightweight cable-net roof structure will only weigh 30kg per sq m, roughly half that of any other covered Velodrome, helping create a highly-efficient building.

The cable-net roof is due to be completed in the spring when work will then begin to cover the roof and install the outer cladding of the venue. The Velodrome structure is due to be watertight by the summer, allowing work to install the timber cycling track to begin in the autumn. The venue is due to be completed in early 2011.

After the Games, a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added to the Velodrome and BMX Circuit to create a legacy VeloPark that will combine cycling facilities across all disciplines in one cycling ‘hub’.

The legacy VeloPark will be owned, funded and managed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. The construction of the VeloPark facilities includes funding from LOCOG, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), Sport England, Transport for London (TfL), and the London Marathon Charitable Trust (LMCT).

Velodrome fact file

Velodrome facilities:

* 250m UCI (International Cycling Union) approved indoor track and 100m warm-up circuit
* 6,000 seats and 360 degree public concourse in legacy for viewing all cycling activities
* Legacy café, changing rooms, cycle workshop, gym, and storage for over 300 bikes
* Legacy bike hire outlet for families to hire bikes to use the new cycling facilities
* Venue will be linked into cycle routes across London, linking the new venue with the whole of the capital.

Velodrome design:

* Distinct Velodrome roof designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track
* The 6,000 seats are split into a lower and upper tier, allowing a 360 degrees concourse level in between with a continuous ribbon of full height windows
* The 360 degree glazed concourse level in legacy will offer spectators inside the Velodrome views out onto the rest of the Olympic Park and across the London skyline, while allowing people outside of the Velodrome views into the venue and down onto the cycling track
* The Velodrome designers are working closely with track designers to tailor the track geometry and set the temperature and environmental conditions within the venue with the aim of creating a record-breaking track
* The venue is being designed to create the best possible crowd atmosphere in the 6,000 capacity venue to help maximise the performance of cyclists and aim to give Team GB a home advantage in 2012.

Construction:

* Some 48,000 cubic metres of material was excavated to create the bowl for the Velodrome, enough to fill 19 50m swimming pools
* More than 900 piles were driven up to 26m beneath the ground to complete the foundations of the venue
* More than 2,500 sections of steelwork were installed to complete the steel structure of the Velodrome
* More than 100 workers are on the Velodrome site.

Sustainability elements:

* The building has been designed to be lightweight and efficient to reflect the efficient design of a bicycle
* Use of abundant daylight through strategically positioned rooflights reduces need for artificial lighting and allows natural ventilation
* Water saving fittings built into design to allow collection of rainwater for reuse in building, helping reduce water consumption
* Lightweight cable-net roof structure weighs 30kg/m2 compared to 65kg/m2 for the Beijing Velodrome, helping create a highly efficient building

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4311341830_85d1d42e68_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4311341502_f4d224c294_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4311341206_f4f095f779_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2776/4311340908_e8c5524d5f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4310602495_398945affe_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4311340260_9cc168c3ab_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4311340064_b11a13cac5_b.jpg

Great pics . Thanks !

the roof looks exactly like the aquatics centre doesn't it?

Not at all, its a cable net roof using steel I think and not aluminium. Its also as far as I know not using standing seam so you won't get that texture. Its also only a single layer, which will allow light through some translucent roof sections.

They're only similar in that they echo the original vision for the architectural masterplan of the Park in that the venues would resemble human muscles with lots of folded curves embedded into the landscape. Engineering-wise they are complete polar opposites.

There are loads of workers in that picture but i can't see anyone actually doing anything!! Lazy buggers, looking good though (the velodrome) not the workers!

You might want to look at the webcams on Friday as the cable netting is due to start.

Are all Olympic velodromes required to be indoor? The last ourdoor velodrome was the temporary one Atlanta had during the 1996 Olympics. The last permanent one was barcelona's.

Are all Olympic velodromes required to be indoor? The last ourdoor velodrome was the temporary one Atlanta had during the 1996 Olympics. The last permanent one was barcelona's.

Athens was open sided and there were concerns that sand would blow onto the track. I don't think there is a requirement but wouldn't cycling being in a velodrome during rain and we know how wet the english summer can be.

Some extra drawings relating to the finer details of the skylights on the velodrome roof.

http://planning.london2012.com/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KY4RLJSZK0000

You might want to look at the webcams on Friday as the cable netting is due to start.

I seemed to have got my Fridays mixed up . I would advise people to keep an eye on the cams today. :)

We have lift off!!

http://i48.tinypic.com/161kisj.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2cxf4mw.jpg

awesome! that really did pop up out of nowhere :)

amazing progress...i think this has to be one the best buildings at the olympics, zaha's pool won't look good until the bat wings are taken down after.

http://www.london2012.com/images/media-manager/2010/4/velodrome-cable-net-roof-lifted-into-place-68392.jpg

http://www.london2012.com/images/media-manager/2010/4/velodrome-aerial-68336.jpg

^^wow i love it and the progess is outstanding

blimey, that was fast!

This is looks absolutely amazing, even better than the over-hyped Zaha Hadid pool thingamajig...I don't want this to be dismantled!:nuts:

It's not going to be

stunning, can't wait to see cycling competitions held here over the next few years and decades.

New World Champion British cyclist sees 2012 Velodrome roof structure complete (http://www.london2012.com/press/media-releases/2010/04/new-world-champion-british-cyclist-sees-2012-velodrome-roof-structure-comple.php)
01 Apr 2010
london2012.com

New footage and images released by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today show the huge roof of the London 2012 Velodrome lifted into place, as the venue was visited by British cyclist Ed Clancy, who became the new World Champion in the Omnium event at the Track Cycling World Championships at the weekend.

The completion of the Velodrome roof comes as the ODA marks its fourth anniversary and announces it is on track to meet its latest set of construction milestones.

The 6,000-seat Velodrome will host the Olympic and Paralympic Track Cycling events in 2012. After the Games, the legacy Velodrome will be used by elite athletes and the local community and will include a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities.

The distinctive double-curved roof of the Velodrome has now been lifted into place in one of the biggest cable-net roof lifts in the UK, keeping the venue on track for completion in early 2011 to make it the first Olympic Park venue to be finished. The Velodrome site was visited today by British cyclist Ed Clancy who became the new World Champion at the Track Cycling World Championships this weekend in the Omnium event and won Gold at the 2008 Beijing Games as part of the record-breaking team pursuit team.

Ed Clancy said: 'Becoming World Champion was an amazing experience and a reminder of the excitement of racing at a major championship so it was great to see the Olympic Park Velodrome where I hope to compete on home soil in 2012. The Velodrome is already shaping up to be a fantastic venue and I can’t wait to come back here to help Team GB continue our gold rush in 2012.'

The ODA also announced today that it is on track to meet its latest set of construction milestones across the project. A new document was released today outlining the progress the ODA is making on the ten milestones set last summer – download the 'big build: structures update'.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: 'Lifting the huge roof of the Velodrome into place crowns this spectacular venue that will deliver first-class cycling facilities for the Games and a new generation of cyclists.

'The completion of this huge engineering challenge on the Velodrome follows the good progress we are making across the Olympic Park and as the project continues in our toughest year we are on track to meet our latest milestones.'

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), said: 'Seeing the Velodrome take shape is a great example of how hosting the Games will deliver a lasting legacy of new sports facilities for elite and community use. The Velodrome will be a stunning stage for cycling events during the Games and I look forward to seeing the British team take to the track in 2012 to continue their success.'

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority which will own, fund and manage the Velodrome in legacy, said: 'The Velodrome is rapidly becoming one of the stars of Olympic Park and while this stunning venue takes shape we’re planning out a legacy programme which will excite the region and the country.

'We’re using our award-winning Lee Valley Athletics Centre as the blueprint and will replicate its perfect mix of elite, school, community and regional use at the VeloPark. After the Games we’ll be welcoming school children to local clubs to elite cyclists at the Velodrome – the centrepiece of the VeloPark.'

