Hosting 28 events
6,000 seat venue
100% naturally ventilated
10 miles of steel cable used
In the poll run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as part of the Stirling Prize, the Velodrome won 62.9% of the public vote.
“Bound by the shared goal of the Olympics”
This week the first Olympic venue to be completed opens its doors to professional athletes as part of the London Prepares series.
Completed in February 2011, the Velodrome is the most sustainable venue in the Olympic Park in terms of design and construction.
The design team responsible for the project included two graduates of the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, where programmes include a focus on environmental engineering.
Sustainable design features
The design of the venue makes optimal use of natural light, reducing the need for electric lighting and cutting energy consumption. The low roof also reduces the amount of heating needed, whilst creating a great atmosphere for spectators.
Wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council has been used to create the cycling track, and the 100% naturally ventilated air system eliminates the need for air conditioning.
Principle architect Jonathan Watts, who works for Hopkins Architects, graduated with BSc General Architectural Studies in 2004 before completing the MArch programme in 2007. Jonathan worked on the upper bowl and roof of the arena, in collaboration with principle engineer George Oates.
He said “George and I had an excellent working relationship designing the roof, which really allow us to be more efficient and innovative. I think we both felt this was something which had been engendered at Bath and really benefited the project.”
George Oates graduated in 2003 with a first class honours MEng in Civil and Architectural Engineering and now works for Expedition as the principle structural engineer.
Award-winning project
The Velodrome has been awarded a number of prizes for its design and construction:
- British Construction Industry Awards, The Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award winner 2011
- AJ100 Building of the Year Award 2011
- RIBA Stirling Prize 2011, people's poll winner
Find out more about the Architecture and Civil Engineering programmes we offer.
All images courtesy of London 2012.
