Olympic Park Legacy Company has announced the winners of two competitions that will transform the north park and south plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. New York-based James Corner Field Operations’ proposal for a 50 acre urban landscape consisting of a tree-lined promenade connecting flexible event and cultural spaces was selected as the winning entry for the south plaza.
The north park winning proposal by London-based firm erect architecture consists of an imaginative community hub building that is integrated within the parkland and river valley. Along with community hub, the design proposes an interactive playground that inspires children to “climb trees, build dens and have everyday adventures in nature.”
Continue reading for the complete team list and their design proposal boards.
South Park Design Team:
Landscape Architects: James Corner Field Operations Engineers: ARUP (London) Architects: Make Architects (London) Identity and Graphics: tomato (London) Planting and Horticulture: Piet Oudolf (Netherlands) Lighting Designers and Consultants: L’Observatoire International (New York) Events and Live Activity Planning: Groundbreaking Play Consultants: Playlink (London) Quantity Surveyors: Deloitte (London)
Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, Andrew Altman, state, “We were impressed by the creativity of all the design concepts but James Corner Field Operations and erect architecture really captured the character of the Park as a compelling destination.”
Jury Members
- Vicky Richardson (Director of Architecture, Design, Fashion, British Council) (Chair)
- Paul Brickell (Executive Director of Regeneration and Community Partnerships, Olympic Park Legacy Company)
- Eleanor Fawcett (Head of Design, Olympic Park Legacy Company)
- Colin Naish (Executive Director of Infrastructure, Olympic Park Legacy Company)
- Tim Gill (Writer, Researcher and Consultant)
- Christopher Nash (Partner, Grimshaw)
- Mark Brearley (Head of Design, Design for London)
- Geraldine Blake (Chief Executive, Community Links)
North Park Design Team: Architect: erect architecture Structural Engineers: Tall engineers (London) Service Engineers: Max Fordham (London) Landscape Consultants: Land Use Consultants (London) Artist and Enabler: Ashley McMormick (London) Quantity Surveyor: Huntley Cartwright (Surrey) Play Safety Experts: Children’s Play Advisory Service (Coventry)
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, stated, “The fantastic legacy we are building at the Olympic Park is already taking shape. These inspiring public spaces will be at the centre of the new communities that are rising in this brand new quarter of the capital. I congratulate these two winners, who now have the chance to put their stamp very firmly on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for generations to come.”
Jury Members
- Andrew Altman (Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company) (Chair)
- Kathryn Firth (Chief of Design, Olympic Park Legacy Company)
- Colin Naish (Executive Director of Infrastructure, Olympic Park Legacy Company)
- Malcolm Ross (Executive Director of Park Operations and Venues, Olympic Park Legacy Company)
- Paul Brickell (Executive Director of Regeneration and Community Partnerships, Olympic Park Legacy Company)
- Catherine Mallyon (Deputy Chief Executive, Southbank Centre)
- Sarah Gaventa (Public Space, Urban Design and Cultural Regeneration Consultant)
- Lindsey Whitelaw (Landscape Architect and Public Realm Consultant)
The winners were chosen from over 100 entries from across Europe, Asia and North America. Both teams will now work with the Legacy Company to develop more detailed plans for each area.
Reference: Olympic Park Legacy Company