Construction work started on the Velodrome in March 2009 and the lifting of the cable-net roof took eight weeks to complete. The roof features some 16km of cabling and covers an area of 5,000sq m. The Velodrome is one of the most sustainable venues in the Olympic Park and the lightweight roof weighs roughly half that of any other covered Velodrome, helping create a highly-efficient building.

The cable-net roof is joined to the steel structure of the Velodrome which rises in height by 12m from the shallowest point to the highest part of the structure, helping form the distinct double-curved shape which has been designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track.

With the Velodrome roof in place, work will begin shortly to cover the roof and install the outer timber cladding of the venue. The Velodrome structure is due to be watertight by the summer, allowing work to install the timber cycling track to begin in the Autumn. The venue is due to be completed in early 2011.

After the Games, a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added to the Velodrome and BMX Circuit to create a legacy VeloPark that will combine cycling facilities across all disciplines in one cycling ‘hub’.

The legacy VeloPark will be owned, funded and managed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. The construction of the VeloPark facilities includes funding from LOCOG, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), Sport England, Transport for London (TfL), and the London Marathon Charitable Trust (LMCT).
Velodrome fact file:


Velodrome facilities:

* 250m UCI (International Cycling Union) approved indoor track and 100m warm up circuit
* 6,000 seats and 360 degree public concourse in legacy for viewing all cycling activities
* Legacy café, changing rooms, cycle workshop, gym, & storage for over 300 bikes
* Legacy bike hire outlet for families to hire bikes to use the new cycling facilities
* Venue will be linked into cycle routes across London, linking the new venue with the whole of the capital

Velodrome design:

* Distinct Velodrome roof designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track
* The 6,000 seats are split into a lower and upper tier, allowing a 360-degree concourse level in between with a continuous ribbon of full height windows
* The 360-degree glazed concourse level in legacy will offer spectators inside the Velodrome views out onto the rest of the Olympic Park and across the London skyline, while allowing people outside of the Velodrome views into the venue and down onto the cycling track
* The Velodrome designers are working closely with track designers to tailor the track geometry and set the temperature and environmental conditions within the venue with the aim of creating a record-breaking track
* The venue is being designed to create the best possible crowd atmosphere in the 6,000-capacity venue to help maximise the performance of cyclists and aim to give Team GB a home advantage in 2012

Construction:

* Some 48,000 cubic metres of material was excavated to create the bowl for the Velodrome, enough to fill 19 Olympic-sized swimming pools
* More than 900 piles were driven up to 26m beneath the ground to complete the foundations of the venue
* More than 2,500 sections of steelwork were installed to complete the steel structure of the Velodrome
* The cable-net roof is 5,000sq m in size and uses 16km of cabling

Sustainability elements:

* The building has been designed to be lightweight and efficient to reflect the efficient design of a bicycle
* Use of abundant daylight through strategically positioned rooflights reduces need for artificial lighting and allows natural ventilation
* Water saving fittings built into design to allow collection of rainwater for reuse in building, helping reduce water consumption
* Lightweight cable-net roof structure weighs 30kg/m2 compared to 65kg/m2 for the Beijing Velodrome, helping create a highly efficient building.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4497672324_1a50b2e6af_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4497036115_9e7c2b8838_b.jpg

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4497101163_7ecf1504c9_b.jpg

what is the roof going to look like and what material?

plastic

Surely this roof is going to leak like hell, like many new buildings build in the UK in the past 10 years :)

Surely this roof is going to leak like hell, like many new buildings build in the UK in the past 10 years :)

Hopefully it won't, but large buildings tend to have a notorious record for leaking at some junction here or there. Country houses' roofs are, and were frequently when new, abysmal for leaking at some point or another.

Wembley had some leaking problems before it opened to the public. If there are problems like that they'll have a year to fix them though. The venue won't open the night the track cycling starts in 2012. There'll be test events in the year leading up to the Games and any issues will be long resolved before the Olympics start.

We're in a much more comfortable position than, for example, Dehli 2010 in that sense. Their Commonwealth Games are going to be something of a white knuckle ride for the venue operators given that so many will have only just been completed before the Games!

This is from the A12 by kavitagajjar on flickr.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4517605845_1c79eb67ec_b.jpg

wow! looks amazing. Is it going to be clad in a copper-like material, or will it be more wood-like? It may look like the wales millennium centre:

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icwales2/dec2008/5/9/F25C7E29-0CF0-3314-EE1A478735400AC2.jpg

http://www.yourlocalweb.co.uk/images/pictures/16/78/wales-millennium-centre-165370.jpg

Wood. The handball arena is clad in copper.

Great Pic DarJoLe

That is the view I get, as I drive that route a lot. However no picture can quite convey how it dominates that area.

I'm quite glad actually that from some angles it does have a dominating view, although I think the building is beautiful I was a little concerned that as half of it is in a bowl below ground level that it wouldn't be so imposing. but then that raises the question why should it be imposing, which my only I answer is... just because I want it to be! lame I know ;-)

How much of that view will change? will there be trees planted or will there be a clear view from the road always? it almost looks like it over hangs the road, probably just a perspective thing, how far is it from the road?

I'm quite glad actually that from some angles it does have a dominating view, although I think the building is beautiful I was a little concerned that as half of it is in a bowl below ground level that it wouldn't be so imposing. but then that raises the question why should it be imposing, which my only I answer is... just because I want it to be! lame I know ;-)

How much of that view will change? will there be trees planted or will there be a clear view from the road always? it almost looks like it over hangs the road, probably just a perspective thing, how far is it from the road?

Oh no, my dominating comment was not meant to be negative. Imposing is a better word.

Trees will certainly not block the view from the A12. The Veledrome is very close to the road

Andy Wilkes on flickr...seems the wood is going on.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4529067137_d55f6c4382_o.jpg

plastic

Not quite.

BTW in case anyone hasn't noticed the roof lining has been going up the last couple of weeks to make it water tight.

Looks like we have a venue which beats the Beijing counterpart

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/sports/photos/2008/05/14/venues-laoshan-outside.jpg

I fully understand that the games are being done on a budget, especially since the global financial crisis. But we really have done well with the velodrome.


An uncluttered underside of the roof as well given the design will be great to look at.

http://manchester.diarystar.co.uk/images/manchester-velodrome1.jpg

http://sallylester.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/london_velodrome1.jpg

^ It will become cluttered! They would never show clutter in a fancy rendering

Its all about taste, and actually having taste

Many many London venues are better than Beijing, because of good architecture, not flashy "I can change colour at night" venues.

Here are some venues I think are better

Wimbledon
Olympic Stadium (not a fan of the birds nest)
Aquatic Centre
Velodrome
The Dome
Equestrian
Archery
Eton Dorney
Handball
BMX
and many others.

Its all about taste, and actually having taste

Many many London venues are better than Beijing, because of good architecture, not flashy "I can change colour at night" venues.

Here are some venues I think are better

Wimbledon
Olympic Stadium (not a fan of the birds nest)
Aquatic Centre
Velodrome
The Dome
Equestrian
Archery
Eton Dorney
Handball
BMX
and many others.

All of them then....

All of them then....

not all

Wukesong is a gem.
Hockey prob better since London's is entirely temporary
Much better IBC/MPC
There convention/exhibition centre is probably nicer than Excel.
Their water polo venue is quite cool as well, but we'll have to wait and see what Morley comes up with.
Many of their University Gymnasium type venues were great, but inside was awful.

Its all about taste, and actually having taste

Many many London venues are better than Beijing, because of good architecture, not flashy "I can change colour at night" venues.

Here are some venues I think are better

Wimbledon
Olympic Stadium (not a fan of the birds nest)
Aquatic Centre
Velodrome
The Dome
Equestrian
Archery
Eton Dorney
Handball
BMX
and many others.

I've seen the birds nest in person and it was the most impressive stadion (building maybe) I have ever seen.

