333 replies to this topic

[oakydoky]

Rob, on Jul 20 2009, 03:55 AM, said:

It might have that effect, or it might just look unfinished. I think the sheer size of this thing will wow the world anyway.

Even with the wings the way they are, London's aquatic venue will be magnificent. To my eyes it's one of the best swimming venues I've ever seen. However, I just feel that the part which slightly affects the look of the venue or at least could be improved is the wings and their covering. With just open wings jutting out the sides of the Zaha Hadid sculptural roof, it would acknowledge the temporary nature of the venue as opposed to hiding it. CABE for example gave that critique to the main Olympic stadium and the wrap covering it - hence it got changed to triangular shapes to expose the temporary stadium.

[Rafa]

One of my many aquatic centre designs.



See more here and here

[RobH]

I can see what you're getting at and you might well be right. It's hard to picture, that's the problem.

And I agreed with CABE about the stadium. Allowing the stadium to be see through with the temporary elements showing is a much better idea than the original. I just wonder whether your idea for the aquatics centre would look too...erm, naked.

Edited by Rob, 20 July 2009 - 12:17 PM.

[baron-pierreIV]

Rob, on Jul 20 2009, 05:16 PM, said:

I can see what you're getting at and you might well be right. It's hard to picture, that's the problem.

And I agreed with CABE about the stadium. Allowing the stadium to be see through with the temporary elements showing is a much better idea than the original. I just wonder whether your idea for the aquatics centre would look too...erm, naked.

I guess people will get used to it. Of course the temporary shell will also hide all the scaffolding -- and give relief to spectators not just from the rain but from the sun as well. And of course, the exposed elements would impact the competition events inside.

[Rafa]

Some of the pics posted by Darren a while back:

[The Tower Bridge Fox]

oakydoky, on Jul 19 2009, 11:09 PM, said:

Why do the temporary 'wings' have to be covered? Why not celebrate the temporary appearance of the 'wings' as covering them, in my opinion, makes the venues look awkward and 'heavy'. The water polo venue will be uncovered. I think this solution would also allow audiences to appreciate the sculptural quality of Zaha Hadid's roof.

Heres a few examples from Foreign office architects for an idea of what I'm getting at:

I think this lower image shows the lighter temporary seating,
Its definitely less awkward looking.
But we have to be careful not to make things look to temporary

ie might collapse during the games.

[kevzz]

If you think rationally, the wrap plays a very functional role of the temp stand.

Apart from protecting the spectators from the unpredictable British summer, the internal volume needs to be covered for HDTV broadcast. The mesh also as mentioned disguise the massive scaffolding structure. With a roof over the seating, it will also provide support structure for lighting and speakers etc.

If its just the temp seating exposed like that, it will be so hideous and looks half-baked with a naked Legacy roof standing with two massive stand at the side. Not to mention all the messy scaffolding being exposed, extra tall light towers to illuminate the temp seating at night and moaning spectators should it rain all the time.

Think about it.

[RobH]

Mo Rush, on Jul 20 2009, 06:14 PM, said:

One of my many aquatic centre designs.



See more here and here

It looks like Calatrava has stolen Hadid's 2012 blueprints and imposed his skeletal style upon them

I think that's a good thing Mo, before you ask...

[baron-pierreIV]

Mo Rush, on Jul 20 2009, 06:14 PM, said:

One of my many aquatic centre designs.



See more here and here

Actually, this reminds me of those sunshades for your car...the flexible ones.

[The Tower Bridge Fox]

kevzz, on Jul 20 2009, 07:06 PM, said:

If you think rationally, the wrap plays a very functional role of the temp stand.

Apart from protecting the spectators from the unpredictable British summer, the internal volume needs to be covered for HDTV broadcast. The mesh also as mentioned disguise the massive scaffolding structure. With a roof over the seating, it will also provide support structure for lighting and speakers etc.

If its just the temp seating exposed like that, it will be so hideous and looks half-baked with a naked Legacy roof standing with two massive stand at the side. Not to mention all the messy scaffolding being exposed, extra tall light towers to illuminate the temp seating at night and moaning spectators should it rain all the time.

Think about it.

I agree, I don’t think leaving it exposed is a viable option.