Different strokes.

I'm very excited about the wood.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4477492380_4555104de6.jpg
Wide Aperture on Flickr

I've seen the birds nest in person and it was the most impressive stadion (building maybe) I have ever seen.

Which now sits empty.....doing nothing.

I thought they'd turned it into a shopping mall?

It's every Chinese citizens duty to visit the stadium for a small admission fee, which is therefore making a profit, and therefore not a white elephant.

Not sure that would really work here.

I'm very excited about the wood.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4477492380_4555104de6.jpg
Wide Aperture on Flickr

so am i....in at least two different ways lol

It's every Chinese citizens duty to visit the stadium for a small admission fee, which is therefore making a profit, and therefore not a white elephant.

Not sure that would really work here.

But it's not what an olympic stadium should be used for it's still a white elephant if all it's doing is tours then it's a faliure in my eyes it's suppose to be a world class facillity what exactly is it facillitating-TOURS. i can guarentee our olympic stadium will be far more used and for the purpose it will serve as a mulitipurpose sports and entertainment venue

Well exactly.

Which now sits empty.....doing nothing.

It's still doing very well as a main tourist attraction. I saw it last year in person and it was fully lit. You can get a tour trough it every day and the surroundings are crowded with THOUSANDS of people every night (last year!). I don't think there are that many stadiums that are getting this much attention after the olympics. I took these photo's:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3759898035_9b3c813449.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3760710002_0d14f9b0d8.jpg

It's still doing very well as a main tourist attraction. I saw it last year in person and it was fully lit. You can get a tour trough it every day and the surroundings are crowded with THOUSANDS of people every night (last year!). I don't think there are that many stadiums that are getting this much attention after the olympics.

I think the point Xfire was making is that it was built as a sport stadium and is not being used as such, if they wanted a tourist attraction they should have built that sex theme park they planned to! Yes lots of famous stadiums have tours (Old Trafford, Wembley, Millennium stadium) but that's a side venture, they still are mainly used and known for as sporting venues. I have nothing against the bird's nest having tours and the Chinese people should be proud of it, but it should be making it's money by holding sporting events if it wants to be a sustainable venue, once everyone in China who wants to see it has seen it, what will happen then? though with over 1 Billion people, it my be a few years before they worry about that! lol

Yep, Atlanta gave the world the most functional, uninteresting Olympic Stadium in the last two decades. But it's also the one with the best sporting legacy.

The Birds Nest isn't a sporting venue anymore; it's a sad joke that it retains the Olympic name given its current use.

Neither got the balance completely right, but the stadium in Georgia is a far, far better blueprint for future hosts than the one in China...given the magnificence of the Birds Nest's architecture I say that with a heavy heart.

Atlanta got its Aquatic Centre spot on too

Yeah ok. I agree that the stadiums should be used too after the Olympics for sport itself. Why aren't there any sports event inside the birds nest? To expensive?

It's a bit the same with the EXPO every 2-3 years. Shanghai has the expo this year and I really hope they are doing something with it after the EXPO too.

The structures for the expo are mainly temporary though right?
Funded by each nation, not Shanghai

From Andy Wilkes on flickr

http://i39.tinypic.com/289etsp.jpg

Ah wow they are starting to erect the lattice roof members upon the cable structure.

From Andy Wilkes on flickr

http://i39.tinypic.com/289etsp.jpg


Good shot !

I usually don't like posting jpegs from webcams, but I love the sky in this one:

http://i41.tinypic.com/abk1e.jpg

I usually don't like posting jpegs from webcams, but I love the sky in this one:

http://i41.tinypic.com/abk1e.jpg

I agree . We don't get enough posts on the Velodrome which is why I'm agreeing.

Loving the 'Pringle' :yes:

would look great with some cool lighting on the roof, almost like a spaceship :nuts:

reminds me of the Calgary Flames stadium The Saddle. http://images.travelpod.com/users/sarzmc/29.1252680022.the-saddle-flames-stadium.jpg
it wouldn't surprise me if spectators couldn't see the opposite stand of the stadium once they are inside.. which might be a little odd for atmosphere.

They will be able to, the stands don't go all the way up to the roof. There is a ring of windows going around the stadium above the stands. Thankfully it doesn't look too much like the Calgary stadium.

I just checked the detailed section and the top 2 or three rows won't be able to see their opposite numbers, but everyone else will be able to see everyone else.

This venue could turn out to be the real gem of the Olympic park. It is the most resolved piece of architecture - simple and beautiful, and has not been affected detrimentally by budget cuts thus looks resolved architecturally.

resolved. spot on. good architecture is good architecture, budget cuts or not.

resolved. spot on. good architecture is good architecture, budget cuts or not.

Agree.

For a third of the price of Zaha Hadid's aquatic centre, Hopkins has designed something which is outstanding. Unlike the aquatics centre, it is not partially great but is rather completely great!

Here's a video filmed from inside the Velodrome by one of the workers back in January. It's an exclusive apparently, so exclusive that he needs to say it 20 times...

ErpwBQriSlQ

Velodrome from last weekend:
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Had some good shots of the inside of the Velodrome on last night's Culture Show during the part where they were talking about the architecture room at the RA. It should be on iplayer if anyone's interested.

From the Evening Standard - basically the builder should finish in January and hand the keys over to ODA then.


Olympic ‘Pringle’ Velodrome to be first venue ready in 2012 park
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23847133-olympic-pringle-velodrome-to-be-first-venue-ready-in-2012-park.do
Matthew Beard, Sports News Correspondent
21.06.10

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The "Pringle" — a £95million velodrome with the world's fastest cycling track — is set to become the first major 2012 Olympic sports venue to be completed.

Work on the double-curved aluminium roof was finished last week.

The arena is expected to be a medal factory for Britain with Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Londoner Bradley Wiggins out to take the team's haul beyond the 12 gained in Beijing.

The Standard was given an exclusive tour of the four-tiered venue, being built by ISG. Games chiefs have made improvements on previous Olympic cycling arenas after consulting triple gold medallist Hoy, including having spectators all round the 250-metre track — not just along the straight — to create a more stimulating atmosphere.

Work on the double-curved aluminium roof was finished last week.
:ohno:
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I am doing the liking of this much innit . Ya no wat I meeen ?

London 2012 Velodrome hits the roof with timber ceiling now in place (http://www.london2012.com/press/media-releases/2010/06/london-2012-velodrome-hits-the-roof-with-timber-ceiling-now-in-place.php)
02 Jul 2010
london2012.com

New images released by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today show the huge roof of the London 2012 Velodrome now covered with the timber ceiling of the venue in place.

The 6,000 seat Velodrome will host the Olympic and Paralympic track cycling events in 2012. After the Games, the legacy Velodrome will be used by elite athletes and the local community and will include a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities.

The cable-net roof of the Velodrome was lifted into place earlier this year to form the distinctive double-curved shape of the venue. More than 1,000 exposed timber panels have now been lifted into place to sit on top of the cable-net structure, helping cover the roof and form the timber ceiling of the venue. The completion of the roof covering makes the Velodrome building weather-tight and allows work to continue inside the venue in preparation for the cycling track to be installed in the autumn. Work is also now underway to install the venue lighting and public address systems, handrails and balustrades and other internal finishes.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: 'The Velodrome will be a key focal point in the north of the Olympic Park, delivering first-class cycling facilities for the Games and a new generation of cyclists. Having the Velodrome timber ceiling in place is another glimpse of the striking design and attention to detail that have gone into delivering this highly sustainable venue. With the roof now covered, work inside the venue is well underway and the Velodrome is firmly on track to be the first Olympic Park venue to be completed early next year.'

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee, said: 'This major step in the construction of the Velodrome once again shows the benefits of the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to London. In just over two years time the best athletes in the world will come to the UK for the greatest sporting event in the world. We hope that the Velodrome’s striking design will be host to some outstanding British cycling performances, as well as leaving a first rate sporting legacy after the Games.'

Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics, said: 'The roof of the Velodrome is a striking sight that interacts well with other stadia in the park and maintains the high-level of design and practicality that are the trademarks of the other stadia. After the Games, the Velodrome will be the only such facility in the south east, opening up the sport to a new generation of community participants and, hopefully, creating the next Olympic and Paralympic champions.'

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'Boasting one of the fastest cycling tracks in the world and an eye-popping 360 degree view of the action for the spectators, the Velodrome is set to be one of the jewels in the crown of the Olympic Park. Post Games-time it will contribute greatly to the capital’s sporting legacy, providing a unique facility that will serve a new generation of cycling enthusiasts. These images today show that the ODA is ploughing ahead with construction and the Games remain on time and on budget.'

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority which will own, fund and manage the Velodrome in legacy, said: 'It’s incredibly exciting to witness this stunning venue take shape. While work has been racing ahead on site we’ve been working closely with British Cycling, our partners and host boroughs to develop the legacy programme. After the Games we’ll make sure this first rate centre is truly world class, welcoming cyclists of all levels and disciplines to train, race or simply cycle for fun all year round.'

The Velodrome was also visited last week by St Robert of Newminster School in Washington, winners of the London 2012 ‘VeloDream’ competition in 2009 which asked pupils to design their own dream cycling venues of the future. The ODA have continued to work with the North East school since they won the competition and the Velodrome project team spent the day with the students when they visited St Robert of Newminster last year. The school visited the Olympic Park and Velodrome site last week to meet with the project team and view the progress being made.

Construction work started on the Velodrome in March 2009. The distinct double-curved cable-net roof has been designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track, and features 16 kilometres of cabling and 1,000 exposed timber panels, covering an area of 13,500m2. The Velodrome is one of the most sustainable venues in the Olympic Park and the lightweight roof weighs roughly half that of any other covered Velodrome, helping create a highly-efficient building.

After the Games, a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added to the Velodrome and BMX circuit to create a legacy VeloPark that will combine cycling facilities across all disciplines in one cycling ‘hub’.

The legacy VeloPark will be owned and managed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. The construction of the VeloPark facilities includes funding from LOCOG, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), Sport England, Transport for London (TfL), and the London Marathon Charitable Trust (LMCT).

Along with the VeloPark, in legacy Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will own and manage the Lee Valley White Water Centre and the Tennis and Hockey Centres in the Olympic Park. Each of these venues will create sporting and recreational opportunities for everyone, school children to local clubs, elite athletes to complete beginners, from the local communities and across London and the South East.

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2012 countdown: The velodrome

02 July 2010 | By Thomas Lane (http://www.building.co.uk/thomas-lane/3355.bio)
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The plan with the velodrome was to make it as lean as a racing bike, says Chris Wise, one of its designers



The roofs of the 2012 aquatics centre and velodrome are of a similar shape and size. However, whereas the former contains 3,000 tonnes of steel, the velodrome roof is held up with just 100 tonnes. This is reflected in a radical difference in budget (£250m vs £95m), but also in the technical solutions that were used.


If this lavish use of steel for the aquatics centre seems extravagant, remember that it was the jewel in the crown of the UK’s Olympic bid and was instrumental in winning the Games for London. Other venues, like the warehouse-like media centre, were deliberately designed as simple, unadventurous structures so that they would be easy and cheap to build, and a cash-conscious public couldn’t accuse the government of wasting public money on architectural fripperies.
But the parsimonious use of steel in the velodrome roof in no way indicates that this is a mean building. The designers have turned economy into a virtue and created an elegant, considered structure that includes its own brand of roof dramatics. “We were trying to create something as lean and honed down as a racing bike would be - maximum performance from minimal materials,” says Chris Wise, director of structural engineer Expedition. “The natural beauty would come out of this as it does with performance bikes, fast cars and women.”
Chris Boardman on cycle technology

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If anyone knows what an Olympic cyclist needs from his bike, it’s Chris Boardman. Famous for winning a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics on a specially developed bike and three times holder of the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France, Boardman has gone on to run his own successful bike company. He now heads up the Secret Squirrel Club, the R&D team focused on squeezing every last ounce of performance out of the British cycling team ready for London 2012.


Despite Boardman’s focus on the bikes, he says the technology is less important than it used to be. There is a minimum weight limit of 6.8kg for Olympics bikes and ultra-light wheels make for good acceleration, so weight has to be added to the frame. Extra material on the frame is no bad thing as it makes it stiffer which results in less flex and therefore less wasted energy. On longer road events, a stiff frame means a harsh ride that would fatigue the riders. “On the track you’ve got a very smooth surface and the event is very short so you keep the bike as rigid as possible,” he explains.


Approaching the limits of cycle technology doesn’t daunt Boardman. “It doesn’t matter how complex the rules are, there are always ways to innovate,” he says. “Our focus has gone away from equipment, it’s now on conditioning and positioning.”


For Boardman, aerodynamics is “huge”, accounting for 90% of a rider’s output. Olympic rules stipulate that the bikes have to stay looking like bikes, which rules out more aerodynamic designs such as recumbents. “What they are trying to do is keep it looking like cycling rather than human-powered machinery,” Boardman says. This means making the rider assume the most aerodynamic position possible within the rules without affecting their output. Boardman has spent the last few days with Chris Hoy in a wind tunnel to find the most efficient riding position. “A lot of this does depend on the riders. Chris is prepared to suspend reality and experiment,” Boardman says.


Boardman isn’t going to let on what those tests reveal, though the result will be a case of tweaking rather than a radical change. “If you’ve got 1,000 things and you improve each one by a fraction it adds up to a significant amount,” he says. We will have to wait two years to see what those fractional improvements amount to.

Structural design

The first step in realising this philosophy was to make the building as compact as possible. “We took the seating bowl and shrink-wrapped the building around it with the sight lines you need to see the track,” explains Mike Taylor, senior partner at Hopkins Architects. He describes the velopark as like a “fried egg - the velodrome is the yolk and the white is the BMX track and the rest of the velopark.”
Because the building is wrapped around the oval track, it takes a similar shape. It has a concrete base with 48 concrete piers arranged radially around the building. The seating is banked in two tiers with the entrance and public circulation area in the middle, to make access easier. The concrete piers end at the top of the public circulation space with a steel frame taking over the job of supporting the roof. This is angled outwards to follow the banking of the seating. The roof follows the height of the tiers of seats, which are minimal at each end of the track and more in the middle, giving the roof its distinctive Pringle shape. The steelwork ends in a ring beam to which is attached a cable net spanning across the length and width of the velodrome. This works in tension to support the roof and is the reason why the roof structure is so light.


Wise explains that the steelwork and roof are a highly efficient structure. The 48 steel trusses sitting on those concrete piers are linked together to form a monocoque structure. “Because the trusses are linked together, it acts as one 130m-diameter megastructure rather than as 48 separate pieces, which is much more efficient,” says Wise. The roof is curved in both directions which is also an efficient structural form - a flat roof would require four times as much structure to support the same amount of weight.


The second reason why the building is so efficient is because the cable net and steelwork act as one structural unit as well. When the velodrome fills up with people, their weight will force the angled sides of the building outwards. But these forces are restrained by the cable net which is tying all the steelwork together. All that happens is the centre of the roof will rise up as the tension in the cables increases. The most visible manifestation of this efficiency is the size of the ring beam at the perimeter of the roof. This only takes a quarter of the loads found in a building where the roof is a separate structural element, so the ringbeam can be much smaller and the roofline more elegant.
There is one downside to the design, which Wise acknowledges. “The consequence of all this elegance in the superstructure means there are some considerable forces that have to be taken out in the ground,” he says.
All the people sitting in the building makes the angled sides want to splay outwards.


At the ends where there are very few spectators the weight of the roof has the opposite effect. In technical terms this means that where all the people are sitting, the side of the concrete pier next to the track is under tension, and the other side next to the building perimeter is under compression. These forces have to be resisted in the ground. Unfortunately, the building sits over the old West Ham landfill tip, which means the ground is quite literally rubbish. Because of this, those forces can’t be dealt with by bolting the building to solid ground. The compressive forces are dealt with using big piles, and the tensile forces are balanced out by sheer weight of concrete in above-ground “bookend”-type structures.


What does Wise think about the fact the aquatics centre roof uses 30 times more steel than the velodrome? “Draw your own conclusions,” he says. “We set out to make ours as light as possible so I believe ours is more efficient than the aquatics centre. But I do respect the fact the aquatics centre was an essential part of getting the Olympics for London without which there would have been no velodrome, so thanks very much Zaha for that. It’s a way of bringing the Games to London with all the benefits which go with that and that is much more than just embodied carbon.”
Chris Hoy on what makes a great track

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With three gold medals under his belt at the Beijing Olympics, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy was the obvious person to help ensure this would be the best possible velodrome. He joined design luminaries including Tate Gallery director Sir Nicholas Serota and former RIBA president Sunand Prasad on the judging panel of the design competition, and quickly suggested some ideas to improve on the velodromes he had competed in before. These had seating along the straights but not at the ends where the steeply banked track makes it hard for spectators to see the action. However, cyclists find it disconcerting to cycle past cheering crowds only to hit silence at each end of the track, so three tiers of seating are being squeezed in the ends on the London 2012 velodrome without compromising views.


The second key area was maintaining constant temperatures. Hoy wanted this velodrome to help cyclists break new records so the track area will be maintained at a constant 28°C. The idea is that the air is thinner at this temperature, meaning less wind resistance. The air also had to be still. This has been managed by providing two sets of doors to outside areas to stop draughts.


“It’s great to see that many of the areas we discussed during the design competition have been taken on board and I’m confident the velodrome will be an amazing facility,” says Hoy.

Building the velodrome

Building cable net structures is a job many contractors shy away from but builder ISG has turned it to its advantage. Barring the complex geometry involved, it has meant minimal working at height, virtually no temporary works (unlike the aquatics centre) and it has helped enormously with the two-year programme.


Getting to the cable net stage was relatively straightforward and occupied the team for the first year of the job. This included the concrete works for the slab, “bookends” and piers followed by the structural steelwork. This was made more geometrically challenging by the effect of the precast seating, which pulls the steelwork outwards and the weight of the roof, which pulls it back in again.
Like the building, constructing the cable net was simple. The 36mm diameter cables were delivered to site exactly the right length complete with end fixings. The cable net, which looks like the strings of a giant tennis racket, was laid out on the ground. A special node for supporting the roof panels was attached where the cables intersect. Once the cable net was assembled, secondary cables were attached to the ends of those making up the cable net. These were hooked over special spigots on the structural steel ringbeam, which means that when these secondary cables are tensioned, the cable net is pulled up into position.


Once the cable net was a metre off the ground, safety netting was installed under the areas where the rooflights were due to be fitted, as this minimises the amount of working at height. Strand jacks were used to pull the cable net into its final position - this is secured in place using metal pins. The roof structure took just eight weeks to complete. “We were within a couple of millimetres from where Expedition thought we would be when we finished the cable net,” says Davendra Dabasia, the project manager on the velodrome for delivery body CLM.
Prefabricated timber cassettes have been used to cover the roof structure. These consist of birch-faced plywood on the underside and OSB on top with separating ribs, and were simply dropped into position. These fit in between the cables and are supported by the nodes at the intersection of the cables. “They’re like upside-down floor tiles,” says Dabasia. “You can get one in place in 10-12 minutes so it’s a very quick operation.” These were installed working from both ends to ensure the cable net was evenly loaded.
The cassettes come ready-topped with a waterproof membrane called Alutrix. Strips of the same material are used to seal the gaps between the panels. This will be topped with insulation and finally a Kalzip standing seam roof. The reason for the Alutrix membrane is to enable work to start on the lights and track before the Kalzip is finished. “The waterproof cassettes de-risk the project which takes the Kalzip off the critical path,” explains Dabasia. “The risk with other velodromes is the roof leaking onto the track.”
Chris Wise on winning the velodrome

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Chris Wise is the man (partly) behind the ultra-lean velodrome structure. He is very reluctant to see anyone singled out for praise and stresses that the design was a team effort. Indeed, he says this team approach was instrumental in structural engineer Expedition Engineering, Hopkins Architects, services engineer BDSP and landscape architect Grant Associates winning the job. “They wanted to choose a team not a scheme,” Wise says, adding the procurement rules were still evolving so the ODA wanted an open-minded team capable of delivering a quality building on budget and quickly despite a constantly changing brief.
The judges also liked the team’s ideas. “They said we were so in tune with the brief it was as if we had ridden in on our bikes,” laughs Wise. A key factor in winning the competition was the idea of providing the entrance and exit concourse halfway up the building. Not only does entering the seating halfway up the bowl speed up access, it also means spectators get good views over the Olympic park. “The judges really liked the inside-outside connectivity as it brought the rest of the Olympics inside the building,” explains Hopkins’ Mike Taylor.
The Pringle-shaped roof was selected for its efficiency - a double-curved roof is four times as efficient as a flat one and this building is all about efficient, finely honed design. But there was one highly-efficient design solution that dared not speak its name. The design team conveyed its idea for the cable net roof by showing the judges a traditional Brooks bicycle saddle - representative of the roof shape - and a spider’s web - the cable net. “At the presentation we said we were trying to get the saddle to shag the spider’s web. We didn’t mention the word ’cable net’ as we thought we would lose the competition,” says Wise, explaining that cable nets are seen as risky and expensive. Instead the team proposed building the roof structure from steel tubes, then changed this to steel tubes in tension and wood in compression, then finally an all-timber roof.
It wasn’t until a contractor was appointed nearly a year later in May 2008 that cable nets were mentioned in polite company and that was down to contractor ISG. “They said it should be a cable net and we said that’s fantastic, that’s what we’ve wanted from the beginning,” says Wise, adding that ISG reckoned a cable net could save two months on the programme. “ISG did what any good contractor should do, took the idea on the table and improved it.”

Fast track

Once the lighting is installed, and the scaffolding for this removed, work can start on the track. This has been specified by renowned velodrome track specialist Ron Webb. The banking ranges from 15° in the middle to 47° at the ends. Wooden trusses are used to span between the steelwork next to the seating and the concrete safety zone on the inside of the track. “It would have been easier to do these in steel but Ron insisted on wood as this is what he always uses and didn’t want to deviate from that,” says Dabasia.
Once these are in place, 6m lengths of Siberian larch, which are 40mm square in section, are simply nailed down to the wooden trusses just like laying a wooden floor. Western hemlock was also tested as a track material and performed as well as the Siberian larch. “Both are very stable timbers and don’t move much with temperature. We’ve gone with the larch as it was easier to bend around the corners and Ron has used it on other tracks,” says Dabasia.
One of the requirements of the British cycling team was that the velodrome should be kept at a constant 28°C at track level. This is because the team believes the air is less dense at this temperature, which allows less wind resistance and more speed. Because of this, the building’s primary servicing need is heat rather than cooling. Underfloor heating is used in the central area next to the track and warm air can be blown in at upper levels. The building is naturally ventilated - air is drawn in through slots under the seats and out again at high level through the cladding. Air handling units are there for backup in case things get really hot in August 2012.


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Velodrome In numbers



6,000 capacity - 3,500 around the track and 2,500 in upper tiers suspended within the curves of the roof
48,000m3 of material excavated to create the bowl - enough to fill 19 Olympic-sized swimming pools
2,500 sections of steelwork form curved steel structure
Rises in height by 12m from shallowest point to the highest
Roof has 16km of cabling and covers an area of 5,000m2. It took eight weeks to lift into place
At 30kg/m2, the roof weighs roughly half that of any other covered velodrome
Includes a 250m track and 100m warm-up circuit

Great pics !

Looks like the upper tier may be temporary. It's either that, or both tiers will be permanent. Which will be the case?

Both permanent. The upper tier and roof steel structure as in unison.

From london2012.com

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Working on Structure L05, a pedestrian Underpass next to the Velodrome

Images by Andy Wilkes - http://insidelondon2012.blogspot.com (http://insidelondon2012.blogspot.com/)


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Looking pretty damn awesome.

http://www.london2012.com/webcams/velodrome-internal.php

^^ New Internal Webcam. Shows the track being installed.

Best building in the olympic park. no doubt. purpose meets style.

New images and webcam show work underway on London 2012 Velodrome track
16 Sep 2010

New images and a new webcam were unveiled by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today showing work underway to install the timber cycling track of the London 2012 Velodrome.

The 6,000 seat Velodrome will host the Olympic and Paralympic Track Cycling events in 2012. After the Games, the legacy Velodrome will be used by elite athletes and the local community and will include a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities.

With the distinct double-curved roof of the Velodrome covered and the building watertight, work is now underway to install the timber cycling track. The ODA is aiming to create the world’s fastest cycling track by tailoring the track geometry and setting the temperature and environmental conditions within the venue to create record-breaking conditions. The venue has also been being designed with seating all the way round the track to create the best possible crowd atmosphere during events.

A team of 26 specialist carpenters have now installed 356 vertical timber support trusses that will support the track. With the support trusses now in place, 56km of surface timber will be laid to form the track surface.

The track surface will be built from a sustainably-sourced Siberian pine, specially selected because the trees are known for being straight and tall making them suitable for the lengths of timber required to shape the track. The extreme Siberian climate also means the timber is very stable and will not shrink or contract in the environmental conditions of the Velodrome.

A new webcam showing the progress being made on the Velodrome track is now available on the London 2012 website at http://www.london2012.com/webcams/velodrome-internal.php. New images of work on the Velodrome track can be downloaded from http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/locog?nav=pr141229966.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: 'The start of work on the Velodrome track is a significant milestone and takes us another step closer to this becoming the first Olympic Park venue to be completed early next year.

'Seeing the track beginning to take shape gives us a first look at where we hope world records will be broken in 2012 and where a new generation of cyclists will be able to take to their bikes for many years to come.'

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: 'It is exciting to see the progress on the Velodrome track. Cycling is a huge Olympic and Paralympic sport and this world-class venue will be a fantastic setting for spectators - hopefully inspiring many of them to try out the sport long after the Games have finished.'

Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics, said: 'The Velodrome is one venue where we expect a great medal haul from British athletes on what will be an exceptionally fast track. Post the Games, the venue will be a first-rate facility for elite athletes and community users alike that will help us develop Britain’s cycling stars of the future.'

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which will own and manage the Velodrome in legacy, said: 'It’s incredibly exciting to witness the transformation of the Velodrome into one of the stars of Olympic Park.

'As the owners and managers of the VeloPark in legacy we’ll make sure this venue delivers a world-class programme, welcoming cyclists of all levels and disciplines to train, race or just simply cycle for fun. It will be an integral part of the chain of sporting excellence being created in the 10,000 acre Lee Valley Regional Park.'

Construction work started on the Velodrome in March 2009 and the venue is on track to be completed early next year, making it the first Olympic Park venue to be completed. After the Games, a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added to the Velodrome and BMX circuit to create a legacy VeloPark that will combine cycling facilities across all disciplines in one cycling ‘hub’.

The legacy VeloPark will be owned and managed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. The construction of the VeloPark facilities includes funding from Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA), Sport England, Transport for London (TfL), and the London Marathon Charitable Trust (LMCT).
Velodrome fact file:
Velodrome facilities:

* 250m UCI (International Cycling Union) approved indoor track and 100m warm-up circuit
* 6,000 seats and 360 degree public poncourse in legacy for viewing all cycling activities
* Legacy café, changing rooms, cycle workshop, and storage for over 300 bikes
* Legacy bike hire outlet for families to hire bikes to use the new cycling facilities
* Venue will be linked into cycle routes across London, linking the new venue with the whole of the capital

Velodrome design:

* Distinct Velodrome roof designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track
* The 6,000 seats are split into a lower and upper tier, allowing a 360 degrees concourse level in between with a continuous ribbon of full height windows
* The 360-degree glazed concourse level in legacy will offer spectators inside the Velodrome views out onto the rest of the Olympic Park and across the London skyline, while allowing people outside of the Velodrome views into the venue and down onto the cycling track

Construction:

* Some 48,000 cubic metres of material was excavated to create the bowl for the Velodrome, enough to fill 19 50m swimming pools
* More than 900 piles were driven up to 26m beneath the ground to complete the foundations of the venue
* More than 2,500 sections of steelwork were installed to complete the steel structure of the Velodrome
* The cable-net roof is 12,000sq m in size and uses 16km of cabling
* A team of 26 specialist carpenters have installed 356 vertical timber support trusses that will support the track
* 56km of surface timber will be laid to form the track surface. The track surface will be built from a sustainably-sourced Siberian pine

Sustainability elements:

* The building has been designed to be lightweight and efficient to reflect the efficient design of a bicycle
* The use of abundant daylight through strategically positioned rooflights reduces need for artificial lighting and allows natural ventilation
* Water saving fittings and collection of rainwater for reuse in building are built into design to help reduce water consumption
* Compact design minimises energy consumed to heat the main arena
* Lightweight cable-net roof structure weighs 30kg/m2 compared to 65kg/m2 for the Beijing Velodrome, helping create a highly efficient building

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4995618653_50a90c6d48_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4996224970_2f7be6af54_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4996224782_1bbc21483d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4995617443_b08013edc4_b.jpg

Fantastic shots there.

I'm surprised at the amount of daylight those roofing skylights bring in. very clever design. Velodrome and aquatic centre have to be the most iconic buildings on site for me.

Rapid cycle: building the 2012 Velodrome

-- Link to The Engineer article (http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/analysis/rapid-cycle-building-the-2012-velodrome/1004967.article) --

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/pictures/467x350fitpad%5B226%5D/6/5/2/2030652_TE_Velo1.jpg

Mike Taylor of Hopkins Architects and Andrew Weir of Expedition Engineering explain how collaboration was vital in the design and construction of the Velodrome for the London 2012 Olympics.

How did you come to collaborate on the Velodrome project?

A design competition was held for the Velodrome in 2007 inviting multi-disciplinary teams to put forward their designs, so collaboration between the various disciplines was intrinsic from the very start of the project.

What particular engineering issues does a velodrome pose?

There are a number of issues. The complex geometry and steep gradient of the cycling track makes designing for good spectator sight lines very difficult on the steep banks and curves of the track. Creating the right environmental conditions for cyclists is also important so there is the challenge of balancing the Heating/Thermal Control/Daylighting systems to be sustainable yet also maintain the correct standards for competition. There is the challenge of designing the arena lighting to produce 2000 Lux needed for HD television coverage of the Games events, and creating the right acoustics to generate the best possible atmosphere. The track supporting structure itself also has very tight movement and construction tolerances.

What pre-requisites did the project have (ie, is there a specific size and shape an Olympic track has to be, or is there some leeway? Was the amount of space in the middle specified? How about audience capacity - and if not, how was this determined?)

Olympic Velodrome tracks are of a set length (250m) although the geometry can be varied by the track designer. The audience capacity is influenced by the Olympic requirements on spectator numbers and the 2012 Velodrome is being built with 6,000 permanent seats. There was an early plan for 3,000 of the seats to be temporary and removed after the Games but business modelling showed that a 6,000 seat Velodrome had a strong business case and could easily be reused for future cycling events so the decision was taken for all 6,000 seats to be permanent.

The Velodrome is a unique venue in the Olympic Park in that it replaces an existing sporting facility that used to be on the site – the Eastway cycle circuit. One of the clear pre-requisites of the project was for the original Eastway facilities to be replicated in legacy. So along with the Velodrome itself, after the Games the ODA will also build a one-mile road cycle circuit and 6km of mountain bike trails that loop round the outside of the Velodrome, reinstating the cycling facilities that once occupied the site before the Games.

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/pictures/467x350fitpad%5B226%5D/6/5/1/2030651_TE_Velo2.jpg

How was the sport’s governing body involved in the design?

British Cycling has been involved throughout the duration of the project, in helping select the winning design team, through to helping advise on design and construction issues as the venue took shape to ensure the needs of cyclists will be met by the new facility. Olympic triple gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy was also part of the design jury that picked the winning design team and made a number of key points about the design and layout of the Velodrome facilities which were taken on board as their designs progressed.

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/pictures/467x350fitpad%5B226%5D/6/5/3/2030653_TE_Velo4.jpg

What materials are used in the construction of the velodrome? How was this decided?

In terms of structure, we went for steel to form the upper bowl due to its strength and ease of forming the complex forms resulting in the interaction of the roof, external façade and upper seating tier. The lower floors, columns and foundations are in-situ concrete not only for their architectural merits but also they add mass which helps resist the overturning forces generated by the roof cables.

Given the tight programme, it was also of benefit to keep the first part in in-situ concrete and the remainder in steel, which has a longer lead-in period.

For ease of erection, structural and cost efficiency a cable net was used to support the roof which is formed from timber cassettes. Above that is approximately 300mm of glass fibre insulation from recycled glass and a mill finish standing seam aluminium roof.

What’s the most notable feature that grew out of engineering/architecture collaboration?

Our concept was for the venue was to evoke the geometry of the cycling track in the form of the building, which after much refinement resulted in the double-curved roof form (nicknamed the Pringle). We also wanted to match the efficiency of a bicycle in the design and construction, albeit at a completely different scale.

Like bike design we put great emphasis on reducing the weight and therefore the amount of materials used. In the case of construction, the weight savings don’t increase speed but do reduce its carbon footprint.

This is a clear collaboration between the architectural concept and the engineering solution of using a lightweight cable-net roof structure to form the distinct shape.

Only through the whole design team working in tandem was such an integrated design possible. The benefits of this approach are the leanness of the design: the efficient and appropriate use of the materials, a geometry that leaves no wasted spaces and the multi-functionality of elements.

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/pictures/467x350fitpad%5B226%5D/6/4/8/2030648_TE_Velo5.jpg

In terms of the sport, is the idea to build the fastest track ever? Or are there different priorities?

Track cycling has different disciplines with sprint events and longer endurance events. Having the fastest possible track for sprint cyclists is important but has to be balanced against the needs of the endurance cyclists.

What factors come together to make a track fast?

The track geometry has to be right, with steep banks that sprint cyclists can use to build up speed as they enter the flat straights. This has to be balanced by the needs of the endurance event cyclists though who require slightly gentler angles on the banks of the track. The temperature and environmental conditions at track level are also essential, with a higher temperature helping rarefy the air allowing cyclists to pass through the air quicker. Crowd atmosphere is also important and the Velodrome is being built to have seating all the way round the track to create a continuous wall of noise.

Were cyclists actively involved in the design? If so, how?

As outlined above, Sir Chris Hoy was also part of the design jury that picked the winning design team and made a number of key points about the design and layout of the Velodrome facilities which the winning design team subsequently took on board as their designs progressed.

This included the importance of having seating all the way round the Velodrome track -many Velodromes do not have continuous seating all the way round the track, meaning that cyclists have the crowd behind them on the straights but hit silence when it comes to the bends which can be off-putting to cyclists.

It is also important to have key facilities within the Velodrome, such as changing rooms and toilets, close to the track and infield to minimisedisruption to cyclists and their pre-race preparations. With the track itself, the temperature is key with just a few degrees making the difference in creating record breaking conditions. Getting the track at the right temperature and maintaining it throughout events is essential. All of these points were taken on board and incorporated as the Velodrome designs moved forward.

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/pictures/467x350fitpad%5B226%5D/6/5/0/2030650_TE_Velo6.jpg

How did the roof design evolve?

We originally anticipated that a cable net roof would be the most efficient but not until the Main Contractor ISG was on board could this be proved on a programme and cost basis. During design development we looked at all the options from steel sections to glulam to composite solutions. We had always aspired to use wooden panels to form the roof but the actual cassette design was the subject of much research and development.

Was any new technology developed for the velodrome? If so, where and under what circumstances could this be applied again?

It is one of the first times such a large cable-net roof structure has been used in the UK. Cable-net roof structures are commonly-used in Europe but not in the UK. It’s not so much constructing the cable net, it’s more the provision of large quantities of insulation (hence a need for rigid panels to support it) and topping it with the Aluminium that is the step forward, The technology from our side was the extremely in-depth analysis of the movements of the roof. The movements of the cable net require a sophisticated jointing system between the panels to ensure the integrity of the waterproofing layer.

What features are built into the velodrome to allow it to be used by paralympic athletes?

Ensuring accessibility to the Velodrome presented key design challenges. Most other indoor cycle tracks only offer limited accessibility because lifts can’t be built in the track centre as they block the internal views across the track. Disabled viewing areas are also difficult because seating areas have to be very steep to achieve reasonable sight lines since the track itself is so steeply banked.

The 2012 Velodrome design overcomes this by adding two ramps beneath the track area that access the infield, allowing accessible routes into the track areas. The 6,000 seats are also split above and below a fully accessible public concourse that runs around the perimeter of the trackside seating, allowing wheelchair access to the best viewing points.

How will the venue change after the Games, ie is there a ‘legacy configuration’?

The Velodrome itself stays largely the same, with all 6,000 seats remaining and only a few temporary fixtures and fittings removed. The BMX circuit is tweaked so that the levels and jumps are more manageable for riders of all abilities. After the Games, there is also then the installation of a 1 mile road-cycle circuit and 6km of mountain bike trails which will loop around the outside of the Velodrome. Together, the various cycling facilities will form a legacy VeloPark.

How much did the velodrome cost? Were there budget overruns? If so, at what stage were they encountered?

The budget for the entire VeloPark (both the Velodrome and the BMX circuit, plus the legacy cycle facilities) is £100m.

This is my favourite facility of the olympics. Looks mean

Everything looks perfect, no problems what so ever.

I know this one is of a lower spec but here is the other Velodrome being built in the UK

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt145/best_bud/DSC02198.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt145/best_bud/DSC02194.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt145/best_bud/DSC02197.jpg

Which has got me to thinking with the one in Manc, London and then Glasgow almost 90 percent of the UK population will be less than 2 hours away from a velodrome:

http://x7oilw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1psyuy3sJCrqw4eKHUjGlTKUoIBs-tTTbFvkIhll9w8nhWFLXH8bdn9h8kGw7NDpYh1FcFcJ9iqmSMWwXrG5ILZuay8NV1iyX-/UK%20elite%20cycling%20facilities.png?psid=1

There's also an indoor one in Newport, south Wales, built in 2003, and one in Southampton. There's another 10 or so outdoor ones all over the country too:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_velodromes#United_Kingdom

It's a shame more people don't know about them, there's no lack of training venues for cycling in this case, unlike olympic size swimming pools, where there's no excuse.

One in Edinburgh too I think.

One in Edinburgh too I think.

The one in Edinburgh is an outdoor velodrome, antiquated and s eemingly about to be mothballed!

Interesting to hear about the Wales one, but then again when you think that, Scotland, England and Wales compete at the Commonwealths separately then you can understand the location of one in Wales.

The newport Veledrome was park of some crappy TV show where celebrities competed against each other in sporting events.

Newport Velodrome

It's nothing special, but at least it's indoors and has a few seats:
http://www.legsun.co.uk/img/imgviewer/image-f.jpg

http://www.fatnick.com/eurderny2003/EurDerny1%20066.jpg

Whoever owns that pony red bike at the bottom right ain't ganna win shit. Jees some people fall at the first hurdle. Good to see for once the UK has comparitively decent facilities and UK cycling has been having stellar results in consequence. Interesting too that Newport not only can hold international golf, but also cycling. I wonder who is to thank for that?

Well when the Welsh Assembly opened they didn't want to look like everything was in Cardiff, so certain facilities were moved and new ones planned actively away from Cardiff. Not sure though if Cardiff plan their own velodrome in the sports village in the bay.

The Ryder Cup however is all thanks to one man:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-11423297

Whoever owns that pony red bike at the bottom right ain't ganna win shit. Jees some people fall at the first hurdle. Good to see for once the UK has comparitively decent facilities and UK cycling has been having stellar results in consequence. Interesting too that Newport not only can hold international golf, but also cycling. I wonder who is to thank for that?

I think the red bike is for the kierin races. It looks like the motorised pace bike.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keirin

Pictures from http://www.insidelondon2012.blogspot.com (http://www.insidelondon2012.blogspot.com/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5059378935_a732216f44_b.jpg

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OMG WOW

stunning

Loving it, this venue has proved to be the real dark horse of the Olympic Park, i think it'll be as/more popular than Zaha's Aquatic Centre.

OMG WOW

As the first pictured came up that is exactly what I said, and then I saw your post straight after and burst out laughing :lol:

What an absolute stunning design, that cladding is top class. I don't know much about Velodromes or their design but surely this will be one of the best in the world. Everyday now I think about the games :| seems to be so close yet still a long wait, the entire project is coming together tremendously.

Does anyone know who they are using to clad the building, I fancy some of that in my living room!! :-D

As always, great architecture, great design

Even the air vents look stunning. The renders on Hopkins' website...

http://www.hopkins.co.uk/projects/_3,131/

...show that they don't go all the way around the stadium, which I think is a pity aesthetically as the dark band might have looked good joined up around the whole perimeter.

Now these are the pictures I've been waiting for. Gorgeous, just as good as I'd hoped. Thanks to all those involved! :D

Better than I every imagined it would look.

They could have easily done it on the cheap...but this looks top class.

Gorgeous, as everyone has said. But am I alone in thinking that the roof has great potential for being made from solar panelling? It's so gracefully curved and would receive so much sunlight. If you imagined it on the first render, I don't think there much visible difference, and you'd have a zero-carbon building effectively:

http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2008/09/welcome-to-the-velodrome-415x275.jpg

The greenest of all the buildings and my favourite! it is beautiful.

photos by me:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5082965085_e11bd92215_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5082964929_e86fc334c5_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5098556773_9212082278_b.jpg

from anthonyfalla on Flickr. Shard peeking out above the London 2012 velodrome.

London 2012 velodrome nears completion

-- Link to Cycling Weekly article (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/502765/london-2012-velodrome-nears-completion.html) --

The new velodrome for the 2012 London Olympic Games will be the first venue on the Olympic Park to be completed. With the cycle track now laid and work on the finishing touches well under way, the Olympic Delivery Authority is expecting to hand over the facility to the London Organising Committee as soon as January 2011.

Cycling Weekly paid a visit to the velodrome in late September as carpenters worked on smoothing over the surface of the boards and erecting the outer track fencing. Cedar panelling was being applied to the exterior of the building to give a classy dark wood finish. With its 'Pringle' roof, smooth curves, vast interior and plentiful use of glass, it's shaping up to be one of the most impressive velodromes in the world.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/l/London_Olympic_velodrCAF17.jpg

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/l/London_Olympic_velodrCAF14.jpg

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/l/London_Olympic_velodrCAF13.jpg

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/l/London_Olympic_velodrCAF11.jpg

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/l/London_Olympic_velodrCAF19.jpg

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/l/London_Olympic_velodrCAF10.jpg

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/l/London_Olympic_velodrCAF12.jpg

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/l/London_Olympic_velodrCAF16.jpg

From the webcam, it seems like a blue colour scheme inside the velodrome (incl. the seating color and the side of the track).

Interesting how all venues have unexpected colour scheme:

Black and white for main stadium
Yellow for aquatics
Blue for velodrome

Find it strange that velodrome has 6000 capacity while beach volleyball venue has 15,000.

I would imagine cycling event will attract more spectators for sure...

One word : bikini

One word : bikini

They just need to put Chris Hoy in a bikini and pursuit viewing figures would rocket!

Going for Green - Velodrome in the Olympic Park

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thanks woodgnome, these videos you are posting are great :)

My pleasure. I've taken a shot at correcting the aspect ratio. It's a bit rough but at least things are more-or-less the right shape now. :)

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They just need to put Chris Hoy in a bikini and pursuit viewing figures would rocket!

The lycra does not leave a lot to the imagination.

For and interactive interior view look at

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/interactive/2010/nov/13/london-2012-olympic-stadium-velodrome

Was browsing the webcams, and the winter light really shows off the velodrome beautifully.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1397/velon.jpg

10 November from london2012.com

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5183737729_b569292d16_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5183737631_594818fed7_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1040/5183737449_ee4892f2b4_b.jpg

I was just looking at the photos on london2012.com and was disappointed to see that they are ruining the Velodrome with the same, stupid "dynamic" random cladding patterns that they are using on the handball arena. Another view:

http://www.london2012.com/photos/2010/11/aerial-view-of-the-velodrome-71108.php

It would have looked much, much better had they just gone for a consistent cladding finish on both buildings, IMO. This "graphic equaliser" look does nothing for me.

I was just looking at the photos on london2012.com and was disappointed to see that they are ruining the Velodrome with the same, stupid "dynamic" random cladding patterns that they are using on the handball arena. Another view:

http://www.london2012.com/photos/2010/11/aerial-view-of-the-velodrome-71108.php

It would have looked much, much better had they just gone for a consistent cladding finish on both buildings, IMO. This "graphic equaliser" look does nothing for me.

I was thinking could they be staining the wood individually? so maybe the lighter planks are just not stained yet

I was thinking could they be staining the wood individually? so maybe the lighter planks are just not stained yet

I would think any cladding would be treated before being affixed rather than in situe. Plus, the pattern looks quite deliberately random.

I disagree the wood will probably will be given a final treatment after it's installed.

"Dark cedar paneling is being used to give it a classy finished look"

So the random panels are A) not finished or B) an undercladding perhaps?

I would think any cladding would be treated before being affixed rather than in situe. Plus, the pattern looks quite deliberately random.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00gF6svcol3fa/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0fy7cT86nUfiE/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00mD2Oo01Xgyv/900x.jpg

There you go then, another forumers moaning fit bites the dust.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00mD2Oo01Xgyv/900x.jpg

Looks very japanese to me, the shape reminds of the roof of the torii at the Itsukushima Shrine:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Miyajima_Alex.jpg

or the 'flicks' you get at the edges of roofs on temples and pagodas:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Kozanji_Temple_%28Shimonoseki%29.JPG

Maybe it's just me.

There you go then, another forumers moaning fit bites the dust.

Huh?

Fascinating seeing all the mobile cranes working on the cladding.

http://www.london2012.com/webcams/velodrome.php

London 2012 velodrome timelapse (with a gorgeous aerial shot at the end)

Oa1z2P1ckgA

Did anyone else notice through the time lapse that the digger in the middle just sat there the entire time, lol

Did anyone else notice through the time lapse that the digger in the middle just sat there the entire time, lol

Haha, if i was the client I would definately think about charging them for the wasted rent out on that!

The velo park is looking very nice,

Its, its finished, the first venue is complete! Its the best venue on the park and the one where the most medals will be one by team GB.

Well done to the building contractor - your the best.
The other venues are nor far behind and all represent the great of UK Construction :)